Challenger - Interview

Hey, Breathing The Core fans, here we bring you another interview of the Post-Hardcore/Metal band Challenger 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?

1. The band name Challenger came from the aspirations of ours to achieve while we aimed to progress in the industry. We were Knife to a Gunfight for quite some time, until we decided to change our presence entirely. Our music remained quite similar, but we took many different approaches to the recording process of our EP as musicians. The name wasn’t really spontaneous, it was just a simple expression of the challenges we faced through finding ourselves. As novice musicians growing into mature and professional artists, from a musician’s standpoint, the endeavors you face are astronomical. We wanted to name ourselves Challenger in reminder that we had many obstacles that we could overcome when we put our minds to it, just like anyone else can.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?  

We have all grown up around this genre, we have seen many different types of music that are out there but always came back to metal. We found the aggression and ability to outwardly express ourselves as a great outlet from the early days, as you could definitely say came from teenage angst in high school (lol). Outside of the typical story you always hear about the secluded teenager, we were there just like every metal fan, but honestly concerned ourselves only with being ourselves. So, our interests were all over the place; Pantera, hair metal (including old school Pantera lol), Power Metal, Thrash, Hardcore, Punk, Deathcore, Nu Metal, etc. We decided to combine characteristics in all of our writing styles and make simply whatever music we wanted to.

3. Did you each other before forming the band?

We have all been friends for most of our lives, and most definitely knew each other, with the exception of Jake. Jake hadn’t known Kevin or myself when he came into the mix, so I guess after somewhat an induction into the band via our traditional hangs (Skyrim, Zelda, Magic: The Gathering and Pizza), all was golden lol. He had been friends with Dylan and Ryan G. quite some time, however. On a serious note, it is a small world and to be honest we all kind of just convened.

4. Each band member favourite band?  

From what I’ve known thus far, my favorite band is Parkway Drive. However, many have shaped how I view music so I can’t name a direct preference.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Life. Easy answer. We’ve all been through a heap of chaos but have also seen many great chapters in life. We often base our songs upon current events, our general opinion of our surroundings, and whatever may be getting at us. I mean, our debut single Hourglass is about the way we all look at life and use time. Time is precious, and we often let it slip by, so that is just one mere example.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at Trailside Saloon, which I would say is by now our favorite venue. It is a bar out in the middle of Thornton, Colorado that has a permanent spot in our hearts. The place is very chill and low key, and we find ourselves enjoying shows and kicking back with the locals there quite a lot.

7. Where would you like to act?  

We have not yet been outside of Colorado, but if we had once place to play (if that’s the question), to me it would be The Chain Reaction in Anaheim, CA. Pretty big staple in the scene for sure.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?  

There are so many vocalists I would love to work with. However, for this interview just to shout it out there I would say Randy Blythe of the Gods at Lamb of God or Winston McCall of Parkway Drive. If it could happen. Ever. Lol

9. Whom not?  

I don’t want to call out any vocalists as we all work hard for a reason. I don’t like to put anyone down because the truth is, no matter how hard you try there will always be someone better than you. The most important notion to hold is that you should never let your guard down and  keep fighting to become the best you can. I’d actually feel more content with an opportunity to feature on a track than I would turning one down.

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

Nope. Not me. Maybe in my old symphony days but I sat in the back. Haha seriously though, I’ve been through worse so I typically don’t want to make a situation go awry on stage. Rather, I’m out there to hang out with the crowd and show them how we party. Because we like to party.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?  

Pantera, Lamb of God, Haste the Day, Parkway Drive, Whitechapel, I the Breather, The Ghost Inside, Colossus, Reformers, August Burns Red, etc. The list goes on. Many bands have all made a tremendous impact on me at several points in life and inspired me to be a better person and vocalist.

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

Our fans have not asked for anything weird, however we get our fair share of unique crowds, haha. People like to mosh with beer mugs, I’ve signed a beer mug, and I’ve moshed with fans during our performances. I guess we are too weird to recognize anything weird. Which is what I love about Challenger.

13. What do you think of your fans?  

Our fans make us who we are, and they are the reason we do what we do. I think of fans as necessary supporters of our story and mission in life, and they’re like a family. Nothing better than seeing people out there who have experienced what I have, and that I get to make a difference in their lives.

14. What do you think of our site?  

You’re mission is awesome, and everything you do to help support the scene is more than any band could ask for. On behalf of the many metal heads out there, Breathing the Core is one of the reasons people get to hear what we have to say and we thank you for that!

15. Something to add?

Our debut single “Hourglass” is available for free download through our Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/challengerband) . Just click the “Buy” link and follow us on either Soundcloud or Twitter for the hook-up. If you’re super generous, we have the track up on Bandcamp (https://challengermetal.bandcamp.com/releases) as well. Keep spreading the word and stay tuned! We have so much more in store for you guys!