Laura Williams INTERVIEWS / Illusions Of Grandeur

 Illusions Of Grandeur

October 2020

Interviewed by:

Laura Williams

Vinyl Lollipops

Photo courtesy of:

CM Carroll

Illusions Of Grandeur is:

The Siren - Vocals (Maggie Carlton)

The Archangel - Bass (CM Carroll)

Ares - Drums (Ted Domzalski)

Laura:

What genre of music do you consider Illusions Of Grandeur to be?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

Theatrical hard rock/melodic metal.

Laura:

What's the ultimate direction for your band?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

World domination haha, just kidding.

Seriously, the ultimate direction for us is to tour as much as possible, write as much as possible, and put on the most amazing live show people will not forget.

Laura:

How would you describe your music making process?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

Since we started, our songs have been written music first, lyrics and melody once the music is in place. We just recently decided to try writing in different ways to see what new ideas we could come up with. Guitar and bass tend to be first. We’re fortunate, we have our studio right at our fingertips, so it’s easy to lay down tracks when we have ideas. Now our drummer is coming up with ideas and throws us the challenge of working drums first. As the singer and lyricist, I’m going to do the same thing. I’ll come up with songs, sing them a cappella, and let the guys build around them.

Laura:

Why call the band, “Illusions Of Grandeur?”

Illusions Of Grandeur:

Remember when Craigslist was an interesting place to find bands? I (Maggie) can’t count how many ads I read for bands that claimed they had “no illusions of grandeur.” Since I can remember, this has been what I wanted to do, so why not? Why not have illusions of grandeur? I knew then, that’s what I wanted to call my band.

Laura:

What should fans expect to experience at a show?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

Just that... a show! From cosplay Viking-like warrior costumes, war paint, lights and fog, to intense showmanship and excellent musicianship. We like to leave you with an experience that you won’t forget. I’m not afraid to look the crowd in the eye as I am emoting the way the music makes me feel. We feed off the energy of the fans and pull them into our world while we’re on stage.

Laura:

Typical question here. Who has influenced you the most via music?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

Korn, In This Moment, Judas Priest, and Queen.

Laura:

How can fans and future fans locate, listen to and buy your music?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

Our music is available on all music platforms including but not limited to iTunes, Spotify, CD Baby, Amazon music, YouTube, and of course you can go to Facebook or Instagram for links, as well as www.iogmusic.com

Laura:

Is there anything else you would like your fans to know?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

We appreciate each and every one of you!

Laura:

What's coming up next for Illusions Of Grandeur?

Illusions Of Grandeur:

Our second album, The Siren, is being mixed and mastered as I am writing this! We took advantage of the COVID downtime to write and record. Our first single, Crossing Over, dropped on October 16th. We have music video shoots coming up and we’re in the beginning stages of planning our overseas tour for 2021!

Laura Williams

©️Vinyl Lollipops

All Rights Reserved.

DEEP AND HARD BASS INTERVIEW / SCOTT MACHINES IN BLAST

 

1.Why Bass?

 I've been playing bass for a while, started with guitar. I picked up during a few jam sessions with friends and one day about 15 years ago a band I knew needed a bass player so went out and bought one and joined the band.

 

2.Do you think it is unfair or just lack of knowledge bass gets so little credit?

I think bass is more important than some give credit as it is more important to be a solid rhythmic instrument with bass and not just melodical to keep the backbone of the beat going along with the drums.

 

 

3.What kind of bass do you use? Model , color , year , And why

Black Schecter Diamond Damien Series. Why? It's decently priced, has a solid sound, and I was sold on the bat inlays as well.

 

 

4.Tell us about your amplification

I run into and Ibanez Tube Screamer pedal and a Fender Rumble 200 into an Avatar 2x12 cab. On occasion I use a Sans Amp Bass DI as well. Simple setup but packs the right amount of punch.

 

 

5. With all of that being said do you feel tone is an important thing for bass?

Of course! Tone is always important, it defines your bands sound.

 

6.Do you prefer 5 strings over 4 string?

Depends on what style and what the guitarist is using. Usually I'll go for a 4 though.

 

7.Who is your favorite bassist?

