F  L  A  U  N  T

It is the era of the creative, of the free thinker, of the artist. With things in music and entertainment, trends in media dominate the sphere of influence to the point of rehashed sequences and storylines. Avant-garde since it’s inception, and with no intent to conform to the nature of broadcasting, Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim brand has pushed the envelope of creative cohabitation as the network delved headlong into the worlds of comedy, music, and animation, introducing millions to the concepts of off the wall entertainment, combined with an ever-blatant vibe of rebellion.   “I think the thing Adult Swim lets us do and has always let me do, is it gives space do stuff that doesn’t have an immediate benefit. Long term, you end growing something that could turn into a thing that benefits everybody,” said Jason DeMarco, Creative Director and VP of Adult Swim. “Even at this stage, it is truly experimental. The only way to make an impact in a media landscape this crowded is to do a thing nobody else does, as well as we can do it.” Now, the same team that is responsible for the formation of a new landscape in television has brought their brand to the live stage for the second year, and we were all in for the experience. This is Adult Swim Festival.  Nothing was usual about this event, because it is where the television steps through the screen, into the real world, and where thousands of fans come to crown the event. All while laughing, dancing, or moshing their ass off, depending on who performs. From the Rick And Morty season debut and virtual reality games, comedians, and the insane live performances, Adult Swim Fest is truly a sampler platter of extraordinary tastes. Although fans were treated to musical acts such as Iron Reagan, Health, Jamie XX, Vince Staples, Leikeli47, and Tim Hecker and the Konoyo Ensemble, to comedians such as The Eric Andre Show, Joe Pera, and Three Busy Debras, one name stood head and shoulders above all else: Dethklok.  The renowned metal act, known for the cartoon-personas as portrayed in the Adult Swim series _Metalocalypse_, is fronted by non-other than the multi-faceted, multi-talented, Brendan Small. Not only the lead guitarist of Dethklok, but Small’s talents also extend to the animation field where he is noted for creating such works as the cult classic _Home Movies_, and the hit series _Metalocalypse_. The epitome of what Adult Swim represents, Small’s 20 year partnership with the network has brought a new level of entertainment where nothing of the sort has ever existed, with the music of Dethklok evolving from the cartoon, into a touring, internationally recognized act, sharing the stage with some of rock and metal’s biggest names. Playing their first show in 6 years, we were lucky enough to catch up with Brandan and the band as they prepped before the show.  **What blew your mind as an inspiration early on?** Small: “Flash Gordon was a big deal as a movie and as music. That was an important thing that I think I’ m trying to rip off every single day, and you’ll see a lot over this concert too.” **Where were the first crossroads of music and film for you?** Brendan: “The first one was _American Pop_ which was a Ralph Bakshi movie that was a full-length feature in the late 70s or early 80s, that plus the movie _Heavy Metal_, that soundtrack plus comedy, folks like John Candy and Eugene Levy, that was all music, comedy, and animation wrapped up in one.” **What's next on the horizon?** Small: “That's a good question, we’re gonna do this next show, and beyond that, you’re asking the same question everyone is asking, and there’s no good answer right now. But look, we’re happy to be doing this, and this is a really great band. We have some new people and fun surprises onstage, we have Nili Brosh (guitar) who has not played with us before, we’ve got Pete Griffin (bass), who subbed out for one tour, but it’s been me and Gene Hoglan (drums) since the very beginning. Any time I get to play with this band it’s a real pleasure because they really just give a shit about what they’re doing.” **The most interesting tour story?** Small: “I have to say, in the years we have done Dethklok, we have been pretty spoiled to have good instances on tour. Gene (Hoglan), you got any good stories?” Hoglan: “I would say the worst, or most interesting was when we had to cancel the tour because of Randy Blythe’s arrest.” Small: “That's right! We were supposed to go on this fucking awesome tour with Gojira, Lamb Of God, and Dethklok. And that was the one disaster that was completely out of our control. Randy Blythe had gotten himself in jail for reasons he didn’t mean to in Prague, Czech Republic. Initially, we were so excited being on that bill, particularly with Gojira too, so that sucked, but we managed to pull another tour together, although it would be cool to have a do-over with that tour.” **Any advice for a musician looking to get into another creative art?** Small: “If you’re starting with an instrument and want to transition into tv or movies or acting, my advice is it's all the same goddamn thing. A guitar is the same as an edit bay, a guitar is the same as a typewriter, a guitar is the same as everything. Everything is a guitar as far as I’m concerned. Its all means to tell a story. Through comedy, through the guitar, it is all linear narrative. Learn enough about one thing to use your skillset for another.” Thank you, Adult Swim, not just for this year’s festival, but for nearly two decades of entertainment. See you next year, and please, stay as weird as ever.