1.For those that never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Caged Bastard is a project that reflects the artistry within the main songwriter “Muhammad Oun” also known as “Shargoroth” where he experiences multiple genres of extreme music.
2.So far you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?
Mostly experimenting with different styles of extreme music, but then there’s the usual grindcore/ death metal main influence.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Sexism and double standards within music scenes. The bar is set so low for men, if they’re not a sexual abuser people consider them a good guy which is complete bullshit. Men still use subtle forms of emotional and mental manipulation to keep you in your place, then they trick you into comforting and supporting them when really it’s not your responsibility to educate these people. There is an unspoken boys will be boys mentality within the music scene, and it’s in place because people don’t want to admit things they or their friends have done in the past have hurt or manipulated non-men, and they are still suffering from their actions.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Caged Bastard'?
Society has a big influence on the name. The way they look at different people (like metalheads for example) that makes the individuals feel disengaged so therefore caged.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?
It should have been a picture of a dying tree. Instead I went the beautiful tree which is like a contradiction of the living which could be beautiful on the outside but terrifying and horrible on the inside.
6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
There is just one member on the band and that’s Muhammad. Lee and Mariam just collaborated on the EP
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Since I’ve only played shows in Tunisia there hasn’t been a good one so far because of the misunderstood metal community in the country. As far as stage performance, it’s just me “Muhammad” with a guitar, a laptop and a midi controller to generate noise and most of the time I just do it for me and hopefully the crowd responds positively.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
There is. It will take time to manage that.
9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Sure, I’m looking for a label that is interested in my musical style
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of experimental, sludge and grindcore?
It wasn’t really spread because of the lack of promotion of the material, but the reaction so far has been positive.
11.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
(Mariam Benjemaa) I play guitar, noise and do vocals for Diploid (Australia). Currently working on a new album to be released in 2019
(Lee Fisher) i'm involved full time in 3 studio projects. Fawn Limbs, Alphanumeric, and Infinite Nomad.
12.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
The full length hopefully we’ll be out late next year. Right now I’m just sticking to the stuff that I’m doing for next EP.
13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Girndcore/sludge/noise/powerviolence/ black and death metal. Nowadays I’m listening “Mustafa ozkent” and “khan tengri”. There are plenty of bands that influence me it will take a will to name them all.
14.What are some of your non musical interests?
Collecting vintage stuff like Hi-fi, and video editing.
15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
A pleasure doing this interview and stay tuned for the next projects from Caged Bastard.