Les Claypool

 

 

8. Who is your least favorite bassist?

Don't have one.

 

 

9.Why do you think women seem to be attracted to playing bass?

I can't really answer that, I know more women who play guitar instead of bass.

 

 

10. What bassist dead or alive would you like a private lesson with?

I'm open to jam with anyone. Preferably alive, a corpse seems like I'd have the unfair advantage and probably wouldn't keep up with anything I'm playing.

 

11. Bonus question

Bobby Doll , Nikki Sixx , Les Claypool , Billy Sheehan  which is more ridiculous and why

Not sure how to answer because ridiculous can mean many things.

BATTERY DRM INTERVIEW David Sylvester. Palenium.

 1.What is your name and what band do you play for? David Sylvester. Palenium.

2.Who made you want to play drums and why?  When I was 12 years old, I had a brain aneurysm and stroke. As part of my rehabilitation, I needed to choose an instrument to help regain control and use of my right side.  Other instruments, like guitar, required fine motor skill and sensitivity that I didn’t have at the time, but drums seemed to be the one instrument that I clicked with. 

3.When did you get your first kit? Tell us about it…  My parents bought me my first kit for my 12th birthday.  It was a blue 5-piece Mach kit. I used the kit for about four years and then sold it and saved up money for the current kit that I have.

4.Where your parents supportive of you and your loud / expensive new habit?  Surprisingly, yes.  They frequently told me to keep it down, but overall they supported my playing. 

5.What drum performance on an album is perfection to you? Phil Collin’s drum fill-in on the toms in “In the Air Tonight” is one of my favorites. 

6.Tell us about your current kit and set up in DETAIL.  Currently, I have a 5-piece Yamaha Stage Custom kit in flat black.  I use Zildjian and Sabian cymbals, 3 crashes, 1 ride,  and a hi-hat.  I also play on a pork pie squealer for my snare. For my top heads, I use Aquarian heads and on the bottom heads, I use Remo.

7.If you could have a dream kit tell us about it in DETAIL  I would love to have Danny Carey’s drum set and that is all there is to it. LOL

8.Name your top 5 drummers excluding Neil Peart and Mike Portnoy.  John Bonham, Brad Wilkes, Lars Ulrich, Keith Moon, and Danny Carey.

9. Do you prefer Live or Studio?  I prefer live. 

10.Do drummers really get all the chicks and if so how do we convince the guitarist?  No, it’s just a myth. But if I’m wrong and you’re right, let me know how it’s done. LOL

BATTERY DRUM INTERVIEW Thibaud / Swarmageddon

 

1. What is your name and what band do you play for ?

Hi. My name is Thibaud and I play drums for Swarmageddon (Besançon, France).

 

2. Who made you want to play drums and why ?

I entered the world of music playing very young, as a saxophonist. I started drums in parallel, in a music school, when I was in college, mainly because of three things : the metal music I was listening to (and my fascination for this instrument I could hear), the opportunity of beeing in a band (punk one at the time), and because I always wanted to play this instrument (didn’t have the space for at first, and chose saxophon... what I absolutely don’t regret). But if I’ve to answer to the question « who », I can just say : my dad.

 

3. When did you get your first kit? Tell us about it…

Wow, that was a very simple, basic and cheap one (from the « Deep » brand) I got from my parents when beginning learning drums at the music school, with just a hi-hat, a crash and a ride. Basic and cheap, but it did the job for many years... notably including a heavy brass Mapex snare and my first double pedal.

 

4. Where your parents supportive of you and your loud / expensive new habit ?

It took years, but they finally accepted my new habit. For this, my dad built me a small drum studio in my parent’s house basement. I could this way play at a bearable volume for their ears and brains (especially when playing along some System of a Down... and even more, Cryptopsy stuff).

 

5. What drum performance on an album is perfection to you ?

I would say Alex Rudinger on « Conquering Dystopia » eponym album. Just listen and drool... no need to say more.

