Following a ferocious set at the Birdcage Theatre in San Bernardino, CA on January 3rd, 2025, We caught up with Gabe Ochoa. He is not only the lead singer of Darasuum, one of the longest active tenured IEHC bands, he is also a hardcore lifer. He has been to shows at the UCR Barn, attended and played Showcase in Corona and toured the world. Please enjoy this interview and get to know Gabe and learn about his band and his life.
ECZ: I’m here with Gabe Ochoa lead singer of Darasuum, first things first we have to break the ice…How do you pronounce your band’s name for everyone out there?
GABE: Uh it’s Darasuum, so like D-A-R-UH-SOOM
ECZ: Cool thank you! You guys just performed an awesome set here at Bird Cage in San Bernardino. I know you’ve been in the scene for quite a while now, what inspired you and introduced you to this scene?
GABE: I just kind of fell into it. From going to punk and ska shows and then it took this band Shutdown for me to kind of go “Holy shit this is cool!” Then I saw Ten Yard Fight in 98′ he stepped on my hands and I said “I can’t believe this dude’s touching me and he’s right here in front of me, I want to be a part of it!”
ECZ: That’s so dope! All it takes is that one eye opening experience that gets you hooked. What has been your favorite venue(s) to play at or watch shows at in the IE?
GABE: I would say Showcase Theater hands down is and was the best venue around. The Haven is pretty sick, and The Void are my favorite spots.
ECZ: Showcase was such a great venue! That brings back such good memories. Aside from cool venues, let’s get a little personal-I know you’re a family man. How do you balance family life, work life, and show life?
GABE: I mean, I have a supportive wife that lets me do this. She just accepts that this is something that I’ve done. I’ve been going to shows since I was nine years old and playing in bands since I was 16 years old. She understands and just gets it. Accepts that this is what I do, it’s what I enjoy doing, is my outlet, and what truly makes me happy in life. She just lets me continue to do it. She carries the rest of that weight when I’m not around. It’s always great to have a good supportive partner because I feel like that’s what you need to have, balance and support. Especially with your band too.
ECZ: I agree 100%. You need to have a huge support system from everyone whether it’s your partner or bandmates. There needs to be understanding and balance between life in and outside the band as well.
GABE: Exactly, everyone has their own life so you got to kind of keep it all balanced and be supportive.
ECZ: Ok moving on to something fun, If you were going on a solo trip and you had to take three albums with you that you can listen to on repeat what would they be?
GABE: Probably the white album from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin IV, and then (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? Oasis.
ECZ: Those are all great picks! Mine would be Terror One With The Underdogs, Comeback Kid Wake The Dead, and I have to go with Avenged Sevenfold Waking The Fallen.
ECZ: Keeping on track, what bands from the IE are you currently listening to? Any bands that you want to put on the radar for our readers?
GABE: I would say Smoked909 are my favorite. I just love those dudes. I love them musically. Killfloor, even though they’re from Coachella Valley, and Life Turned Cold. I love that EP that they just released in November I believe.
ECZ: Smoked909 was so good at the VFW show in Novemeber. These are all good picks. What would be your advice to a newcomer in our scene? The scene is booming especially after the pandemic and platforms like social media that allow viewers to get a small glimpse in this world.
GABE: Just dive in. Don’t be an asshole. Start a band. Don’t become an asshole, and just support your community. Support these bands and support local hardcore. There’s more to the small underground scene then what you see and what you would get a Knocked Loose or Turnstile show. There’s a real community in this scene and a way better experience at DIY/smaller venues versus a House of Blues or a Palladium setting. Start there.
Thank you Gabe for taking the time to chat and catch up!
Make sure you catch Darasuum on their upcoming run that starts this week with Bounty Hunter, Sea of Sorrow from April 11-13. Then with Shutdown and TimexHeist and Start Today from April 16-19.
Support Darasuum on:
IG: http://instagram.com/darasuumhc
X: http://x.com/darasuumhc
* Disclaimer: All text copyright El Corazón Zine 2025. Do not duplicate without expressed permission and fair use *