Gates Of Ivory - Interview

Hey, Breathing The Core fans, here we bring you another interview of the Post-Hardcore band Gates Of Ivory from  USA, so here you can see and give a like their FACEBOOK PAGE.  We have nothing more to say, enjoy this excellent interview of this more excellent band. 

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

I remember we had put some ideas together for names but none of them seemed to click. I (Mel) liked the idea having the word ivory incorporated. I like to use metaphorical reference or something with meaning. I also had an idea of having it have something to do with dreaming.  I just remember trying a few word combinations and somehow the words “Gates Of Ivory” popped into my head. Of course when you come up with a band name you like you rush over to google. Just to make sure no one else has already had the idea first. Anyhow it felt almost perfect because when I had typed it into google I had found some references in greek passages called Through the gates of horn and ivory.  After reading a bit about the back meaning I knew it was meant to be.  According to the stories the Gates Of Ivory represent a specific kind of dream. A self though up illusion of what you want to be true. In a sense it’s ironic but any musician who has struggled to try to make a name for themselves can relate to those feelings of wanting something to come to pass and trying to stay motivated. The point behind it is that maybe people will think it is impossible but limitations are just boundaries we set for ourselves.  The Gates Of Ivory are like a cross between embracing the sometimes painful truth of reality (red pill) and the blissful ignorance of illusion (blue pill).

2.Why did you want to play this genre?  

We wanted to do something that was between hardcore and post that really accentuated the nostalgic, melodic, eerie feel. But at the same time add some dark heavy overtones as well as driving drums. Our sound has hints of Neo classic as well which is something we all personally like (classical music) so draw inspiration from that as well as so many other genres.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?  

Melissa and Stephanie are actually sisters! Anthoneal was in a former band with the girls called Arise From Ruin. After that project came to wraps there was a year or two down time before him and Mel decided to start a new band. They had previous band experience together for about 3 years or so. Jordan had been jamming with some of Anthoneal’s friends so they met and he shortly ended up trying out. He became the new addition. He did not know the other members until joining.

4. Each band member favourite band?  

Mel: This is kind of a hard one to answer. I like different elements of certain bands. I would have to say some of the bands I have been most inspired by closest to our genre is (BlessTheFall, Atreyu, Chiodos, Pierce The Veil, The Human Abstract, Nirvana, BMTH, A7x, Evanescence, August Burns Red.)

Steph: Tool, A Perfect Circle, Atreyu, Pierce The Veil, August Burns Red, The Human Abstract, Chiodos

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?  

I think for Jordan he has a certain ambience that he creates for each song. When he has come up with certain chord progressions I try to imagine that if the music was saying something…what kind of feeling would be behind those words? The inspiration just comes from our passion for music and expression. The lyrics are my way of embodying those feelings into words and connecting the mood. I write about dreams a lot as well as past experiences.

6. Where was your last gig?    

Our last gig was at the 601 bar in santa ana

7. Where would you like to play?  

We play anywhere from venues to bars. We would like to play anywhere we are wanted to be heard. 8. Whom would you like to feature with?  Guest Vocals are always something we talk about from time to time. It’s a hard call really though in a sense of figuring out who would sound best to accompany the music we have.

9. Whom not?

It would really depend on how they added to the song. Some people can pull a rabbit out of a hat and really surprise you with different vocal styles or technique. It would be up for debate until we heard it and agreed.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright?Any tip for beginners on how to beat that? 

I think everyone gets those jitters just before getting on stage. Especially when you are setting up to play. I think the most nerve wrecking thing is when your gear malfunctions on stage and you have to try to quickly rearrange and find a solution. Some of us still get nervous every so often but it is more of an excitement because once you start playing it goes away.

Just have a good time when you are up there. Everyone looks back and critiques themselves but honestly the most important thing is progressing. Everyone starts somewhere. Best advice… strive for improvement and perfection will follow. Practice will make perfect!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?  

Chiodos, BlessTheFall,Cross Faith, Dir En Grey, Pierce The Veil, We Came As Romans, Hands Like Houses, MemphisMayFire,Issues, Protest the Hero and so many more. Our inspi

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?  

One a guy asked me to sign his nipple with a sharpie. I was afraid the ink would give him cancer. Haha sheesh. It was pretty funny though because he kept showing people his chest.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We have been lucky enough to come across some awesome supporters. Nothing is better than coming across a post about the band from a re-share off someone else’s page. Word is mouth is so important and without all the support from our followers we wouldn’t be getting the word out as far. We are slowly growing our little pond of followers and it is amazing to get such good response. Whether they take a moment to listen to a song or share it with friends…they are the fuel to the fire that keeps us motivated. Nothing is more rewarding then knowing people are anticipating the next release of new music. We have mad respect for those who continue along with us on our journey. Nothing means more. So about our fans…Well??... they are the best!!

14. What do you think of our site?

Id have to say that I really love this site, for sure worth checking out.

15. Something to add?

We would like to add some fries with that shake and super-size the deal. Cuz Gates Milk shake brings all the… Haha. We just want to say thank you for thinking of us for the interview and that we are extremely stoked to be putting some new material out for you all. Our EP is coming soon and we have put up a little preview teaser for anyone interested. You can go shoot us a like on Facebook or subscribe to our Youtube channel. We will have more details regarding the EP release on our sites. Thanks again for having us. Much love from Gates!!