Interviews: Fatal Switch

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Rap/Metal band, Fatal Switch, from Canada. 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?

It was somewhat calculated actually. I knew I wanted something that represented duality (as that is the main undertone to the Fatal Switch narrative) but getting to the name itself wasn’t exactly simple. I did a huge brain dump and put down several word combinations until this one chose me. Once my eyes found this combination, it instantly revealed itself as the one. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

You know growing up as a kid my best friend and I fell in love with Metallica but our parents forbade us to listen to it because back in the late 80’s /early 90’s they were sadly considered by some to be the devil’s music. Then I got really into RUN DMC but I was told that I couldn’t listen to rap because that was gangster music. So, what did that leave me with? It left me with bands like Green Day, Nirvana and Our Lady Peace. But as soon as my teenage years hit, everything changed. The first band that really blew my mind was A Tribe Called Quest. They got me “hook line and sinker” into being a hip-hop head and that was my life for a very long time. The heaviest thing I listened to was Beastie Boys, RATM , Limp Bizkit or Korn. I hadn’t yet reconnected with my inner child who once fell in love with metal. In fact, as a hip-hop head listening to metal was almost sacrilege. But as time went on, I met one of my best friends in trade school who reintroduced me to metal. This guy is a genius when it comes to reading people and he knew that the only way I would ever give metal a chance, was if there were an element of rap to it. So, he dug through his arsenal and played me Anthrax’s I’m the Man EP and… he broke my brain! A genre I once turned my nose up at suddenly encompassed my life that my brother Rodney Ramroop helped me build. He took to me to countless shows and introduced me to numerous stars in the industry, including one of my idols Dave Mustaine. Wow I took the long road on this one! All this to say that, the genre chose me. Also living in a city that is so metal orientated, I would have never broken onto the scene any other way. So, keeping an open mind and getting out of my comfort zone is what brought me to the Rap Metal Rock world, and I am very thankful for it.

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

My drummer Ralph A Samah and I knew the same producer and share the same circle of friends, but we never met until he joined the band. Same for the other members; guitarists Ryann Paqueo, Max Rope and bassist David Vigliotti.

4. Each band member favourite band? 

Ralph and David rock out to Metallica, Max digs Children of Bodom, Ryan votes for In Flames and mine would have to be Radiohead.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

A young woman named Sian and her alter ego Hyde are the main characters of our songs to which we have built a whole universe around. Our music intertwines with a story and concept that organically breathes a life of its own and is most probably the biggest driving force behind the direction of our songs. And of course, other bands and musicians who push the envelope and produce musical gems that encased themselves in time. Honestly, anything that truly sparks the stick of creativity; which can range from a podcast, documentary, book, movie, painting, nature, etc….

6. Where was your last gig?

It was a sponsored showcase at Indie Week in Toronto Canada and we had an absolute blast. Can’t wait to hit the stage again once all this COVID dust settles. 

7. Where would you like to perform? 

The bigger the stage the better! The bigger the tour the better! In reality we would love to play any arena. Not picky which one. Any will do!

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Well most the band would say Metallica but I think we would fit perfectly on a bill with Rage Against the Machine. I think that kind of crowd would appreciate us the most and I completely idolize them.

9. Whom not?

Celine Dion? I mean …. Who knows? As I’ve mentioned before you can never be too quick to dismiss something. You never know where an opportunity can lead you.  

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

Ya for sure I think everyone has some level of stage fright before going on stage, especially when you’re starting out. But it’s like riding a bike; the more you do it, the more comfortable you become. The most important thing is to know your material like the back of your hand. If you know your songs inside and out, then you just need to get through the first minute or so and you’ll quickly see there’s nothing to be afraid of. Pretend like it’s a rehearsal if you have to, and remember you are your biggest critic. No one is going to know any better if you mess up a note or a riff or drum fill. Just go out there and have fun!

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

That’s an endless list. I am inspired everyday by other musicians. From Sneaker Pimps to Tool, Eminem, The Roots, Megadeth, System of a Down, Slipknot just to name a few.

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

I’ve had some cool chats with fans and kept in touch. Thankfully nothing weird has been asked of me … yet.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

I think the world of them! We have some incredibly supportive people who make everything worthwhile for us. Everything we do is for our fans, so to be validated by them is an utterly remarkable feeling.

14. What do you think of our site? 

Dope! Keep it up! Love that you support artists and even put up their music. You are a very important part of the industry and without your wicked site giving us a chance to spread our message, our songs would have no voice. Very nice overall aesthetic as well!

15. Something to add?

It’s been a privilege to speak with you and share a bit about ourselves with your readers. We’d love to keep in touch so go find Fatal Switch on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or any other social platform! Let us know what you think of our songs! Thanks again for this wonderful chat. Much love and noise – Fatal Switch.