TexasMetalUnderground.com is proud to present this in-depth interview with Robb Chavez - creator and driving force behind Robb's MetalWorks, San Antonio's award winning weekly metal television show.  For the past seven years Robb has worked tirelessly to promote both local and national metal bands that pass through San Antonio and central Texas.  His show has aired over 350 episodes without a rerun, an absolutely astounding accomplishment.  In addition to a weekly television show, for the past several years Robb has also produced annual Showcases throughout major Texas cities.  These Showcases are an opportunity for some of Texas' most promising metal bands to get well deserved recognition for their music and on- stage prowess.  This year Robb has chosen TexasMetalUnderground.com as the exclusive venue to announce the lineup for the 2nd Annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcase in San Antonio.  We are honored.  read below for the full lineup, venue, and date for this exciting event.  As an added bonus, Robb also provided us with some exclusive, never before published photos of a few of the Texas metal icons that have appeared on his program. Enjoy!

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TMU:  At what age did you first get into metal & what were some of your early favorites?

Robb Chavez:  I first got into ‘real’ metal around the age of 13, as I was transitioning into the 8th grade around 1984.  It all really came together as Metallica was becoming better known in the underground.  Only a few choice metalheads in the San Antonio scene first had 'Ride the Lightning'  while it was still being distributed by Megaforce.  I was lucky enough to have a good friend whose older brother was a devout metalhead and played in a local band called Wicked Impact.  His older brother was the first to share that music with me.  I have many favorites from my early days.  Of course, Metallica was at the top of everybody's list, but part of the big four meant every metal fan also held in high esteem the other three:  Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax.  There are still others who to this day hold a special place in my metal heart - bands like Overkill, WatchTower, Celtic Frost, Juggernaut, and Helstar.

TMU:  The Texas metal scene of the 1980’s is still revered worldwide.  In your opinion, what made that scene so unique and special?

Robb Chavez:  What made the 80’s metal scene so special is that it was the beginning of a new era for heavy music.  Older rock fans were played out on the hippie-psychedelic scene of the late 70’s and the young upstarts getting into music at that time had a genre to call all their own.  Fuck peace and all that hand holding bullshit...it was time to get heavy and brutal.  It was the 80’s now and it was a time to represent our own identity, which in people meant a more reality based perception of the world around them and all the fear, hostility, violence, and tragedy that came along with it.  Musicians were no longer afraid to face those negative issues.  But more so, not afraid to express musically how they felt about them as well.  Above it all was the wonderful heavy music that came out of that new perception...power chords, melodic vocals and unbelievable guitar solo work.  Today, people remember that time with pride because they were proud to be a part of it.  Proud to be part of the beginning of a genre that continues to evolve today.  Us old-schooler's know where it call came from.

TMU:  Tell us a little bit about the 80’s San Antonio scene.  What were some of your favorite bands from back then?  Any particularly memorable shows?

Robb Chavez:  Primarily recalling from1984 and beyond, the San Antonio metal scene was going through a joyous time.  There was definitely no shortage of metalheads.  Growing up in the Northwest side of town and attending Marshall & Holmes high schools, there were plenty of heads sporting their black metal t-shirts, white high-top sneakers and ankle tight blue jeans in the smoking area of both of those schools.  We were a majority who were the antithesis of everything social the jocks stood for.  We all supported one another, we all talked to each other about new bands or songs, and we all belonged to our scene.  It was not uncommon to see many of the same faces at almost every show you went to, because everyone went to almost every show.  There was undoubtedly a stronger sense of community and belonging than there is today.  I believe that has dissipated now because of all the diversity in heavy music.

There was also no shortage of bands to see nor gigs to go to.  There are bands from San Antonio that I will always love and respect; not only for what they did for our scene and the memories they left, but because of the impact they unknowingly were making in Texas and across the country.  Bands like Byfist, S. A. Slayer, Wyzard, Juggernaut, Syrus, Wicked Impact, and I will proudly include Helstar in this list.  Despite being from Houston, Helstar got their start in San Antonio.  They played more gigs in San Antonio than in their hometown of Houston, and were obviously more revered in San Antonio than in Houston.  In the early days James Rivera (Helstar vocalist) would say the band was from San Antonio.

