Interview with Vocalist

& Guitarist Seth T. Riddlebarger

Of HexNet

March 5, 2015

By Londa R. Marks / Metal Music Interviews
Published By Tempi-Dispari, Rome, Italy and 

Rock Legend News Firenze, Italy

Seth sings from heart and soul on every song but this song was the draw for me. His eyes were softly closed obviously in the zone of a song he so humbly offered with love and passion.

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Seth is a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist rarely doing cover songs, though his rendition of Bob Dylan’s Lovesick is, well, better than Bob Dylan does it, in my opinion. And, I don’t want to compare Seth to anyone because he really is his own entity, a one of a kind like Steve Marriott was but there is certainly well crafted 60s and 70s influence in his music. Hex Net even considers themselves to be in a 70s category of psychedelic rock ’n roll. The band does not rely on props or effects. They don’t need it. Their songs are strong and vocalized with pure, raw heart and soul. Sethis mesmerizing. Hex Net music is addictive.

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When I returned to my studio in Florence, Italy from visiting my home town of Marietta, Ohio and after listening to Hex Net music non stop since I saw them, I posted some promotion for Seth on my Facebook page, friended him and asked him for an interview which he graciously and ever so politely agreed to. His is the type of talent that should be exposed, should be known, should be experienced, and yet there is a part of me that does not want to take Seth and Hex Net from that small town energy because of how it has nurtured his peerless talent. I fear polish and groom may seep into him and the band from making it big in the music arena and dilute this Seth Riddlebargermagic. But if anyone deserves to be known for their talent Seth does. It did not stop Steve Marriott from being Steve Marriott and somehow I know it will not stop Seth Riddlebarger from being Seth Riddlebarger.

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Rock Legend News: Timeless artists always feel that they could have done things differently or better on projects. But from an onlookers perspective these types of artists are generally quite effective in expressing insight, emotion and sensitivity. This is not something learned, it is something the artist is born with and stays with the artist throughout their life – as long as they caress it like it is a magical treasure. Seth, you have said the same thing about your album, Future Holds that you would’ve liked to have done some things differently. For me, the album is impeccable but, what do you think you will do differently on your next album?

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Seth Riddlebarger: The band was very new when the first record was made. Since then we’ve gotten a new drummer and keyboard player, and done some touring as well as a lot of local shows. The next record will reflect what we’ve learned playing together on stage live. More up tempo and a tighter feel. The songs are all written, we just need to get back into the studio.

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Rock Legend News: “Playing live affects how I feel about the songs and it is all performed reflecting how I’m feeling and how the crowd is feeling,” you have said.

This is also a Michael Schenker