THE AGE OF FIRE SPEAKS

1.Introduce yourself and your band and tell us why we should listen to you.

Hello everyone! My name is Greg Brown. I’m in the band Age of Fire. Currently, it is a studio project where I do vocal, guitars, bass, and keys sometimes and use a few different drummers. I’m from the old South Florida thrash scene in the 80’s and early 90’s. After leaving the Miami area I moved to Virginia and studied classical music after getting burned out on the biz. Over the last couple of years I started picking up my electric again and really missed writing music in that style. Don’t get me wrong. I never stopped listening to metal. I think one of the coolest things about this band has been it’s evolution, we started off thrash and the newer stuff has hints on Satriani but heavier and even some Symphonic metal stuff. Kind of a fusion of my two loves, metal and classical music. The recent stuff has been more instrument but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way.

2.What do you classify your sound as, Who do you tell people you sound like?

I’d say we are classic metal, there’s some Metallica in there, Maiden but also a nod to Nightwish as well. I’d love to work with a female vocalist.

3.With digital music in today's world would you vote to keep or eliminate physical media?

I’d keep it for sure. With all of the compression we lose a lot to the overall sound. It is to have it on the go with you as well.

4.What is the reason you decided to be a musician and has that reason paid off?

I’ve been a musician for over 37 years. I would be lost without it. I’m always writing, creating and producing music, I can’t stop. I love performing for people and have played in front of thousands over the years. Yes, doing something you love is the pay off.

5.How do you feel about females in metal getting special attention? Do you feel it is fair?

I love the fact that more females are into and performing metal. Let there voice be heard! I think it is fair if the people recognize them for their talent and not a piece of ass.

6.In the world climate with hatred being at an all time high and metal being an “ angry” music

Do you think your music contributes to anger and hatred?

No, I think our music can be heavy but also melodic. For the most part our lyrics are fantastical, monsters, dragons, warriors, end of the world kinda stuff but not encouraging violence or hatred.

7.Are you opposed to religious beliefs or politics being used in music?

Not at all. Music is expression, leave it up to the people.

8.We have dive into some pretty deep issues here do you think your music sends a message and if so what is it?

We aren’t preachy. Age of Fire is a metal band. I think metal can convey so much of the range of human emotions and we try to do just that. We will have songs that touch on war but not into the politics of it just what it’s like to be a soldier in the front lines. We love fantasy and are huge Dio fans so there’s rainbows, dragons, wizards, all a great escape. I guess that’s what it comes down to is transporting others through music.

9.The market has changed and many bands believe that record labels are a thing of the past, with many labels now charging bands to “sign” how do you think a band can make it in todays scene?

There are so many avenues for musicians to get heard today. Bands have to be aware of the changing currents in the industry constantly to promote themselves. The best way I think a band can make it today is be present in the digital world but you still have to take it to the streets with shows and merch.

10.Why with the thousands of options including netflix , sporting events everything on demand

Why do you think people should take the time to listen to what you have to say in your music?

I think since we’ve been at this for a while I think there is something for everyone with our music. There is a nod to old school thrash and 80s underground metal but have also created a unique modern contemporary sound that separates us from others in the market now. Always evolving and changing.

11.How do you feel about pay to play? Do you think it is fair for a band to have to pay money to play?

I have never had to do that. I think it depends on the gig. Would I pay to be on Wacken? Hell yeah. In some dive bar, not so much. I’d hate to say never because it could be an opportunity.

12.It is fact that you are the talent and the entertainment explain what you think is the most important key to success?

Perseverance. You have to keep at it. Constantly. It’s like a circle, writing, recording, promoting, gigs and repeat. You have to love it and stand behind your work, you will find an audience and they will find you.

13.In country music and even in some cases rock music is written and performed by different people would your band perform a song written by someone else?

I think if we could put our stamp on it sure. It would have to be something special and meaningful to us. There are bands that I love the covers to, Van Halen, Helloween, and Sanctuary jump to mind.

14.If you are pro female in music are you pro using sex to sell your music? n/a

15.What is your view on the lawsuits against people saying lewd or unprofessional things to women or men and how does that affect an art described as sex drugs and rock n roll ?

I see a lot of hate on some online forums. I’m not aware of any lawsuits, that’s very sad. I’m not sure why people have to be mean or belittle other artists. If you don’t like it don’t watch or listen, I don’t see a need to be cruel.

16. Ok lets lighten up a bit. What is your favorite band of all time and why?

That’s tough. Depends on the decade of my life. I was a huge Van Halen fan, then Dio, Maiden but without a doubt one of my favorite all time bands is Nevermore. There were so tight, phenomenal musicians and of course Warrell. He’s sadly missed. He was like the Jim Morrison of metal, such a poet.

17.What would you be doing if you were not in a band?

I’d be into astronomy and human space exploration. I actually do some work for some non-profits on the side.

18. Do you have a favorite sports team?

I don’t follow sports too closely but I love watching olympic hockey and soccer.

19.If you could get on stage with anyone dead or alive who would it be?

Black Sabbath with Ozzy or Dio

20.This is your shot to let loose, Throw down your biggest complaint about the music biz.

The amount of money that streaming companies pays the artists is criminal. It’s crazy to think you can have thousands of streams and would be lucky if you had enough to buy a pizza. I’m not sure how or if that would go away. There is no legislation or they have no interest in changing it so musicians get seriously screwed.