 

6. Tell us about your current kit and set up in DETAIL.

I often change my kit configuration, trying new options, from small kits to bigger ones (I’m currently tending to reduce my drumkit). My latest kit consists of a Pearl Master Custom MMX (08’’, 10’’, 12’’, 16’’, 22’’), with Meinl cymbals (mainly Byzance Serie), mounted on a Pearl DR502 C rack (or DW boomstands, depending on the stage configuration), DW hardware, Axis Longboard Double Pedal with Footblaster triggers (they are just awesome), and a Roland TM-2 module. I recently switched my deep Vinnie Paul signature snare for a Van Kleef Custom « 7empest » full bronze 14’’x8’’ one.

 

7. If you could have a dream kit tell us about it in DETAIL.

I’ve to much type of dream kit and configurations in mind to just choose one at that time. But Alan (Van Kleef), if you hear me, a full custom aluminium drum kit would be more than a dream (keep in touch again with you in the future... not too far I hope).

 

8. Name your top 5 drummers excluding Neil Peart and Mike Portnoy.

If I’ve to choose (and it’s quite a hard thing), I would say : Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy - For introducing me to Extreme Drumming), Danny Carey (Tool - For his recognizable and creative polyrhythmic fills, acoustic/electronic mixing), Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders - For his amazing ghost notes and chops grooves), Travis Orbin (Darkest Hour - This man is just a freaking beast... a machine) and Chris Coleman (Independent - Groove, feeling and power united).

 

9. Do you prefer Live or Studio ?

Definitely Live, for that special adrenaline rush feeling I get when beeing on stage, and for the musical sharing with the band and the public.

10.Do drummers really get all the chicks and if so how do we convince the guitarist ?

If you put forward the fact that I’m currently the only single guy in the band... the question is quickly answered. Kisses.

 

 

Credits :Dark’n Light -2019

PAROUSIA INTERVIEW

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

Hi, I’m Trace Taylor, a solo singer, song-writer and composer. I have a core three-piece band who accompanies me at times and when we go out as a team, we are called Trace & The Resonators. Trace carries bags of energy and is an engaging performer. The sound, lyrics and performance are fresh, innovative, and inspiring with a touch of soul.

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

Singer and performer Trace most of the time gets likened to Annie Lennox, Florence Welch and Alanis Morissette. Drummer Ween is likened to Keith Moon of The Who and bass/guitarist Pete Townsend (not from The Who lol!) is often thought to sound like Stanley Clarke, the bassist from the jazz band Return To Forever. Put all that together…!

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

I love physical media. I still find it easier to pop a CD on in the car.

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

It has felt a life-long call. It has been a growing passion that even though I’ve tried to walk away from at times, I’ve always found myself back on that road. I’ve always loved writing songs since the age of 11 and honing those skills, along with my vocal, performance and musical skills the years, I feel that it has definitely paid off. I may not be earning loads from the craft, but I am so pleased I have reached the level of skill I have. Hopefully, more people will begin to hear my music and be touched by it as I start to launch out now, after years of preparation.

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

As a rookie into the arena, it’s not something I realised was the case. But as you have mentioned it, I don’t see why it is necessary - it could feed feminists out there. However, I don’t know the history.

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?

 

My song carries a message of hope. However, there may be those who react against the One whom the song is about, for it is very black and white. Anger, even hatred may be stirred up as a result. At the other end of the spectrum, there may be those who feel emotions of tears and sweet freedom as a result of listening to ‘Parousia’. My intention is to get the listener to consider the One whom the song is about and the reality of his saving mission.

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

No - my song is. However, it is important it carries a message of hope.

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

Yes - see answer to #6 above. In addition what i will say is that ‘Parousia’ means “The Return” in Greek, alluding specifically to the return of Jesus Christ.

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?

Most likely through independents such as yourselves taking hold of different aspects of an artist ’s needs. So maybe more of a collaborative effort amongst initiatives rather than one big label (whom I’ve never really trusted the idea of…) I also hope that artists don’t go to desperate self-deprivation measures in order to gain fame and make it.

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?

