On June 27th, California lost one of the most original bands the hardcore scene has ever seen. June 27th saw a capacity of 600+ people sell out the Chain Reaction to share what would be Taken¹s final show. Nearly 2 months after I had the opportunity to talk with former Taken vocalist Ray Harkin, who now fronts his new band Mikoto. During the course of the interview we discuss Taken¹s untimely demise, their final E.P., and life after Taken.

 

[ original photo: www.forevercaptive.com ]

 

Scott: So for starters what initiated the break up?

Ray: Well it is hard to actually pinpoint, but it would have to be when both of our guitarists quit the same day due to outside circumstances like them wanting to go back to school and live a normal life not on the road. It is the usual death of most bands, the desire to pursue a normal life for the comfort of routine. It was one of those things that even though it was a pretty large blow, I thought we would be able to pull out of it but alas, we didn't

That does usually seem to be the case with most bands. Did the decision to break up come before the recording of the new E.P.?

Yes, we had the idea for quite some time to sit down and get a full-length out especially with all of the label interest that we were getting towards the end but then after this all started to go down, we sat down and it was quite cathartic to be honest.

Out of curiosity what labels were showing interest in you guys?

We had spoken to Ferret, Equal Vision, Eulogy and a few other labels that were pretty interested in working with us for a future which was pretty awesome to see them all show us some attention after all of our hard work over the past 4 years or so. The one we were ultimately going to go with was The Militia Group as they were the ones who were most passionate about what we were doing. Not to mention the fact that we would get the specific attention we needed on that label as we would be the only "hardcore" band on that label

Thats awesome that some of the bigger labels were starting to take notice in a band that in my opinion is one of the most underrated overlooked bands around.. .

Thanks! Yea, it was pretty neat to see what happens when the word spreads people talk and some listen.

Now, how were the final shows?

Those two weeks leading up to it, during it and after it were the most surreal times in my life. they were incredible, actually that would probably be an understatement. the Canadian show about 300 people showed up and it was SO impressive the reaction we get up there with all of the passion kids throw at us. our first southern California show at Showcase Theatre in Corona was such a great experience as well. Around 300 people showed up to that as well and it seemed like we knew everyone at the venue. such a warm feeling. the crowning achievement of the weekend was the Chain Reaction show the following night. upwards of 600 people were present all including my mom. it was such an amazing time. the crowd reaction was impressive to say the least.

It must have been tough to get off of the stage knowing it was Taken's final show..

Actually it was not that difficult surprisingly so. since this had been such a long time in the making, it was like, "Wow, I am glad that we experienced all of this and this is what we have to show for it." it was difficult afterwards when kids came up to me in tears and told me how much the band made a difference in his life. it was unbelievable to see it first hand, gushing out people were going up to my mom and thanking her. how awesome is that!

haha that is excellent!

Yea, she was floored.

How do you feel about the E.P.?

It is the best way to go out. I could not be prouder as it was everything that i had imagined it to be

Yes it was quite the swan song.

Everything was on our own terms. we had no one to impress but ourselves. not many bands get that freedom

it's a shame we never gota full length of that quality.

I know. it is very hard to wrap my head around where things could have gone with another full length

How is the e.p. doing as far as sales?

The EP is doing well from what I can tell. it has some pretty decent distro so it is nice. at the last shows we sold over 300 just in Southern California so that was nice!

How is life after Taken going? Any new projects that you're involved in?

Life is keeping me more than busy. besides my job at Abacus Recordings, i also do a ton of freelance writing for many different websites and press outlets. As far as bands are concerned, we actually got finished with our demo yesterday. We are called Mikoto, which translates into beauty or truth in Japanese. Similar to Taken but simpler, heavier and more dynamic in a way,very fun playing though. We are going to start playing out in November. Things are moving very rapidly as you can see.

Yeah that sounds awesome. I can't wait to hear it.

We are going to post some songs relatively soon, online at www.mikotomusic.com .

One last question, what is your favorite Taken memory?

Oh man. that is huge. Well, I mean on a general level I would say that it made me who I am today. It shaped the way I view the world, from a perspective that we are here for a short period of time and we have to make the most of it while we can. On a more specific level, just remembering the different cities that we had a chance to experience. All giving their own personality and experience to us as we came through. One thing that sticks out is me wandering around the streets of Quebec City with no sleep and seeing how amazing things can look from here as opposed to being stuck at home. It was a very liberating experience.

Well with all my questions done do you have anything you would like to add?

I would encourage people that are involved with what we do to not give up faith. I see so many people giving up on what we view as the independent spirit. It is worth too much for us to give up on. Keep things smart, original and full of passion. That is the only thing that will keep us going and weed out the sincerce people from the ones that are into it for the wrong reasons. I appreciate the random interview.

Well it was an honor.

- Scott Turner