When I think about memorable shows there is one that stands miles above the rest.  It was Christmas Eve and Christmas Day of 1984.  Metallica was playing in San Antonio at the Cameo Theater in support of 'Ride the Lightning'.  Two sold out shows on two very special days with the gods of metal in town.  It’s never gotten better than that.  Every metalhead in town wanted to go to that show.

TMU:  The Cameo Theater & the Villa Fontana were both venues where some legendary San Antonio metal shows took place.  Were there any other places in San Antonio that regularly hosted metal shows?

Robb Chavez:  For metal the two venues you mentioned were definitely it for a long time. As the 80’s were coming to end and the 90’s got into full swing there were a couple of places that also made big impacts.  Clubs like the Woodlawn Theater where I’ll never forget seeing the original Celtic Frost in their true incarnation with Tom G. Warrior spiked from head to toe with Exodus opening up.  Also, the old Showcase Theater on West Avenue was a special place for me.  Carlos, the owner of the Showcase, truly believed in our scene and I remember him doing everything in his power to give the San Antonio metalheads the best show he could provide.  I distinctly recall a night of free beer for all the fans who attended a particular show.  Above all that, all us potheads never had to fear getting busted as we smoked out watching our favorite bands on stage.  It was an atmosphere of metal that no other club owner in San Antonio has ever been able to match.  I was truly saddened to see that place go.  Maybe when I’m an old man I’ll open it back up.

TMU:  What prompted your decision to do a weekly Metal television show?

Robb Chavez:  Back in 1997 times were changing and I slowly began to see that our metal scene was diminishing from what I had always known.  I had a background in Marketing and I felt that I could contribute and give something back...something that would really reach out to the scene and give the metalheads an outlet for information, music and most of all unity.  So in October of 1997 I approached Time Warner Cable with the idea and later that month we were working our first show:  Manhole & Type O Negative at the Showcase Theater.  The rest you can say is history.

As I’ve mentioned in other interviews, everything we have done has gotten better - from our videography, to our interviews, to our commentary.  We’ve been bringing the best and biggest underground metal bands to the people every week for almost 7 years now.  And quite honestly, bringing a new episode to my viewers every week (of which we’re about to hit our 350th) has been a daunting task, but one that my love for metal music and love for our scene cannot deter.

More often in the early years of Robb's MetalWorks and still some today, I try to promote unity with the scene.  Especially among the musicians who comprise the scene at any given time.  I have little shindigs at my home and I primarily invite musicians who I’m not that familiar with - to get to know them, to get to know the individuals behind the group.  It also allows for musicians from a variety of bands to get to know one another, so that they can begin relationships to assist each other in getting connected with certain clubs or promoters or other public mediums in the scene.  I try to help others see that our scene needs this unity to be strong.  And if a few cold ones, a few shots of Jagermeister, good conversation, and a little get together can accomplish that, then I am more than happy to facilitate it.

TMU:   Did you meet any resistance from bands or club owners when the show was first starting out?

Robb Chavez:  No, not really.  Everyone, especially the bands, were extremely supportive, because we were doing something new that only helped the cause of metal in San Antonio. There was this one prick that managed the White Rabbit back in the mid to late 90’s though.  I believe his name was Jordan White.  He was such an asshole.  He always gave me and my crew grief whenever he could.  It was pretty evident that he cared nothing of the scene.  His job as the manager of the White Rabbit was exactly that - just a job.  I was so glad when I heard they got rid of him.  Other than that, I’ve had great relationships with clubs that have come and gone, and clubs that are thriving today.  Clubs such as Medieval Knights, the White Rabbit, Sin13, The Showcase Theater, Klub Amnesia, & The Roxx Room to name a few.  I would also be remiss if I did not mention a club I do tons of work at...Austin’s long standing metal club The Backroom.  I have to extend gratitude to the manager Mark and his staff for always extending their hand out to us.  We’ve become well respected in their arena and by the Austin metal fans.  We love the Backroom!

TMU:  How long is the process from contacting a band or club to final broadcast product?

Robb Chavez:  Well, I primarily do not coordinate my efforts directly with bands or clubs.  Actually, most of my efforts are coordinated via a band’s management or public relations company or the band’s record label.  Coordinating a shoot or interview has become second nature to us, because for the most part these labels or PR companies are contacting us to see if we’re interested in covering their bands.  We get to decide whether we want to work a particular band or not.  Of course it took a long time to build that type of rapport, but people in the music industry know what we do here at Robb's MetalWorks and that is promote.  It’s easy to see why they want us at their band’s shows.

