Liam - Band Interview

What first drew you to metal, and which bands had the biggest influence on your sound?

System of a Down when I was 14/15 was my first. Chop Suey, when released as a single first bridged that gap between the heavier music that I'd heard while making the harsh vocals more accessible. Of course back then I was still of the mindset of “the screaming got in the way”. SOAD were the first band that helped me start crossing that line and learning to understand that while screaming was harsh, it could also be viewed as the vocals being another instrument to compliment the aggression of the music behind it. 

Bands that had the biggest influence? Too many to name cos ADHD. I'd prefer to state those that have a current influence on me. Cannibal Corpse, Chimaira, Archspire, Gaerea, The Acacia Strain

Do you remember the moment you decided music was something you wanted to dedicate your life to?

When I was 17 I met the bass player from my first, and still to this day only previous band. We talked about A7X a lot and decided to give playing music a go. I played guitar back then. I knew a drummer, and it turned out his band at the time split up. When he told me, my answer, word for word was “Oh good, I need a drummer”. He said he was only interested if his brother could come, so obviously I agreed. We had a 3 hour jam. By the end, we'd 90% written our first song and were all shaking hands and smiling before we packed up. It all clicked in that moment. This was all I wanted

Who has been the biggest influence on you as a musician, both on and off the stage?

My brother because he's better than me and I have to keep up

What's one song you've written that means the most to you personally, and why?

“When We Die”. I was reading crap online one night on my phone about the idea of the afterlife. It stuck with me. The next morning at 5am while driving to work, I was still pondering some of the ideas I read. I went on to write that song about the afterlife. Is it real? How would we know? What difference does it even make if it is? A week later, my Nan died. Now it sticks with me even though I know she can't tell me anyway

How has being in a metal band changed you as a person?

I'm more annoying cos it's almost all I think about. I'm sure I bore and irritate people with it given it's almost all I talk about. I don't care, I'll keep doing it anyway

When you're not making music, what do you do to unwind or find inspiration?

I read or blow shit up on my Xbox. I go to gigs as well. Just cos I'm not making noise, I can still appreciate others doing it