Interviews: BI:AS

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Alternative Hard Rock/Metal band BI:AS from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Rich: The band wasn't actually named until the night I was asked to join. That night after rehearsal, the guys all sat down in front of me like it was a business meeting and asked if I wanted to be part of the band. of course, I said YES... and I asked if they thought of a name yet. They had said yeah, but nothing concrete. I kinda had a feeling that I would be the one so I had been building a list of bands names and one stood out in particular. I said how about "BI·AS"? and Joe was like WTF? He had literally brought up that name a couple of weeks prior and it didn't really stick. Then there was a like a brief silence and David pipes in saying "BI·AS" “Whether we know it or not, we all have our own version ofBI·AS…” I like it... and that was that. We separated the name with the interpunct to show there's more than one side of Bias.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Rich: When we first started jamming together the songs were more "rock" than anything. We are all older and enjoy melody in our music. We had "Change your Mind" and "Hesitation" written as the first 2 songs we played together. It wasn't till we wrote "Pity" that we started getting heavier. Every song after that has naturally gotten heavier and heavier; organically of course. As we started getting more comfortable playing with each other, David started loosening up on the drums and started to hit harder as he shook off the 13 years of rust. The style just kinda flows out as David has a very unique playing style. I've brought in riffs that I think should be a certain way and he just completely changes it up with the groove he hears over it. >> >> >>

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

Rich: All of the guys knew each other before the band was formed. Chris, Joe and David were all previously in a band together called "Core 10". They left that project and put out a press release that went worldwide looking for a new singer. I saw that press release and responded immediately, but I wasn't actually looking to be the singer. I only wanted the tracks to sing over featuring one of my favorite drummers. I submitted my bio and music to them in May of 2018 and initially got no response. Then in early August I got an email that simply read "Better late than never..." They sent me a track and I got it done and back to them in about 4 days. They asked me to come down to try out after that and after 4-5 rehearsals together they asked me to join the band. We then started searching for another guitar player to thicken up the sound. Mike, who was previously Joe's guitar tech, asked to try out as he had been secretly learning the tracks at rehearsal. We never tried anyone else out after that! >> >>

4. Each band member favorite band? 

We don't necessarily have a single favorite band. We all have similar influences. 

Rich Nguyen: STP, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Pantera, Incubus, Deftones Tool, Korn

David Silveria: Primus, Faith No More,  

Chris Dormae: Sublime Suicidal Tendencies Alice in Chains

Joe Taback: Alice in Chains Fear Factory

Mike Martin: System of a down Deftones Korn.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Rich: I write all of the lyrics, patterns and melodies. At the end of the day, I'm going to be singing those lyrics over and over again (maybe) so I want to make sure I'm good with them. I generally write to them about anything and everything, it depends on the song. It could be something that I'm feeling or something I'm observing. Most of the time, I'll listen to the song over and over and over again, just to form a solid opinion on the "tone" that I want to convey. Once I have that "tone", things start coming into focus for melodies, context, and lyrics. I think the lyrics that I write are both personal and abstract but vague enough for people to relate to and form their own opinions. Every song I write has two meanings; mine and your interpretation. However, if you know me personally, you may be able to figure what I'm talking about, maybe... 

6. Where was your last gig? 

Rich: Our last show was at the world-famous Whisky A Gogo. We were direct support for Orgy. David and Jay go WAY back. It was a great show with an awesome turnout! 

7. Where would you like to act? 

Rich: I'm assuming this question was to be adapted to a band as to where would you like to play a show at. I think we'd like to play bigger venues as we grow into them. no point in playing a large venue that's empty. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Rich: I'd like to do a feature with anyone that would have me! I love singing and before this band, I was going onto Craiglist finding bands looking for a singer just to sing over their tracks for fun. I ended up recording vocals on almost 2 albums worth of songs for different bands. Each song I did teach me something new whether it was a new technique or structure/feel changes. But if I had to choose someone, I would say, Halsey, she is currently my favorite singer.

9. Whom not?

Rich: Probably the former singers from the previous band these guys were in...

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

Rich: You know, I don't think I ever have had stage fright up until I got into this band. Before we released any music I was terrified what the response would be like to us. And before the first few shows I was really nervous, but it all goes away once you start playing the tunes. My tips for a beginner would be to make sure you are properly rehearsed and ready; muscle memory is really a thing so practice, practice practice! Also, if you are of age... a lil alcohol doesn't hurt either... A LITTLE!!! 

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

All of the bands listed above (#4) influenced us individually. 

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

David: ANSWER IS EXPLICIT!!! Someone asked me to fuck his wife while he watched. 

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Rich: I think our fans are the best! I mean... David's fans are the best! They have stuck with him thru thick and thin. The amount of support has been nothing short of amazing.