Because music is a language of the heart. It has the ability to reach deep into the soul and essence of a person and stir emotions in a way that is different and longer lasting than TV, film or sports. The beauty of music, of a song, is that there is a gift embedded and that is the gift of recall. That is why lyrics in a song are so important. What we listen to gets stored in our memory banks and can often replay itself in our minds. Create a song with a groovy hook, it can keep you singing along for hours, feeling upbeat. Create a song with suicide and lyrics of death in them, then that is what the psyche will feed on to the person who chooses to listen over and over. It’s important we send out good vibrations. Vibrations that pertain to life. People should listen to what I have to say in my music, because the lyrics uplift and challenge in a positive way to consider our lives, the way we are living, the future, even our eternal destiny.

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?

No, I do not think it is fair. Most of us have invested our own hard-earned cash into our recording projects, which can cost thousands. To then be able to sell that track for 99p feels criminal in itself! But to have to further pay to get our music played, when it is a gift we are giving to the people, that really is total lack of respect towards the artist and any company doing so would be seen for who they really are: Only interested in lining their own pockets and using the artist for their own ends.

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

As the talent and the entertainment I think the most important key to success is 1/ the ability to think outside of the box and think innovatively when it comes to putting on a show -especially in this climate. How can we make it happen for them? 2/ It is key, when on stage, to be able to engage and build a rap-pour with the audience and draw them into my world. It is important that this continues off-stage. That somehow, through listening to my music outside of gigs as well as any live interactions they may have, that individuals feel they know me, with a resonance of who and what I’m about.

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?

Yes, if it was lyrically positive.

14.If you are pro female in music are you pro using sex to sell

BAD ASSES WOR JOIN METAL COFFEE

L-R – Phillip Funderburk – Bass, David Nisoff – Guitar, Bobby Demoss – Vocals, Hunter Crews – Drums, Ben Kaiser – Guitar

Photo Credit – Matthew Wonderly

WoR is a groove metal quintet from Raleigh, North Carolina. Their music combines aggressive riffs, harmonic leads, and tasteful breakdowns with the infectious anti-authoritarian lyrics of vocalist Bobby DeMoss.

WoR was founded in 2018 by guitarist Ben Kaiser who at the time was finishing up his college football career playing offensive line at NC State. The band was initially an escape from the rigors of the sport, and at the end of his career, he decided to give the band a legitimate go.

After cycling through a variety of members early on, WoR was joined by Bobby Demoss, the charismatic frontman who has the ability to draw in even the toughest crowd; his unique screaming style and passionate lyrics helped shape WoR’s groundbreaking identity from the get-go. In 2019, Phil Funderburk, the glue who keeps the band and the music together, joined on bass; David Nisoff, in charge of mind-blowing solos that capture everyone’s attention, joined as the second guitarist, and Hunter Crews, a consistent timekeeper and a seasoned veteran in the music business solidified the lineup as the bands’ drummer.

By the spring of 2019, WoR had begun to debut their music at live shows throughout the southeast region of the United States and played with the likes of Upon A Burning Body, Atilla, and Warbringer just to name a few.

Working collaboratively, WoR’s music focuses on various different current events using powerful lyrics to offer a unique insight into the things going on in our lives and in the world. After working closely with producer Joe Alonzo Potts and audio engineer Shaun Singerling, they plan to release their debut album “Prisoners” on August 7th, 2020, which features brutal tracks such as ‘Caged’ and ‘Predator’ in addition to melodic anthems such as ‘VI King’s.

In 2020 and 2021, WoR has extensive tours scheduled to support the release of their debut album “Prisoners”. WoR’s live shows are extremely energetic with fan involvement being a common theme. Demoss does a phenomenal job of breaking down the fourth wall and getting the crowd involved at their shows making way for insane mosh pits. It is the band’s credo that they give it their all for whatever time they are on stage whether they are playing to 2,000 people or 200 people.

Endorsements:

Ben Kaiser is endorsed by Solar Guitars and Mesa Boogie Amplification

Hunter Crews is endorsed by Los Cabos Drum Sticks

Shared Stage with:

Warbringer, Upon a Burning Body,  Enforcer, Of Virtue, Atilla, Butcher Babies, Outlier

Tours and Festivals:

2020- Blue Ridge Rock Festival, VA

2020- Metal in the Mountains, WV

VOKILLS INTERVIEW Evan Mitchell and I sing for Machines on Blast.

