Grinding for a Cure: “F*ck Alzheimer’s!”

Grief impacts people in a multitude of ways, and when it comes to dealing with the aftershocks of a traumatic event, each individual’s approach varies depending on on a wide range of factors. For a lot of people, myself included, music offers a respite from the pain. It can offer a distraction from what’s ailing you, and a source of comfort when times get dark. While some people retreat and turn inwards, others manage to harness their feelings of rage and sadness and channel that energy into more positive life-affirming endeavors. Christine Coz falls into the latter category, and alongside guitarist & vocalist Dorian Rainwater (Noisear, Phobia) she runs Grinding For A Cure, a charity whose proceeds go to fund Alzheimer’s research and offer support to sufferers and their families. The “Alz-Grinders” have so far compiled and released three digital compilations that are absolutely stuffed with a dizzying amount of grindcore gems (seriously, Vol III features 78 songs, and that’s one of the shorter albums!). There are some big names (and big hearts) like Discordance Axis, Wormrot, Weekend Nachos, Despise You, Shitstorm and Regurgitate, Assuck and PLF scattered across the triad of GFAC releases as well as literally dozens of more obscure and up-and-coming bands, so you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck if you choose to donate. What’s more, you’re supporting an undeniably worthy cause. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that eventually affects nearly 1 in 3 senior citizens in America and is the sixth leading cause of death in our country. It destroys lives, erases memories, and robs people of their autonomy, their dignity, and their selfhood. There’s still much to be done before we see the end of this terrible disease, but for now, every bit helps. And, thanks to people like the Alz-Grinders, every day is one step closer.

While unfortunately Christine’s mother lost her battle with the disease last year, her memory lives on in her daughter’s work. Christine’s story resonated with me on a very personal level; my own mother was debilitated by a brain aneurysm in 2007, and I know what it’s like to see someone fade away. I’ve been wanting to post this interview for months, and finally, the pieces have fallen into place.

So, after an epic game of email tag, I finally got to ask Christine a few questions about the project. Check it out, and if you would like to donate to Grinding For a Cure, visit their Facebook page or snap up some sweet, sweet grind on their Bandcamp page.

So, what is Grinding for a Cure?

Grinding For A Cure is our way to spread Alzheimer’s awareness, raise funds for research, and to help families that are affected by this monstrous disease with music: extreme music. More specifically, grindcore!

What inspired you to start this project, and how did you choose grindcore as your primary medium?

My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around 2006. I had started working on a Facebook page and was throwing some ideas out to my friends. At first I was thinking about a metal auction, where band members would donate items and people could bid on them, but I hadn’t made any of this public yet. Then I met Dorian Rainwater from Noisear/Phobia. I believe his friend, Chris Messina from Swamp Gas was chatting with us one night and he busted out with the idea and came up with Alz-Grinder’s. It was fuckin’ brilliant! BOOM! All of a sudden I had two well established grinders with a lot of friends, and the project exploded! It was absolutely perfect.

Why is it so important to you personally to raise support and awareness of Alzheimer’s and those affected by the disease?

Raising money and awareness is so important to me because I do not want others to know this heartbreak and suffering that I know. I talk LOUD, because so many don’t. Alzheimer’s statistics are staggering, and in the years to come, almost everyone will probably know someone who is affected or be personally affected by this fucking disease.

In times of great strife, music has consistently been the the only thing I felt I could turn to to escape. Has metal – specifically extreme metal and grind – provided emotional support to you during your own troubles?

Music in general is magical! I love all types of music, but my heart lies in the more extreme end! I find it gets me through the rough times. Soilent Green is a band that gets me through the worst of times. I can’t explain the how, or the why, it just does. I told Ben Falgoust that and I think he thought it was funny or odd. He said he was glad it helped though. Music also connected me with my Mama. It amazed me that she would forget what happened 5 minutes ago, but when I played Elvis and other songs from her generation, she would come alive, she was all smiles and singing along. Every single word.

Since I first caught wind of Grinding for a Cure, you’ve put out several special releases under the Grindopolis420 banner, and are up to Volume 3 of the comp. That’s a LOT of grind! What kind of impact have you seen the project have so far?

After we finished Comp. #3, that brought us up to almost 300 bands! It has had a pretty big impact. I was so surprised to learn of so many others affected by this. We received so many e-mails from the bands, and from people who had an Alzheimer story of their own…people who didn’t used to talk about it, but are doing so now. That is just huge in itself.

How is the actual fundraising aspect going?

We have raised over $800, which is good, but I had way higher expectations. I do The Walk to End Alzheimer’s every year and all I do is post a link and bug the hell outta people to donate, and raised more than that in less than a month. I’m a Champion Fundraiser :) The money raised is still in an account. I had planned to donate it at last year’s Walk, but my Mom passes away two months before it, and I just couldn’t do it last year. I was and am still beyond devastated. I also wanted to wait until we raised more!

The plan now is to donate all the money at this year’s Walk in Dallas. It is in October, and the money will go to The Alzheimer’s Association. I chose them because the money goes to research and the services they provide for those afflicted and their families. They were a huge support for both my Mother and I.

How do you find bands to appear on the compilations? Do you put out an open call, or just contact your favorites?

I did not get one single band (well, maybe a few) to donate for the comps! All credit goes to Dorian and Chris! I love them both dearly for what they have done to make this happen! It was them, word of mouth from the bands involved and the posts we made on the facebook page.

What’s next for you guys? I feel like a Volume 4 would have to be a doom record.

I’m not sure what is next, but YES, I think we need to branch out with some compilations from other genres of METAL! Doom, Thrash, Death!!

What’s your ultimate goal for Grinding for a Cure?

The ultimate goal for us Alz-Grinder’s is to find a cure, and along the way towards that goal, to spread awareness, great music, and support. I am there for any and all that need advice, tips, or just need to vent! I have been down this road, from start to finish. I “get” it. I know.

Like our page, send us tracks, tell us your stories. I want to give huge thanks to each and every band involved, oh yeah, and FUCK ALZHEIMER’S!!!