XCOMM are already being touted as the next big thing, but 19-year-old frontman Michael Gatto is in no danger of turning into a diva. As long as they get socks in that rider…
There are two things that immediately jump out at you when you listen to Venice band XCOMM’s debut album Time To Burn – firstly, they’ve done their homework, cherry-picking from a range of punk/hardcore bands that deserve study, and secondly, they’re having fun. Despite wearing their influences on their sleeves, there’s a real energy of experimentation and collective spontaneity that only comes from hours of time spent in a garage or rehearsal space, which is only ever achievable if you truly are loving what you’re doing.
The band are racking up milestones at a rate that’s faster than the drums on their track ‘Pirates’ (that’s pretty fast). With some huge supports including Foo Fighters, a spot on the Warped Tour, over 100K followers on IG and over 80K monthly Spotify listeners, it’s clear that they’re having a huge moment. Their live shows feel unpredictable but also unwavering – the kind of seasoned performance you’d never expect from a band who’re so young they can’t (legally) step foot in a US bar.
Possibly the most refreshing thing about this band is that despite being Gen Z, they haven’t exploded by going viral on socials or all the other bullshit that is seemingly required of a young artist today. The music does the talking (or screaming) and that’s it.
Speaking of talking, we spoke with frontman/guitarist Michael Gatto just the other day. Here’s what he had to say about their rise, having a laugh, and more…
You’re currently doing the Warped Tour. What’s it like playing the festival that so many bands dream of performing at?
Yesterday, I got to do Whispers and Pain of Truth, Slay Squad, and Under Oath. It was amazing. And to talk with some of my favourite singers and guitar players has been a dream come true.
How did you all come together in Venice Beach? What’s the hardcore punk scene like there?
Almost non-existent, but through lots of good apples, it’s definitely still been able to prosper. We’ve been able to continue pushing shows since COVID. And us meeting up on the west side, that’s where we were based out of. So it all just made sense.
What do you miss about home when you’re on the road?
Oh, man. The food. My local spots, can’t be away for too long. Can’t be away for too long.
You’ve performed along some big artists and landed in some cool headline spots. What’s been that headlight over the last couple of years?
Thinking back on it, I was really, really stoked for our record release show for Time to Burn to be at the Palladium opening up for Death Clock. I love Metalocalypse and I though that was an amazing show. And it was our record release at the Palladium.
What are the essentials on the XCOMM Rider?
Lots of water, lots of fruit. Outside of that, we just want to come and see some music. Shoes. No socks. Socks. After the show, no stinky feet.
‘Barn Happiness’ was featured on ‘Jackass’. Did you guys go to the premiere? What was it like making that connection?
I went to the premiere and it was out of this world. I was pulling out my hair, watching everything go down, and it was amazing. I’m just so stoked on everything. I love Jackass.
You’re being labelled as the future of punk, but what from the past has been a big influence for you? How do you think punk and hardcore is different now compared to the good old days?
I feel like it’s definitely taken a positive step forward. I think a lot more bands are coming up in the last couple years. And something that I think we left in the past was a lot of the violence and the aggression for, I don’t know, SoCal’s sake and just shits and giggles.
Now, it’s a lot more based on the music, thought out, planned, ready to go. And I don’t know, the energy’s different. I’m really stoked on it.
What bands were you listening to that helped shape XCOMM?
Oh, man. I hate to do this without the dudes. Refused, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Descendants, Circle Jerks. I could be going on and on for hours.
We can see from ‘Fake ID’ video that you guys don’t mind to have a bit of a laugh.
Yes, we don’t. Don’t be scared of laughing.
Tell us why it’s important not to take yourself seriously in the industry.
You know, I’m realising that more and more every day. And as much as I’m blown away by these opportunities, I also realise that having fun is why we’re doing it. And if you’re not doing that, what are you doing?
Can you think of any other artists on your wavelength right now? Who would you love to go on tour with at a similar stage in their career?
I feel like there’s a lot of bands coming up right now and I feel like recently in past years, Haywire and Drain have been really killing it. I’m really excited to see them today on Warp Tour. Bands like The Mainliners and Gallo, I’m really stoked on. Start Today and Indifference. It’s on. It’s on.
What’s coming up for the rest of the year?
You’ll find out soon.
What’s one thing you’ve heard about Australia that don’t know if it’s true or not?
Oh, man. I heard you guys get down, but we haven’t been there yet. So not sure about that. You guys are going to have to show us what’s up when we come down to Australia.
Favourite Australian band?
Favourite Australian band… Recently, Speed, of course. But if we’re talking about OGs, it has to be AC/DC.
