Under Exile
Interview
by Drew Latshaw
Member of Under Exile
Rumeel Jim Bass
Skyy Gallegos Drums
Rylan Benally Guitars
Franklin Yazzie Vocals
The interview started with the aroma of fresh mutton lingering in the background – a glimpse into their down-to-earth reality. “We were out back, chowing down,” Franklin laughed, setting a relaxed tone that instantly put me at ease. I’d come prepared with questions, but quickly realized my perspective was limited. I was asking about “Native metal,” when they were simply making metal.
“We are not a native metal band, we are a metal band who happens to be native,” Franklin clarified. That simple statement hit me like a thunderbolt. It was a crucial distinction, highlighting their desire for their music to speak for itself.
The “Under Exile” Story: More Than Just a Name
Their band name, “Under Exile,” might suggest deep symbolism, but the truth is refreshingly straightforward. “Yeah, it doesn’t really have a meaning,” Ryland admitted. “We had a few songs and were trying for this Warped Tour battle of the bands and they needed a band name, so we just started shooting band names back and forth and ‘Under Exile’ came up and we just went with it.”
Lyrical Depth: Beyond the Surface
While they don’t incorporate traditional Navajo language, their lyrics are far from shallow. Franklin explained how songs like “Glass in the Sage” and “As Above, So Below” touch on the realities of reservation life and the impact of colonization.
“’Glass in the Sage’ is about…the realization of how poor the conditions are, but also overcoming that and not letting your circumstances prevent you from getting where you want to be or determine your ultimate fate,” Franklin shared. “’As Above, So Below’ was written from the perspective of experiencing colonization. ‘Dragged down their path of faith’ is the most direct line toward that idea in that song.”
Facing the Scene, On Their Own Terms
Under Exile’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. They’ve faced pushback, sometimes from unexpected places. “Honestly? I feel like we almost get more pushback from Native trendsetters sometimes, more than we do from people outside of it,” Franklin revealed. They’ve experienced shelved opportunities and interviews that didn’t align with their vision.
Despite this, they remain focused on their music and their roots in Shiprock. “If anything, they are most proud to be known as a band originating from Shiprock on the Navajo Reservation,” I learned.
Looking Ahead: A Message of Resilience
With a show in Farmington, NM, on December 21st, Under Exile is ready to share their sound with a broader audience. Their resilience and dedication shine through in their music and their message.
“A big part of who we are is in our mentality to get it done and do it the best that you can. Don’t dwell on the issue or make excuses, focus on the solution,” Franklin said.
Under Exile is a band that defies expectations, and their music deserves to be heard. They’re not just a “Native band,” they’re a metal band, period. They’re a band from Shiprock, and they’re here to make their mark.
