The concept of Cult and Culture began as a short segment created by Justin Pearson, an internationally known musician, record label owner (Three One G Records), author, and actor. He is best known as bassist/vocalist for bands such as Dead Cross, The Locust, and Retox. Justin has come to know and work with a broad spectrum of captivating personalities and brilliant minds, many of which are key figures in the realm of popular culture and cult followings alike. John Waters was one of the first people interviewed for the project- an icon of both cult and culture. Other guests include a broad scope of musicians, producers, authors, and anyone passionate about what they do. In its infancy, segments were shorter, 10-20 minutes, and would be recorded while on tour. Since then, Pearson has collaborated with producer and musician Luke Henshaw (Planet B, Sonido de la Frontera) to build the idea into a proper podcast, now recorded at Penguin Studios in San Diego. The focus is not intended to be solely on people in any one realm, and because guests are friends and family, the conversations are frank, informal, well-informed and genuine.
In episode 23 of Cult and Culture, Justin interviews Barney and Shane of legendary extreme metal band Napalm Death. The trio discuss the idea of pacifism as a way to combat hatred, the chokehold global war machines have on our ways of life, the shortcomings of governments as they stand today, animal rights activism, and some of the more dangerous situations they've encountered during performances as a result of their beliefs. Barney rejects the idea of competition among touring bands, instead focusing on the self and on the collective power that can be drawn from sharing the stage with inspirational peers. Despite the intensity of their music and their possibly pessimistic-sounding band name, Barney and Shane seem to consistently focus on peacefulness while still acknowledging all the work that needs to be done to salvage what we can of the human race and, indeed, the planet as a whole.