From the time we coordinate a shoot over the phone to the time the shoot actually airs via an episode of Robb's MetalWorks could span anywhere from1 month to1 year.  However, I would say most national shoots will range from 6 to 9 months to air and local shoots will take anywhere from1 to 3 months.

TMU:  On average, how many nights per week do you have crews out filming?  How many members do you currently have in your production crew?

Robb Chavez:  For the past 7 years we’ve maintained a busy schedule, primarily only taking some downtime during the month of December for the Holidays.  However, come the Spring and Summer when tours are abundant, I would say we average about two shoots per week.  We’ve had some weeks, for example November 2003, where we shot four shows in one week.  Sometimes there are bands that come through Texas that we can’t let pass by without getting them in front of our camera.  If that’s the case then we’re willing to kill ourselves to make it happen.  One of those bands was Finland’s Children Of Bodom who may not come back to Texas for years.

My staff has definitely grown over the past 7 years and through that time I’ve had plenty of people who want to join up.  Those who try quickly realize that my screening is demanding, because if you become a part of my crew, then you are essentially becoming a part of my family.  Because of that, I expect great things from my crew - hard work, dedication, and loyalty.  In return they reap the rewards of meeting and working with some the world’s greatest metal artists and becoming a part of the best show in the city.  Intentionally, I keep our group small and intimate, so when we do meet periodically we can set goals for the year that with the right staff in place we can actually accomplish.  My wonderful crew includes:  Derek Delgado (interviewer/videographer), Matt Mirabella (videographer), Anges Denvir (interviewer), Dennis Heflin (interviewer, videographer), Tony Rascon (videographer), Jen Broich (interviewer), David Smith (webmaster), and last but certainly not least, my wife Esther Chavez (producer/videographer).

TMU:  Do you personally try to make to every show you cover for the program?

Robb Chavez:  Yes, I do.  In fact, I work about 98% of the shows I schedule.  Its not that I’m a control freak or anything because my crew has gone out on their own and worked bands like Earth Crisis, Iced Earth, and  From Autumn To ashes, to name a few.  I prefer to be at every show because it not only gives me an opportunity to connect to our viewers, but because I dig a good metal show just like my fellow metalhead.

In addition, I am also very critical of the live shoots we do and I prefer to shoot those myself whenever possible.  I have a very dynamic and proactive style of shooting bands live.  I don't just prop up my camera on a tripod and let it record from twenty feet away.  I put that camera on my shoulder and I’m moving with the singer to and from each side of the stage.  I’m getting close-ups on solos, panning to get the crowd’s reaction and fading in and out to provide the best possible edit points that I can take into the studio.  And while I’m trying to shoot all that, I am also assuring I don’t get my ass slammed on the floor, cause I’m shooting from where the action is - a couple of feet from the pit.  I’m proud of the videography we air on Robb's MetalWorks and I know others are too.

TMU:  How did the annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcases come about?

Robb Chavez:  The annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcases first became a reality in El Paso in 2001 and were the brainchild of Chris Hate (an El Paso promoter) and myself.  Basically, the purpose of the Showcases was to highlight bands across Texas that we felt deserved recognition for their kick ass music and on-stage prowess.  Mechanically, the Showcases are also a tool by which to promote these bands via the show - through our two hour specials, which we call The Robb's MetalWorks Power-Hours.  All bands that are chosen for the Showcases get videotaped and interviewed.  They are subsequently part of the upcoming Power-Hour for that year.

The 2nd Annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcase in El Paso in 2002 was huge!  It was really extraordinary how the El Paso metal scene embraced us, especially the bands...because someone was actually giving them some attention and highlighting their talents.  We feel really connected to that city because of all our metal friends out there...bands like, Pissing Razors, FueledIIFire, Demise, Reign Of Terror, and Soma to name a handful.  That was the reason we did our first showcases in El Paso, because the fans and bands there were hungry for it.  Because of that it became the largest local metal show of that year.  It's really unfortunate that we did not complete our 3rd annual El Paso Showcase in 2003, but in all honesty, Chris Hate and I could not compromise on certain issues, which eventually led to me canceling the event.  All I will say is that I refuse to compromise the integrity of the Robb's MetalWorks brand name nor the true ideologies of the Showcases for more money.