 

www.facebook.com/machinesonblast

 

1.Please introduce yourself and tell us who you sing for

 

My name is Evan Mitchell and I sing for Machines on Blast.

 

2.What / Who made you want to sing?

 

I was a drummer by trade. When I first started writing for what is now Machines on Blast, I started tracking scratch vocals for the demo songs and found out I kind of had a voice that was working with the tone of the songs. So I stuck with it, and here we are!

 

3.Who was the first singer you saw live that gave you chills?

 

There were two vocalists that stand out for the "chills" moment.Peter Murphy singing an acoustic version of David Bowie's Major Tom, and the first time I saw Gary Newman.

 

4.Many people say heavy music is just screaming, How would you combat that statement?

 

A lot of it has that element for sure, but there are many heavy bands that are able to mix up their vocal stylings for a more diverse sound.

 

5.If you growl or do harsh vocals how do you keep your voice after such violent performances?

Well, using proper singing techniques and air control my throat rarely ever gets sore, but when it does, there is a calming tea called "Throat of Lucifer" that I drink.

 

6. Do you have a warm up routine? Tell u bout it ?

I will just do a 5 - 10 minute scale routine, nothing fancy.

 

7. Do you think power or performance is more important?

if you can combine them both then you are golden. With that being said some of the best performances I have ever seen have been a sloppy mess, but the energy and the vibe were at 100%

 

8. Who do you think gets unfair vocal praise, someone the world thinks is great but is not? / And who is great but does not get the credit?

 

People like what they like. Something in their brain says "wow that is good, or wow that is bad" . I really have no idea who is over/underrated. The world could use another Peter Steele, and Sam Carter from the Architects is super dope!

 

9.Name your top 5 vocalist

Dio

Halford

Sam Carter

Roger Waters

Gary Newman

 

10.Micheal Buble or Jim Gallette? Just testing your skills here

Oh Nitro, maybe if Jim didn't abuse Lita Ford...

 

11.Who do you love to listen to that would surprise people?.

I rarely listen to the type of music I write. I normally stay with Swampy blues music and Motown.

 

12.If you could remove the autotune from any singer who would it be?

Cher, just to see if she would still believe in life after love!

AGONY INCORPERATED JOIN METAL COFFEE

ttps://www.facebook.com/agonyincorporated/

ttps://agony-incorporated.constantcontactsites.com/

 

MORE FREE METAL

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2qvublou22xr8a9/METAL_COFFEE_SPOOKY_.zip?dl=0

 

FREE METAL !

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4i9txjv27p4zcew/UNDERGROUND_HELL_FROM_METAL_COFFEE_NEW_SINGLES_mp3.zip?dl=0

 

WORLD PREMIER OF DEVIL IN THE MIST "MERCY" VIDEO

Devil In The Mist  - ( copywrite  2020  Mercy )   Featuring  GIA  G/ Gia  Federico  , Katy Reign ,  Mark Geanakakis , Paul Angle ,  Jeff Chaves .  Video takes off where our last music video   Secret  leaves off .  Filmed by Katy Reign  ,  Gia Federico , Richard Marr.   Film  Edited by  Katy Reign . Song recorded at Galaxy Park Studio by Richard  Marr ,  Interwoven Studio by Gia Federico . Engineered , mixed , mastered at Galaxy Park Studio by Richard Marr . Make up , Hair done by GIA G ,  Katy Reign .   

Devil  In The Mist  is signed with  @SliptrickRecordsTV    .  Managed by  Pitch fork Syndicate .   GIA G   is  Endorsed  with    @Seymour Duncan    Coffin Case  ,Emperor Cabinets, SIT Strings , ZT Amplifier ,  WB Gear ,  Best Tronics Cables , Swiss picks ,  Pick Guy Guitar Picks ,  Viper Guitars ,  Revv Amplifier , Big Bends Nut Sauce 

GIA G  also  uses   @JacksonGuitarsUSA     @Marshall Amplification    @Peavey Electronics    @OfficialFloydRose       To purchase  Devil  In The Mist  music  , go to any of these sites -   CD Baby -   https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/Devil

Band camp -  https://devilinthemist.bandcamp.com/

Spotify -   https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/

...

