‘You Have to be Willing to Live Like a Pauper if You’re Gonna be in Metal’ – Tommy Victor Takes the Oath [AUDIO]

Industrial metal pioneers Prong recently released the new disc, Ruining Lives, and main man Tommy Victor took time out of his schedule to talk to me about the album and more.

Ruining Lives is the fastest written and recorded Prong record, a result of pressure from the record label and management.

"Yeah, that was put on by the label and management," he said. "And you know, I went with that. I felt like I had a job to do and it disciplined me."

As a result of the added pressure, Prong fans won't have to wait long for new music from the band.

"I want to continue doing that so people can depend on a new Prong record every year and a half, two years," Victor added. "Maybe EP's now and you just keep moving ahead, I think that's the way to do it these days."

The record industry has changed dramatically since the early days of Prong and a lot of metal musicians are struggling to make ends meet. I asked Victor if it's hard to keep a positive attitude playing metal these days.

"Yeah, it's always a struggle," he said. "I fell into that rut many times."

As a fan, one of the benefits of it being tough making a living making music is that bands are touring more than ever before because that's the best way to make money. Prong will soon be heading out in support of Ruining Lives. Catch 'em when the play Trees in Dallas, Thursday, September 18. Get your tickets to the show here.