On the other hand, the 1st Annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcase in San Antonio (2003) was the beginning of a beautiful thing.  I considered it a moderate success.  We had a bit over 200 metalheads show up from all over south Texas.  The lineup we provided was spectacular - Dereistic (from Houston), Slow Grind (from McAllen), Angerkill (from San Antonio), Deviant (from Dallas), FueledIIFire (from El Paso), and headlining Power Of Omens (from San Antonio).  It’s was a diversified lineup, which had a little bit of everything for everybody.  (The Power-Hour for the 1st San Antonio Showcase is actually airing throughout the month of December in San Antonio.)  With that said, on the downside I was very disappointed with one fact:  we did not get the support from local musicians I thought we would.  Now, I could say in this interview who those San Antonio bands are, but what good would that do...they know who they are.  I just think that it’s very shitty as a person and of poor judgment for a band not to return the support that they have received from Robb's MetalWorks for many years.  I was a bit hurt at first about it, but I then came to the realization that such behavior is the norm of human nature - always wanting to care for yourself first.  For those of you out there reading this who did come out to support, I thank you  from the bottom of my metal heart.

TMU:  Do you have plans to broaden the show’s reach to other cities?

Robb Chavez:  That plan has always been in place, but making it a reality is a far more concerted effort, which primarily due to the commercialism of even local television has eluded us.  Realistically, I have no interest in distributing Robb's MetalWorks via public access to other markets.  If we’re going to air in other markets, then we’re going to do it the right way - on an affiliated station.  I just need to find that special person at a special station who is willing to roll the dice and make it happen.  I have no doubt that the show if taken to the next level would be a smashing success.  In the past two years, we have sent promotional materials to KABB, KRRT, KENS, KMOL & the Austin Music Network.  No shark bites yet, just a few nibbles of inquiry.  But it’s also important to note that I am very critical of changing the show.  So if a station said they would pick us up, but we had to change our format or stay away from death or black metal, I would kindly tell them 'no', because they’re missing the whole premise behind the show.  They are missing the fact that we are delivering the metal people want to see.  I refuse to change the face of Robb's MetalWorks in an effort to elevate it.  If we never reach that next plateau, then so be it, because it has never been a gauge I use to measure our success.

TMU:  What are some of your favorite Texas bands?

Robb Chavez:  First, let me say that there are many reason I would like a particular band that extend far past the music and I say that not only as a music fan, but as the man behind Robb's MetalWorks having worked with countless local bands.  I take into consideration the band's music on disc, the band’s presence on stage, their effort in promoting and marketing their band, their public relation skills in facing their fans and critics alike, their all around professionalism, and finally, their dedication in working to get to that next level.  Having said that, the following are bands I’ve worked with or know who I feel are worthy of mention:  Shock Culture (San Antonio), Angerkill (San Antonio), Lokey (San Antonio), Powderburn (Austin), FueledIIFire (El Paso), D-Railed (San Antonio), Byfist (San Antonio),  Reign Of terror (El Paso), Gored (San Antonio), Shallow Grave (San Antonio), Deadpool (San Antonio), Kritikill (Killeen), Funeral Rites (Houston), and Slow Grind (McAllen) are some that quickly come to mind.

TMU:   What has been the most rewarding experience for you & Robb's MetalWorks since you started?

Robb Chavez:  Personally, I’ve actually received a lot of satisfaction from doing the show the past several years.  From an innate sense of accomplishment in having made an impact on the San Antonio metal scene to watching the fruits of our labor every week on my TV set.  It’s all good!  However, the most rewarding experience is turning on metal people and sometimes non-metal people to good heavy music and bands.  I can’t tell you how many times a fan has come up to me and thanked me for telling them about a new band or CD.  Just last week one of my crew, Tony Rascon, who works at Best Buy notified me that a fan went in and bought the Life Of Agony DVD, because he heard us talk about it on the show.  Now, that’s making an impact - an impact in people’s day-to-day lives.  Who wouldn’t feel good about that?

TMU:   What’s coming up for Robb'sMetalWorks as we jump into 2004?

