Ghost Heart - Interview

Hey, Breathing The Core fans, here we bring you another interview of the Melodic Hardcore/Metalcore band Ghost Heart from USA, so here you can see and give a like to his FACEBOOK PAGE. We have nothing more to say, so enjoy this interview!

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

Nick: “When we were trying to figure out a name, we wanted something simple, but memorable. We really liked the imagery that came to mind with the word "ghost", and around that same time, there was a picture floating around of a heart that had been decellularized so that it could be put into anyone without chance of it being rejected by the body, and that was being called a "ghost heart" because of the heart being entirely white. We thought that it sounded really cool, and just kind of went with it from there.”

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Nick: “I always find myself conflicted about whether I want to play “heavy” music or melodic music, and this is about as close as I can get to a middle ground between those two.”

Dylan: “I enjoy things that are fast, aggressive, and angry.”

Kevin: “As a musician and performer I feel I must challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone. Metalcore allows me to do this with its complex rhythmic patterns and "heavy" themes.”

Taylor: “I enjoy the aggressive energy/pure heart, complex & groovy rhythms, and intricate musicianship of metal music.”

Ethan: “I've been listening to metalcore for most of my adult life, and as a result have wanted to be in a metalcore band for as long as I've been in music. It's fast, it's fun, it's challenging, and it requires you as a musician to be on your toes in terms of knowing your instrument. It's a blast.”

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

Nick: “Taylor and I knew each other from around the local music scene, and we also played together in a band previous to Ghost Heart. We kind of went through a cycle of members for a bit, but Taylor suggested a couple former students of his, Dylan and Kevin, who joined the project. When another member left, Dylan and Kevin suggested Ethan, who they knew, and that solidified the current line-up, which has been going strong since then.”

4.Each band member’s favourite band?

Nick: “I listen to a variety of things, so I find it really hard to name any favorites. I will say that lately I’ve been on a melodic hardcore binge, so that’s my preference as of late. One example would be the band Casey.”

Dylan: “Going back to my roots, I'd say System of a Down and Slipknot.”

Kevin: “Streetlight Manifesto.”

Taylor: “Two of my favorite bands have always been Dream Theater and Killswitch Engage.”

Ethan: “Right now I’d have to say Real Friends or The Story So Far. I absolutely love the guitar work and chords used in both bands. They’re simple, but they hit me in the heart. I love ‘em.”

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Nick: “Sometimes when I'm listening to music, ideas will pop into my head, and I'll sit down and just kind of see where it goes. Other times, I'll have an idea of what I want to write lyrics about, and I'll try to write music that fits the tone or mood of what I want to write about. Lyrically, and purely by coincidence, some of the songs are based around the concept of spirits who can't pass over, so they're just wandering the Earth (ghosts), and the rest of the songs are about personal experiences or thoughts from my life (songs from the heart).

6. Where was your last gig?

Nick: “Our most recent show was in our hometown, Spokane, WA, at The Pin, playing with Forevermore. It was kind of a last minute show they booked as they were traveling to Seattle to start a tour (I believe with Emery, Sleeping Giant, and Wolves At The Gate), but it was fun.”

7.Where would you like to act?

Nick: “I would love to travel and see the nation (or the world), but on a smaller scale, I’d really enjoy playing an outdoor festival of some sort. Haven’t really gotten many chances to play outdoors shows.”

Dylan: “The Knitting Factory.”

Kevin: “Anywhere and everywhere.”

Taylor: “I would like to play a big outdoor festival, like Warped Tour or Ozzfest. Anything on an outdoor stage would be fun.”

Ethan: “If we could play a show in Japan, that would be an absolute dream come true. Ask any of the guys in the band; I’m a pretty big weeaboo. I’ve got some friends there and am trying to learn the language, so to have the opportunity to go there and play music would be sick.”

8.Whom would you like to feature with?

Nick: “Much like trying to decide what my favorite band is, I don’t have a solid answer for this, as it would change depending on my mood.”

Dylan: “Local bands, like Collateral Damage.”

Kevin: “Music is a community. I will play with anyone of any skill level to better myself and that community.”

Taylor: “I would love to play with Misery Signals, Darkest Hour, Born Of Osiris, or any of the bands I consider to be a similar genre to us and/or that I’m a fan of.”

Ethan: “August Burns Red, hands down. They are my favorite band in the genre, and, in my own personal opinion, the best in the scene. I love the message that their lyrics bring and the Heart Support community that the vocalist, Jake Luhrs, started.”

9.Whom not?