Devil In The Mist  is -  

GIA G / Gia Federico -  Guitars , Keyboards 

Katy Reign -  Vocals

Paul Engle - Bass 

Mark Geanakakis -  Drums

The Metal Times REVIEW FROM HELL Christian Wilson : Self Imposed Exile

 

The Metal Times

Christian Wilson, Obsidian Rose Entertainment

Band Review #5

Band: Self Imposed Exile

Track(s): Mountainside EP

Self imposed exile is a 5 piece prog. blackened death metal band Hailing from Streator Illinois. This review will be covering their debut EP titled "Mountainside", which features tracks: Anchor, Calling of the Haunted, Mountainside, Breaking of the Circle, Fire Cleansed, Necessary Regression. Being a prog blackened death metal band, i went into this EP expecting a full frontal assault, just raw energy being hurled my war in an intense barrage of blast beats and shreds. However, what I got was very different, instead it was an elegant and melodic sound that still carried the weight of power I was expecting and it was wonderfully surprising. It's not all the time that you can listen to a band like this and still find the beauty in how well the sounds are put together. 'This all truly came to light in the second and third track on the EP, "Calling of the Haunted" and title track "Mountainside". Both are very strong melodic pieces that i personally find as the standouts of this EP, as they do everything extremely well. The vocals hold that raw rougher sound that makes this genre special, which is easy to mess up and if done wrong would deter someone away from listening to blackened death metal, however these guys absolutely nail it on the head and they remain true to form, while also being very easy to listen to, and would make a good starting point for anyone interested in the genre for the first time. Jumping over to the guitars, they are timed exceptionally well and you can tell how well they click together, notably in title track "Mountainside" as everything is timed to precision that compliments other aspects of the songs very well. Moving over to drums, we're going to point out and bring up "Breaking of the circle". This one didn't stand out enough for me personally to name it as a favourite, however it is important to note due to the technical prowess on the drums. Although it isn't a constant barrage of blast beats or anything similar, you still feel every bit of power behind each hit and it just goes to show that you don't have to play lightning quick to show your stuff. In this track, we got a more paced out, melodic sound that holds well and really accents the transitions on guitar.

NEW ALBUM INTERVIEW : SWARMAGEDDON

 

1.Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Grinder! You have a new album out, Tell us about it!

That’s right! Our new album “Inhuman” is out since October 3rd. 

This is an 8 tracks album of Progressive/Melodic Death Metal but this is more different from what you can expect from this label. There is no barrier in our writing process. You can find Death, Slam, Electro, Clean singing and black influence mixed in a way that is still coherent. That makes us sound different.

2.Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?

It was recorded at the Psyrus Studio, in the east of France by Damien Dausch. We have worked with him for our previous EP and we liked his work.

All the songs are new and have been written after the EP was recorded in 2018.

3.What is the biggest difference between your last release and the new one?

Our previous release was in a Spacial SF universe, with aliens et co. The new one takes place in a post-apocalyptic background and is about the consequences of what humans are doing right now.

Musically, the main difference is the presence of clean vocals and the solos of our new guitarist Morgan that are awesome. Globally, the writing is more wild and intuitive than previously. We wanted those songs to be more live friendly. 

4.Are you signed to a label? , If so which one and how did they help or support the process?

No, at this time we are not. We would like it if one came with a good deal. 

5.What has been going on with the band between albums? Did you tour?

We performed some concerts to promote the EP, writing the news song for the album. We have also been searching for a new bassist and a new guitarist. And this is something hard to find in France in this style of music. 

6.Do you have any new members?

Yes, that’s right.

Ludovic the bass player joined the band a few times after the release of the EP, and Morgan joined the band a few days before the studio record of the Album. They are both very talented musicians, and we love the way they are implicated in the band right now. 

7.Who produced the new album and how did they affect the album?

This album is an auto production so.. nobody is telling us what to do, and at this time, it’s a good thing. We want to be able to do what we want unless there is someone very talented in it to help us make our tracks better. 

8.Some like to record naked or in the dark with candles, Did you have any strange studio practices?

