Interview | Torena

featuring David Stalsworth

How long have you guys been playing together with one another / how did you meet?

Everyone in the band has been playing music together for 5-6 years. We all met going to local punk/hardcore shows.

What should someone expect when they come to a Nardcore show? 

Oxnard Hardcore shows are full of younger people stoked on hardcore music. Doesn’t matter the day of the week there’ll always be plenty of people coming out.

What makes Oxnard different from other scenes out there?

I think Oxnard has something very special right now but other scenes are thriving in very similar ways. 

Who is the most influential band to come out of the 805 in your opinion?

Personally, the most inspirational 805 bands would be Nails, In Control, Retaliate, and Downpresser.

Who designed the crazy battlefield scene on the Evil Eyes cover? What was the inspiration there?

Isaiah from Twist Of Cain designed the EP art. The initial idea was to have eyes looking over a chaotic scene. What it evolved into is much cooler.

Top 5 albums from the Daze catalog?

Pain of Truth - Not Through Blood 

Simulakra - The Infection Spreads 

View From The Soyuz - Immaculate

Witness Chamber - True Delusion

Big Boy - Spring Promo

Aside from playing in Torena, what is the rest of your life like?

Besides Torena recording/playing shows, I tour for a living. My life is constantly surrounded by music and playing shows. 

Personally I’m a toppers fan, but what’s the best spot to get food in Oxnard?

Toppers is a great pick, but I always recommend Taco De Mexico and A burger. Both Oxnard staples.

Photos: Zoe Parra

Originally published in Issue 3 - May 2024