Doomed Confessionary: Justin Liles (Bong Wizard)
Bong Wizard is a stoner/sludge metal trio currently based in Houston, Texas. Founded in 2019, the band consists of Justin Liles (guitar, vocals), Ronny Spera (bass, vocals) and Jake Forbus (drums).
Hailing from different corners of the United States, the members of Bong Wizard converge in their shared passion for heavy, groove-laden music. Once nestled in the heart of LA, the band has been refining their craft and pushing the boundaries of their genre since their inception. Channeling inspiration from legendary acts like Sleep, Weedeater and Kyuss, their music weaves a hypnotic tapestry of powerful riffs, crushing rhythms, and trippy soundscapes, transporting listeners to a realm where the groove reigns supreme.
The band’s sonic landscape is a testament to their diverse musical backgrounds, contributing depth and nuance to their already colossal sound. Before uniting forces, the members gained experience in various musical projects, spanning punk/hardcore, death metal, indie rock and other genres. It was their collective devotion to heavy music that spawned this monstrous musical entity, combining their individual influences into a cohesive and formidable force.
Despite the weighty themes, the band injects a healthy dose of humor and playfulness into their music. Reflecting their affinity for cannabis culture, their work not-so-subtly nods to getting high and indulging in the stickiest of buds. For those craving a musical experience that seamlessly marries heaviness with trippiness, this stoner/sludge band demands a spot on your must-listen list.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are a three piece stoner/doom band from Los Angeles that has relocated to Houston.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
For a long time the most challenging thing for us was geography. I was living in LA while the rest of the band was in Houston, so we would have to get pretty creative in our writing process and practicing with each other. Our second album was written and recorded in one week, since that’s how much time we had together at once. We just had a bunch of ideas lined up and when we got together all the pieces fell into place, so even though it was challenging it also forced us to be creative which I think helped us a lot.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m proud of everything we have done! We wouldn’t continue to do what we do if we weren’t proud of what we were creating, but I would say that the best is definitely yet to come.
What was your biggest regret?
I don’t know that I have any regrets! Mistakes always lead us into learning opportunities and I’m grateful for that.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
I think our upcoming tour is going to be our best yet! We’re linking up with a lot of really great bands like Restless Spirit, Bog Wizard, Plague Of Carcosa and The Well, across the east coast, and all of the shows have killer lineups. We are all really excited to get back on the road!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I have personally been in and around several music scenes in my life and I have to say that this scene right now is the most hospitable and kind I’ve ever seen. There’s a really great sense of community in the stoner/doom scene and I hope everyone understands how beautiful and rare that is! Thank you to all the people we have met on the road who have been so supportive!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
A lot of great music has been in my rotation lately. Idles, Viagra Boys, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Leather Lung, Hashtronaut and Conan to name a few. But I’ve also been jamming a playlist I made of all the bands we’re meeting up with on tour and it’s been killer as well!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
There’s a Rick Rubin quote where he talks about not making music for the audience and instead making art for yourself and letting the audience come to you. It took me a long time to truly understand how to do that in practice but I can undoubtedly say that it has been very helpful for me personally.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Well I’m an audio engineer, I love all music! But if I had to pick one, I think people who know me personally would confirm that I’m a huge fan of outlaw country like Willie Nelson, Waylon’s Jennings and Hank Williams Jr.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Houston?
It is growing so quickly! We have been very lucky and grateful to have a lot of very passionate people around us who focus on growing the music scene. Houston specifically has had a really rough decade or so, but everyone from the venue owners, to the promoters and artists have really been stepping the game up and growing our community.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We are going on tour in July! Playing in Denton, Kansas City, Chicago, Detroit, NYC, Boston, Baltimore, Richmond, Atlanta, Austin and Houston! Check out our Instagram for details!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are releasing an EP right now called »Clones«, touring and this fall we are releasing our 3rd full-length album!
How can people best support your band?
Come to a show, buy a t-shirt and smoke a joint with us! We love meeting our fans!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Legalize it!
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well