Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice remixes KILLCODE’s song “Ride” as the band discusses their creative process and streaming pressures
Few rock groups can blast their way using raw, natural talent and echo the genre’s distinctive biology. KILLCODE is a core part of that and continues to evolve with fluid transformations; their latest feat is no different.
Band members Tom Morrissey, Chas, Bobby Flores, Rob Noxious, and D.C. Gonzalez continue to prove that their music is as fierce as ever. With new material on the way and a fresh collaboration with DJ Johnny Juice of the legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, they’re showing no signs of slowing down. Tap in and meet the band with Stanisland Magazine.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. KILLCODE’s music evokes a multigenerational sound. What motivates how you write and perform?
“I think it comes from being genuine about what you love. We grew up on everything from classic rock and metal to hip hop and heavier modern stuff, and we’ve never been interested in chasing trends. The goal is always the same…write songs that hit you in the gut, have real hooks, and feel honest when we play them live. If it connects across generations, that’s probably because good rock and roll has always been timeless when it’s done right.”
How did you connect with DJ Johnny Juice? Was it organic or intentional?
“It was pretty organic. We had some mutual connections and started talking about the idea of doing something together. Johnny has such a legendary background with Public Enemy, but he’s also just a really cool, creative guy. Once we started exchanging ideas it became clear pretty quickly that the track “Ride” had the kind of attitude and groove that could translate really well into a remix.”
The remix for Ride is out now. I especially love the reverb on the snares and cuts. What stood out to the band when you first heard it?
“The first thing that stood out was the attitude. Johnny stripped it down and gave it this gritty, street-level hip hop pulse while still keeping the aggression of the original track. The drums hit differently, the cuts add personality, and suddenly the song had this whole other dimension without losing the rock energy.”
Did working with a Public Enemy member give pause for thought about your own legacy?
“It definitely makes you stop for a second and appreciate the moment. Public Enemy is one of the most influential groups in music history, not just hip hop. So to have someone from that world put their stamp on a KILLCODE song is pretty special. At the same time, we approached it as artists just creating something cool together rather than overthinking the legacy part.”
How did fans receive the hip-hop crossover?
“Honestly better than we expected. Rock fans can sometimes be protective of the genre, but people really seemed to get what we were doing. The feedback has been really positive, and it’s also brought in listeners from outside the traditional rock audience, which is always a good thing.”
In 2026, do you see genre labels as outdated or still useful?
“They’re useful for helping people find music, but creatively they’re becoming less important. Most artists today grew up listening to a mix of styles anyway. As long as the music feels authentic, people are much more open to genre blending now than they were years ago.”
Is rock stronger when it pushes boundaries?
“Absolutely. Rock has always moved forward by breaking its own rules. From the blues roots to metal, grunge, alternative and everything after. If it stops experimenting, it stops being rock and just becomes something you look at in a museum.”
You’re renowned for your high-energy performances. How do you see “Ride” (Remix) translating to the stage?
“The remix actually opens up some really fun possibilities live. We can incorporate some of the hip hop elements, the cuts, the groove, and still keep the heavy guitars. Live is where KILLCODE really lives, so we’re excited to experiment with how it evolves on stage.”
Your work is fun to listen to. Do you feel the art of crafting music is being rushed due to streaming pressures or something else?
“There’s definitely more pressure to release things quickly now, but we try not to let that rush the creative process. A great song still takes time to get right. We’d rather put something out that lasts than just feed the algorithm.”
Your last album, Life, Death, Rock n’ Roll, was released in 2023. Does KILLCODE have plans for another long play or EP?
“Yes, we’re actually heading back into the studio soon. We’ve been writing and going through ideas, and the new material is definitely pushing things forward while still sounding like KILLCODE. Whether it ends up as an EP or a full album is still up in the air, but there’s definitely new music coming.”
To stay up to date with KILLCODE, you can follow them on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and Apple Music.
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