Interviews: SHOT DOWN TWICE

We have had the opportunity to interview the  Hard Rock band SHOT DOWN TWICE 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 come out just like that? 

Our guitarist and drummer named the band when it first started. It comes from the idea of feeling 'shot down' by past experiences, and feeling ready to get back up. The band name and first album title, 'Got Up Once', were conceived before I joined the band, and I decided to run with the theme.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I´ve always been a rock and metal fan. I always pictured myself becoming a singer in a gothic rock band, something like The Pretty Reckless or something like that. It wasn't until later on in life that I realized that my true calling is classic 80s metal and thrash. Shot Down Twice is exactly the band I was looking for before they found me. When I heard them, I thought, 'wow, this sounds like one of the early Judas Priest albums. I need to join this band'.

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

Some of us have known each other for a while, and some of us only met at our audition for the band. The newest member is Johnny Dee - he responded to an ad we posted online, and he has been a beloved bandmate ever since. Jeff and I both knew Pat before, but we didn't know each other. Ultimately, none of us would likely have met if it weren't for our shared goal of being in a killer rock band.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Carmen - Judas Priest

Jeff - Pantera

Pat - Van Halen

Johnny - Queen

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

What inspires me to write my lyrics and sing them the way I do? A lifetime of sadness. Ha! Honestly though, songwriting is very cathartic for me. It's a way that I provide myself closure for certain events in my life. I'm also just a huge music fan, and great songs elicit a really strong emotional reaction for me, so it's always so exciting for me to create my own.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last time we performed was on October 23rd at Club Absinthe in Hamilton, Ontario. We opened the show for a CD release party for a metal band called Lutharo. They are friends of ours - we share a practice space with them. It was a sold-out show, and it was an absolute blast. Two other great bands were on the bill as well - Duskwalker and Aepoch.

7. Where would you like to act?

We'd love to play some of the big Toronto venues, like the El Mocambo, the Opera House, the Mod Club in Toronto. That'll be the next big step for us, for sure. Just one step on our way to a colossal stage like, I don't know.. Madison Square Garden perhaps? A modest little spot like that? Ha.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We think it would be amazing to do a song with Clutch. Our sounds would mesh very well, and we are huge fans. Clutch, if you're reading this.... hello!

9. Whom not?

A slightly tough question because it's hard to determine a good reason NOT to want to feature with someone - even if the sounds don't mesh well. I suppose I'll just pick my least favourite musical artist in the world and go from there. Taylor Swift! I can't stand her music, it drives me bananas.

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

I have had a funny relationship with stage fright in my life. I wouldn't call it 'fright' as much as 'anxiety', because I have always loved performing on stage, and I've always been extremely excited to do it. Sometimes, that excitement results in the jitters or some slight heart-pounding. However, there have been times in my life where I was performing very regularly, so I didn't even feel anxious before performing. The first Shot Down Twice shows were funny for me, because the stage anxiety hit me pretty hard before I performed. I think it's because the vocals are extremely powerful in these songs, and they are challenging to sing. I really do need to be in tip-top shape to perform these songs. I suppose my advice to others is - try to find a way to ground yourself. Before I performed at our last two shows, I took a moment to take a deep breath and think, 'what am I afraid of'? I find that there's never a good enough reason to be afraid.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The big three for me are - Judas Priest, Dio and Huntress. Three bands that exhibit absolute vocal excellence. I don't believe that music gets any cooler than those three bands and you can quote me on that.

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

A fan begged me to kick him in the face with my platform boot.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I think that our fans are awesome - they all seem very excited to hear a new band with a really classic sound. I think a lot of people are hungry for rock and roll in a world where it's not so mainstream anymore. I love hearing people's reactions to our songs, because it seems like we accomplished exactly what we set out to do. I have been really, really happy with the responses we have been getting. Rock fans and metalheads are absolutely hilarious and wickedly fun.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think it's fantastic! I love what you do; it's a great service for rock bands and fans. I see a number of familiar bands on the site. Sea of Troubles, Death Perception and Varius, to name a few. I'll be discovering some new bands to listen to on this site, that's for sure.

15. Something to add?

Sure thing - shout out to G-Money from Islington Rehearsal Factory. The man is a gem. Thank you, scandalous traveller!