Robb Chavez:  2004 will be a pivotal year for us in more than one way.  First, let me say that what I’m about to share is exclusive information strictly made public first on TexasMetalUnderground.com.  For the past several months behind closed doors we have been laying the ground work for the 2nd Annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcase in San Antonio, which will be held at Sam’s Burger Joint on Saturday May 1st, 2004 .  This 2nd Showcase we are planning will be far superior to its predecessor as we will be delivering one of Texas’ most prominent bands.  The lineup includes from opener to headliner:  Beyond Black (San Antonio), Deadpool (San Antonio), Powderburn (Austin), Thornspawn (San Antonio), Magistral (Houston) & headlining the event, none other than WatchTower (Austin).  All commitments are in place and this show is solid.  It will undoubtedly be one of the years best - I am certain of that.  In addition we are also having some major sponsors support this gig.  Companies who have already given us their backing include:  Citibank, Alamo Tees, TexasMetalUnderground.com, Unholy Scriptures & Sam Goody  with others on the way.  Let me take a second and touch a bit on each band and why I chose them for this special show.

BEYOND BLACK – are basically a newly formed band comprised of ex-members of Bitter Harvest & Ancient Cross.  I’ve had the privilege of being one of the few people to hear their music and see them jam.  2004 will be their breakout year and these seasoned guys will be awesome openers.   -   www.geocities.com/beyonblack

DEADPOOL – a band that I go way back with.  I felt their latest work 'Espiritus Muertos' was one of San Antonio's best local releases in 2003 and I honestly feel that they have not been given their just due from the scene.  My friend, Carlos Lopez is an extraordinary guitar player.   -   www.deadpoolsociety.com

POWDERBURN – were voted Austin best metal band this year and after working with them I could easily see why.  These guys have great songs, great stage presence, and  above all are just great guys.  They want to achieve and I believe they will.  Their self-titled debut just came out this month.   -   www.powderburn.net

THORNSPAWN – the kings of black metal in San Antonio!  These guys are my wildcard and will give the Showcase that dark edge every good metal show should have.  Having accomplished much in the black arts over the years, Thornspawn will deliver much more than music.   -   www.thornspawn.net

MAGISTRAL – the Chilean power metal masters of Houston.  These guys fucking rock.  Unable to make them a part of last years Showcase, this year will give them the opportunity to highlight their unbelievable talent.    -   www.magistralweb.com

WATCHTOWER – what is there to say about the masters of progressive technical metal.  These guys are living legends of Texas Metal.  My hat is off to my friends Jason McMaster and Ron Jarzombek for being so willing to do this show.  The last time they played in San Antonio was in 2000, so this should be a stunning performance.   -   www.marathoncd.com/watchtower

So there you have it, information on the 2nd Annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcase, which should be common knowledge to any real metal fan within the next couple of months.

Also, coming later on a subsequent Saturday in May 2004, let me go ahead and announce that we will be driving east for the 1st Annual Robb's MetalWorks Showcase in Houston.  The date as of right now is yet to be determined, but it will either be the 3rd or 4th Saturday of May 2004.  The line up is still in the works, but two bands have already been confirmed - San Antonio’s Shallow Grave and Seguin’s Paegan.  Our decision to take our Showcase to Houston was a simple one, because I personally know that they have an awesome metal scene there.  Our decision was made even more simple when I have the backing and promotion from one of Houston’s most proactive forces - Remus Radio.  More information on the 1st Houston Showcase will be forthcoming...

TMU:  What is the future of Robb's MetalWorks?  Will you do your show forever?

Robb Chavez:  That is a very good question at this point in my life.  When I first started Robb's MetalWorks back in 1997 when I was 25 years old, I never thought I’d still be doing it seven years later at 32. It’s amazing to me how fast time has gone by and all the great things we have accomplished.  If I stopped the show this very minute I would have nothing but fond memories to live the rest of my life by.  However, stopping the show has been a serious consideration my wife and I have discussed on several occasions.  We are entering a new phase in our lives right now where family and professional obligations are more demanding than ever.  Most of my crew, of course, would like to see the show go on forever, like you.  We’ve even discussed showing re-runs or going to a monthly format.  In all honesty, if I can’t give 150% to the show every week like I have these past 7 years,  I’d rather not do anything at all.  Those people who have been loyal watchers will know that they were part of something special in the scene.  They were my faithful viewers, my extended familia.  When its gone, I think more people will realize how special it was - what a special time it was.  I am not saying now that we’re coming to an end, but the people in San Antonio should realize that we are closer to it than not.

TMU:  Thanks Robb!  Your dedication and never ending support of the Texas metal scene is to be commended.

Robb Chavez:  No, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my words with the public.  You have been a true professional and I only wish that all the people I work with in the Texas metal scene had true intentions like you.  You are a true metalhead!  Regards.