Shoes, then socks, then boxers

Kiley Hendricks and Shane Bunting have been called “two of the most innovative people in hip-hop.”

Better known by their stage names Prevail and Mad Child, the duo have found platinum-selling success together as Swollen Members.

On April 10, they're rolling through Sudbury to play the Towne House. Tickets can be picked up from the Towne House in advance for $25. A limited number of $50 VIP tickets will also be available.

Their last album, Beautiful Death Machine, has been out for less than a month. Prevail said the album gave them the chance to “really get back to our roots.”
“We really wanted to get back to the days of Balance and Bad Dreams ... able to give that grit, that cryptic lyricism,” Prevail said.

Rob The Viking provides a dark backdrop of sick macabre beats on the album, setting the stage for Prevail and Mad Child to do what they do best.

“It forced (us) to step up lyrically and really push what was going on innately inside of the group — let's get back to what we do best,” Prevail said. “Gotta keep the work ethic — gotta keep it high.”

So far, it has proven to be successful.

“I'm stoked to say this — we're actually having a blast on stage,” Prevail said. Not only are they hitting the stage with Beautiful Death Machine, Swollen is also pulling from the archives, “revisiting” classics audiences likely haven't heard in years.

“It's a reinvigorated new set,” he said.

Before their Sudbury show, Prevail took a few minutes to give fans an inside look at the person behind the performer.

JJ: What quality do you appreciate most in another being?
P: Honesty, creativity and loyalty.

JJ: What's the first thing you did this morning?
P: Went to the hotel and brushed my teeth.

JJ: Last song you listened to?
P: Lodi by Creedence Clearwater Revival

JJ: Who is your real-life hero?
P: Richard Branson. Innovative, creative and philosophic.

JJ: Most proud accomplishment?
P: I just did some charity work. That's something I'm really proud of actually. (It's called) Chelsey's Time's Foundation. I teamed up with a local beer company in Vancouver called Red Truck and we made a beer called Prevail.

JJ: First three things you pack when loading a suit case or duffel bag?
P: I can tell you in this order because I packed a lot. Shoes always go first, stuffed with socks and boxers. Then pants on top of that.

JJ: When is it OK to get a tattoo?
P: I think after you've graduated, you're pretty much able to do whatever you want with your life.

JJ: Favourite concert you've ever been to, and why?
P: Wow. I saw Neil Young in Denmark at a huge festival with about 15,000 people outdoors. Every country has their own flag, so you would stand with your flag from your country and go party with (other Canadians). It was awesome.

JJ: What superhero would you be?
P: No question. Spiderman. I've always been a fan of Spiderman. I appreciate the nerdy tactile, technical side of his character. I've always loved his superpowers.

JJ: Greatest weakness?
P: Maybe I should be a little more lax sometimes in my stringency as far as paying a little too much attention. Sometimes it's nice to be able to go with the flow. I tend to get caught up sometimes in making sure everything is exactly 100 per cent, which can be good and bad at the same time.

JJ: One lesson you wish you hadn't learned the hard way?
P: I don't know — that's a good one. Climbing scaffolding? And subsequently falling off.

JJ: Coffee, tea or Red Bull?
P: Oh, tea, no question.

JJ: Best compliment you ever received?
P: I had a really traumatic day at school one day, like I'm sure most teenagers do, when I was in junior high. I was unlocking my bike from the bike rack, in the worst state of affairs I could remember in my upbringing. This girl just came up to me and said “Don't worry. One day you're going to be beautiful.”

JJ: If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be?
P: Queen Elizabeth.

JJ: Guilty pleasure?
P: Closing my eyes at the symphony.

For more information, check out swollenmembers.com. Prevail's blog is online too at prevailprevail.com.