Nick: “It’s hard to say, because I don’t want to say no to something without giving it a chance, but based solely on reputation, there’s a few bands/artists that I would be hesitant about.”

Dylan: “Any band with a big ego.”

Kevin: “Ethan Erickson. He’s the worst. Smells like moldy potatoes.”

Taylor: “I would not like to play with any other band/artist that has a big ego or isn’t kind of fun to be around.”

Ethan: “I would never play with Falling In Reverse. I would rather burn all of my instruments and vow never again to play music before I shared the stage with Ronnie Radke. Also, Kevin can suck my moldy potatoes. At least I’m not ugly.”

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

Nick: “I have gotten it before. I don’t have any tips really, other than just getting out there and doing your thing. That feeling of strange fright, for me, hasn’t gone away, but has turned into excitement and adrenaline.”

Dylan: “I’ve suffered stage fright. Oddly enough, it doesn’t bother me too much. I guess I’d suggest just playing more shows.”

Kevin: “Yes. My advice is to perform a lot. You may never get rid of stage fright, but at least you’ll get used to it.”

Taylor: “Yes. The nerves never really entirely go away. The more you perform and find out how you deal with your nerves, the more comfortable you become in learning how to handle them. Always remember to relax and breathe.”

Ethan: “Definitely. Before every single show. Doing theatre, whether in school or in the community, helped me; you learn how to deal with it. One very important thing is to breathe and remind yourself that you’ve got this, and if you mess up, go with it. Don’t stop the whole show due to a mess up; use it as a springboard into the next thing.”

11.What bands have inspired you the most?

Nick: “So many bands have inspired me, by introducing me to new musical elements that I had never thought about before, and making me rethink the way I view writing music. Silent Planet, Dayseeker, and Novelists would be a few examples, but they’re far from the only ones.”

Dylan: “Probably Marilyn Manson. Call me weird, but it got me through some dark times.”

Kevin: “Streetlight Manifesto. I’m a ska kid at heart. I don’t know why Ghost Heart isn’t ska-core yet.”

Taylor: “I am always inspired by Dream Theater’s musicianship, and by the show that Killswitch Engage puts on. They go out and have fun and keep things fresh and don’t take themselves too seriously.”

Ethan: “Again, gotta go with August Burns Red. Their positive attitude, passion, and the hard work they put into their craft has always made me want to better myself and be a better person.”

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

Nick: “I’ve never been asked for anything weird personally, but one time we played a show, and this drunk guy walking down the sidewalk (who knew nothing about us at all) bought a ticket to see us, showed up even drunker than before, and raged harder than anybody else during our set. That was pretty cool. He also yelled for an encore.”

Dylan: “To keep playing after our set was finished, and when we said we couldn’t, he called us the C-word.”

Kevin: “I’ve never really been asked for anything, but I have been called the C-word. I think technically we all were. The fan REALLY didn’t want our set to end, I guess.”

Taylor: “A bloody drumstick. I had a blister that popped, and I bled on my drumstick. People wanted it after the show.”

Ethan: “One girl at a show I was in with another band once asked me to sign her baby. That was kinda cool.”

13.What do you think of your fans?

Nick: “I am so appreciative of anybody and everybody who has ever taken some of their own time to give us a listen.”

Dylan: “Fans are great! No doubt. Love every one of them.”

Kevin: “They’re awesome.”

Taylor: “Fans and supporters are the best. It’s always nice to have people like what you do!”

Ethan: “Nothing by gratitude for those who support our music and get something positive out of it. To connect with people on that level is why I play music. To anyone who listens to Ghost Heart, thank you. If you see us at a show, come say hi! I love meeting new friends.”

14.What do you think of our site?

Nick: “I think it’s great, and a valuable resource for bands.”

Dylan: “I really like what you guys do. The support means a lot.”

Kevin: “I really appreciate it. You guys are on top of things.”

Taylor: “I appreciate the way you promote up and coming bands and expose their music to potential new listeners! It’s great!”

Ethan – “Brutal bro.”

15.Something to add?

Nick: “Just want to say thank you to everyone who gives us a chance. Whether you like us or not, it means a lot.”

Dylan: “I would be nowhere without the unconditional love and support from my parents. I thank them for everything.”

Kevin: “Hi, Mom!”

Taylor: “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to check us out. It means a lot to us!”

Ethan: “I’m super grateful for the opportunity to be interviewed by you guys. Thanks for supporting us by sharing our music. I hope we can go further with this band; I love my bros, and I’m excited for the future!”