Sin D.N.A.- for those in the Texas scene, the name is synonymous with hard-hitting, aggressive, and irresistably catchy dark electro. For the past few years, this band from Brownsville, TX (composed of Mario Carrasco and Sergio Ramirez) have carved their place and amassed a sizable local following with electric live shows, quality songwriting, and a tireless work ethic. Recently signed to Deathwatch Asia, their 'Afterlife' EP (due October 28th) features 7 tracks of "violence become art", as well as remixes from Dulce Liquido, Reaxion Guerrilla, DYM, and Soman. For any fan of dark electro, this EP is a "must-have." This is a band I have had my eye on for awhile,and so it was with great pleasure that we conducted this interview with Mario.

Hello, how are you doing?  Mario: Doing good.

We’re huge supporters of you guys, we play you all the time on the podcasts (synthetic-rage.com), but for those who are unfamiliar with your work, can you tell us a little about the band?  Sin D.N.A. is Mario Carrasco and Sergio Ramirez; we both compose the music , and I take on the vocal duties.

How did the band get its start?  We have been involved in making music since we were younger- SIN D.N.A. was founded in 2004. Sergio and I met up in a project in 1996 and have since worked on numerous projects together. In 2002 we began experimenting with electronics, which led to the forming of SIN D.N.A.

You guys have a very deep, heavy dark electro sound that nevertheless remains very fast-paced, energetic- in the vein of early YelworC, Aslan Faction, but remains current- what are some of your influences?  We draw influence from industrial, trance, black metal and everything in between. I think our trance influence is what keeps us sounding current, as it’s a genre that evolves at a very rapid pace.

It's really quite amazing- whenever anyone goes to South Texas, they can't throw a rock in the dark scene without hearing the name Sin D.N.A- you guys have amassed quite a loyal following- why do you think this is?  We’ve always been persistent and dedicated to construct music with originality. Music has always been our passion, so it comes easy. I think people look for this in music and they find it in ours.

What is immediately apparent, and a big reason in my estimation why Sin D.N.A. has grown the following it has is that you guys have one of the most explosive, energetic live shows I’ve ever seen- what does playing live mean to you?  Our intention has always been musical expression. Our tracks are a fusion of violence and art through music. We enjoy playing live, as it is a manifestation of what we create in the studio. I like to project myself to the place or situations of the topic of the track. With the intensity of the content backed by an arsenal of technology, there are no boundaries; this allows us to just release it all on stage.

Something very interesting about both of you is that you guys started in the Mexican dark electro project Sodomy Down the Cross. Tell us about this musical period.  I think this is a good opportunity to clear any misconceptions or what people have come to believe the story behind the two acts is. I founded SIN DNA in 2004 with Ernesto De La Garza whom I had also been involved with in different projects in the past. He had his own project as well, Sodomy Down the Cross. Sergio was also involved with Sin DNA since the beginning, as I mentioned earlier, we have been working together for quite a few years. The three of us would rotate in live situations within the two acts. As time went by Ernesto being from Mexico stayed in his country and would later move further down into MX leaving Sergio as a permanent member of SIN DNA. I have been heavily involved in some of the material for SDC but it has been quite some time now since we have collaborated.

Can we look forward to any more collaborations in the future?  Maybe. It is not out of the question. We are currently working on a track for a compilation, but only time will tell.

Sin D.N.A has opened for some pretty big names in this scene- who have you guys played with?  HOCICO, AMDUSCIA, DAWN OF ASHES, DIE SEKTOR, HAUJOBB, XENTRIFUGE, NACHTMAHR, ALIEN VAMPIRES, FGFC820, GOD MODULE among others throughout the years.

You were recently featured on the Don't Mess with Industrial compilation- which featured the newer wave of industrial bands from Texas- how did the opportunity to be on this compilation rise and what did you think of it?  We took advantage of this opportunity to do something different rather than our current sound. We did something reminiscent to our roots, which we had wanted to do for a while now. Old school meets futuristic you could call it.

Sin D.N.A has been working on an EP called 'Afterlife' for a while now- tell us, what's the status of the album?  The EP is complete and is due to be out October 28th on physical CD. It is now available digitally so everyone pick up that piece of Violence and Embrace the future of dark electronic music!

Racso from Hocico and Dulce Liquido, did a remix for Afterlife, how did this come about?  Racso is a good friend of ours we met a while back and have kept in contact through the years. We have always been inspired to be innovative by his projects and it seemed appropriate and an honor at the same time to have him remix the title track of this release.

Now there is a very exciting announcement that was just made regarding Sin D.N.A and a certain record label- would you like to elaborate a little on that?  Yes. We recently signed to deathwatch Asia. We originally planned on releasing Afterlife ourselves, but after a couple of talks, we realized the professionalism of this label and went ahead and sealed the deal. Originally, the Afterlife EP was to be released independently. In June 2011, I contacted DWA in an attempt to gain distribution from them for the Afterlife release. After a few exchanged emails DWA offered us a contract leaving no need for us to release independently. DWA seems to be taking over the scene, their releases are excellent and we have no doubt we made the right decision.

You've been busy remixing for a multitude of names in the scene- besides Detroit Diesel, who are some of the other bands that you're remixing?  We recently remixed a track for Detroit Diesel it will appear on a rerelease of their TERRE HUMAINE album. We have also remixed Life Cried- the remix has not yet surfaced but we hope it will soon as it is a very dark and undoubtedly bring the brooding sounds of Life Cried to the Club floors. We had great remixes from several artists that will appear on the Afterlife release so I hope we get a chance to return the favor and remix them as well

Do you feel there is a particular "Valley" sound or style of industrial music?"  I really don’t think that we sound like any of the valley bands nor do any of the bands here sound like us. Everyone that I’ve heard from the valley is unique in their approach.

What are some newer bands that really impress you?  Kriminal Minds, Sleetgrout, Reaxxion Guerilla, Siva Six, Detroit Diesel are some of the newer names that come to mind.

On to live shows for a bit- you guys have been headliners @ the Texas Industrial fest for the past couple of years- this speaks of the status of Sin D.N.A. in the Texas scene- can you tell us a little bit about these festivals?  Yes, this was the second year of the TX industrial fest- we were scheduled to headline, but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control, we were not able to make the appearance on the event. Last year’s TX industrial fest brought in a large gathering as well as the Terrorbyte fest (February 2011). Gil (Austin Cyberpunks) does a tremendous job on his festivals. It has been great to be a part of them, and we look forward to more.

You are one of the major bands playing @ December’s Cyber-Genetic Winter Festival coming up in San Antonio, TX, playing with bands such as ReaxioN Guerrilla, NoLongerHuman, Detroit Diesel, and of course, Leather Strip. What are your thoughts and feeling going into this
show?  Well, it will be quite an experience as Leather Strip is an influential name to many of the older bands of this genre. Not to mention playing with label mates Reaxion Guerilla and Detroit Diesel, we are very much looking forward to share the stage with all these talents.

All right Mario, it has been an absolute pleasure talking to you both- good luck with Afterlife, the signing to DWA, and all the shows you have coming up!  Cheers! See everyone at the Cyber Genetic Winter Fest!