#143 Joe Keit (Tension)

The Story of Joe Keit: History of Tension, Unwillful Demise, Samkoma, and More

In this episode, we're joined by Joe Keit, guitarist and founding member of South Florida hardcore band Tension, as well as an early member of Unwillful Demise.

Joe reflects on growing up in a musical family, discovering artists like Kiss, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Metallica, and developing a lifelong passion for music alongside longtime friend Matt Fox, who would later form Shai Hulud. He shares stories of learning guitar, writing songs, and becoming immersed in South Florida's underground music scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The conversation explores the formation of Unwillful Demise, recording demos, playing venues including the Treehouse and Kitchen Club, and sharing stages with members of South Florida's growing metal and hardcore communities. Joe also discusses other local bands from the era, including Cynic, Malevolent Creation, Fatal Sin, Raped Ape, and Eternal Damage, along with memories of record stores including Uncle Sam's and Specs, local concerts, and discovering new music throughout Broward County and beyond.

Joe recounts the formation of Tension with vocalist Mike Hurley, the band's releases In Our Time, The Sickness of Our Age, and Agent of the People, recording at Studio 13 with Jeremy Staska, winning a Slammy Award, interest from Century Media Records, and the band's evolving sound. He also shares memories of performances at Coral Springs City Center, Blue Chair, Plus Five Lounge, Club Q, and The Edge, along with touring and sharing bills with Strongarm, Shelter, Strife, Earth Crisis, Integrity, Endure, Timescape Zero, Bloodlet, and Load.

The discussion also focuses on Mike Hurley's impact on Tension. Joe shares memories of their friendship, reflects on Hurley's songwriting and stage presence, discusses the challenges that followed after the band's breakup, and speaks candidly about mental health, addiction, suicide, and the importance of checking in on friends and loved ones.

Joe also discusses life after Tension, including his career as a firefighter, his involvement in martial arts, breakdancing, and electronic music, as well as his current projects Ronin Taiko and Samkoma.