Interviews: Motion Device

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band, Motion Device, 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 came from a plaque we have on our wall that was given to our grandfather for his service to the Greek Orpheus Choir in Toronto. Motion Device basically means to move people emotionally or spiritually (motion) with our music (the device). It comes from the Greek myth about ‘Orpheus’, a man who could move people, gods and even mountains with his music. He played a small harp called a lyre and that’s the symbol you’ll find on the plaque and in our logo. We added a dove and snake on either end – we let the fans decide what those mean.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We started out playing lots of classic rock and metal covers so it was pretty natural for us to develop into what most think is a metal band. However, we really don’t like being labeled or identified by any one genre. Sure we play a lot of metal sounding tunes but we also love hard rock, progressive rock, alternative, blues, you name it, we’re into a lot of different kinds of music. We even listen to pop, hip-hop, electronica and rap. There’s so much music out there and confining yourself to listening or playing only one specific genre is kind of silly to be honest.  

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

We’re all related so yeah, we knew each other really well before the band was formed. The band formed about a decade ago in 2010. We were actually jamming together even before that from a very young age at a music school we all went to. You could say it was destiny that we’d end up in a band together. What we didn’t know is how far we’d get in such a short time.

4. Each band member favourite band?

That one’s a tough one but very quickly we can name a few: SARA: Big Wreck, In This Moment, Silversun Pickups

JOSH: Gojira, Tool, Alter Bridge

ANDREA: Alter Bridge, Dream Theater, Muse

DAVID: Korn, Rage Against The Machine, Dream Theater

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything and anything really. A lot of the bands we mentioned in the previous question inspire us. Most of our inspiration probably comes from each other. Knowing each other so well and growing together we’re always bouncing song ideas off each other. We’ve been surrounded by a lot of the same types of music so we naturally pull inspiration from similar places. Our lyrics just come from our day-to-day experiences and from what we see going on in this crazy world we live in.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at The Cutting Room in New York City. It was the last stop on our ‘High Road’ U.S. tour which was completely funded by fans. They drove in from all over the country to catch the show. We even had fans fly in from Europe for some of the stops on the tour – it was incredible to see how passionate and loyal our fan base had become.

7. Where would you like to act?

Act? We don’t act. In fact we all pretty much have the idea of putting on any kind of ‘act’ when it comes to our live shows. We are most comfortable being 100% ourselves so you won’t get any of that jumping around on stage or any of those fake attempts at getting the crowd to make noise. It seems so scripted – we let the music speak for us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Never really thought about featuring any artist in our music although we know Sara would love for Post Malone to jump in on a tune. Actually, the whole band listens to him a lot so if you’re listening Post… we’re right here!! We know you love the heavy stuff.

9. Whom not?

Nobody – music is for sharing. If someone’s interested in collaborating with Motion Device we’ll make an effort to see that it happens.

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

All of us are kind of on the same level or page when it comes to being on stage. We all get some butterflies but nothing that prevents us from doing what we need to do once we get out in front of a crowd. We’re not alone out there. We’ve got each other to lean on so if there’s any nerves they usually disappear pretty quickly once we start playing.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

As far as ‘metal’ goes we probably have got a lot of inspiration from Black Sabbath. We covered a lot of their tunes in the early days so it’s natural that their sound has crept into ours. We’re all fans of progressive rock as well so you’ll get a few Rush and Dream Theater vibes as well when you listen to our music. Other bands that inspire us include Alter Bridge who are just incredible song writers and Tool who have such a unique and raw sound.

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

Fans are always asking to take us out to dinner when we come to their city to play. While we’re flattered for the invitation that’s probably something that there’s very little chance of happening. We LOVE eating and we don’t want to be responsible for injuring anyone during a meal. Family members and friends have come close to losing limbs and we get really hungry when we’re on the road. Just kidding… kind of.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans simply mean everything to Motion Device. Everything we’ve accomplished – all the album releases, the shows, the tours, the music videos, building a recording studio – they are all a result of our fans pitching in to help us succeed. Crowd-funding has been a huge factor up to this point and we probably wouldn’t be talking to you if it wasn’t for their passion and loyalty. That’s what’s truly unique about being independent and unsigned. We only have our fans to answer to. The music we create is for us, for them and nobody else.

14. What do you think of our site?

We absolutely LOVE IT! It’s laid out really well and has tons of cool content. We especially like the ‘Track by Track’ features. It’s nice for the fans to get into the band’s mindset and understand a little bit about what a band or artist was thinking when the songs were written.

15. Something add?

Make sure to check out our recent music video release of ‘Blindfold It Away’ from the new MDIV album. It really encompasses everything Motion Device is about and it was actually shot in the small yet functional recording studio our fans helped us build.