Absolutely no strange practice for us! Sorry! No weird story to tell!

9.Of course tell us where to pick up your album and how to learn more about you.

We made our own website to be able to sell our album and our merch.

https://swarmageddon.com/shop/

The social network we are the more active are :

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SWRMGDDN/

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/swarmageddon/

You can also find us on every streaming platform and BandCamp 

BANDCAMP :https://swarmageddon.bandcamp.com/track/blood-stained-origami

SPOTIFY : https://open.spotify.com/artist/60cVHI0VdCJlya7ahCyIzg

10.What are your plans now that the new album is out?

As touring and performing concerts will be hard with the COVID-19, we are aiming to produce content for the web. The writing of the next album has already started too. We have to find different things to promote our music.

NEW ALBUM INTERVIEW : MACHINES ON BLAST

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

 

My name is Evan Mitchell and my band is called Machines on Blast. Our latest album, Black Market Happiness,  is a diverse blend of metal stylings all wrapped within an industrial metal package that remains completely authentic from concept to delivery. This is album is aggressive. this album is emotional. This album is loud. Check it out.”

 

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

We fall into the Industrial Metal & Alternative Metal category, but we also have songs that stray from that and live in the Rock world. I don't like to use other bands to describe our sound, but I have been told that we have a Fear Factory, Static X, DevilDriver vibe.

 

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

 100% keep. It may be on a smaller scale now, but plenty of people still buy physical media.

 

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

It's just something that is in my blood. If I'm not working on music or art I feel completely lost. Has it paid off? Sure, keeping my sanity is super important.

 

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

I have no issues with it, we are all just trying to get to ahead and some people will have an easier path than others, that's life!

 

6.In the world climate with hatred being at an all-time high and metal being “ angry” music, Do you think your music contributes to anger and hatred?

Not at all, if anything "angry" music provides an outlet of relief for its listeners.

 

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

Write and speak your mind, I'm in no position to judge.

 

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

Every release will have its own message. Our current release, Black Market Happiness, deals with the complex world of mental health as a whole. Touching on the causes and effects that seem to surround so many, though so few are comfortable enough to talk about it themselves.  

 

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 today's scene?

It's hit or miss and it all depends on how good your negotiation skills are. If said label has the money and is willing to sink it into the development and promotion of your band that is above and beyond what you can do as an independent artist, then you might want to put some serious thought into what they are offering. Just be careful because I see countless bands signing to smaller labels (because it's exciting to say you got signed) then a few weeks or months later you never see any push from these labels. So what was gained?

 

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'm no one special, just an artist who sings about my life's thoughts and adventures in a realistic form. So if that interests you, I would love to have you come along for the ride!

 

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?

It has been and will always be a garbage practice, I watched it

first hand destroy the Los Angeles music scene. All you end up getting is a bunch of opening acts that don't fit the theme of the night and got booked because they were willing to pay the cost. The community notices this trend and that is why few people take the time to come and see the opening local acts. Passing the cost on to the local bands because the promoter can't afford the cost of the headliner. That is all it is, minus a few exceptions to the rule. With what some of these people are trying to charge local bands to play one show, with just a few hundred dollars more, you could just buy on to 5 or 6 dates of the tour directly.

 

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

Persistence and knowing if what you are writing is great or it's shit. Always be totally honest with yourself and what you create, then you got a solid foundation to move up.

 

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?

Sure, if it fits the vibe of what we do.

 

14.If you are pro-female in music are you pro using sex to sell your music?

Do whatever gimmick you think is going to work for you.

 

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?

My answers would have to be on a case by case basis, I'm not going to give a broad answer for situations I know little about, but with that being said, Treat people with respect and kindness and don't be a douche.

 

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

 I don't have a favorite band, I dig all music for all different reasons, just depends on the mood I'm in at the time. Type O Negative's October Rust is currently playing.

 

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

 If I was not in a band, I would just be writing solo, the creativity will never end!

 

18. Do you have a favorite sports team? Negative

 

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

I would love to be on stage with The Marshall Tucker Band and sing "Can't you see."

 

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

It is what it is. It has never been a welcoming or easy business to navigate through, and never will be.