Interviews: A FITTING REVENGE

This is a new interview with the Metal band A FITTING REVENGE from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Ledwing: So originally, the band was called AFR and there are even two Eps on Spotify under that name right now (A Hero to Villains and Psychopath of Righteousness). The name was created by the original vocalist who brought together the first iteration of the band. Whenever anyone asked what it meant, we would always give different, inaccurate answers which was definitely fun for a bit. After the vocalist left about two or three years in we decided that we should expand the name and mark it as a turning point for the band. After a surprisingly smooth decision process, our old drummer Aaron’s suggestion won out. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Ledwing: There are a few reasons, some that I found later on. Initially, my drive to play metal was that it was fun to play and made me feel powerful when I felt weak. Over time though, I’ve come to really appreciate that metal is an active genre; for example, you can’t really listen to metal in the background. It totally commands attention. Not only that, but I can tell a range of stories in metal lyrics: love, hate, violence, sadness, fear, you name it.

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

Ledwing: Nope, I’m the only original member left at this point.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Ledwing: That’s a tough one, as that changes over time. I would say some favorites include Children of Bodom, Lamb of God, The Faceless, Dethklok/Galaktikon, Ghost, NIN, Metallica, and the list goes on.

Brian: Machine Head, Lamb of God, Trivium, Children of Bodom, Ice Nine Kills, Nevermore, Devildriver.

Lucy: One band from the Uk called InMe. Their sound has really changed over the years but they've been about for over 20 years. I doubt they're metal anymore but the earlier stuff was heavier. I also, love Deftones, DevilDriver, and Cradle of Filth.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Ledwing: The inspirations have to come from everywhere. The news. Works of fiction like movies and comics. Sometimes videogames. One of the primary jobs of an artist is to stay stimulated by a variety of life experiences and use that input to create.

6. Where was your last gig?

Ledwing: Our last gig was in Binghamton NY for a show put on by a great friend of metal in NY by the name of Rick Horton. The turnout was fantastic, the bands obviously prepared hard, and we had a total blast – despite our backing tracks and click completely failing on us.

7. Where would you like to act?

Ledwing: Not sure if this means act as in acting, but if you meant performing I personally would love to someday play Red Rocks in Colorado as well as an Amphitheater in Buffalo called Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ledwing: We’d love to play with bands that we specifically listen to and enjoy like Trivium, Machine Head, Revocation, Ghost, Septicflesh, After The Burial, and while we’re fantasizing, Periphery.

9. Whom not?

Ledwing: Can’t really think of anyone we wouldn’t want to play with. Probably any band that has views we find deeply repugnant, or that treats their crew or openers like garbage. We won’t stand for that.

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

Ledwing: Brian and I had a long discussion on this, and honestly we haven’t really experienced much stage fright if any. Seriously, I can remember playing one of the three little pigs in elementary school and even then I didn’t get stage fright. As for tips for beginners, the main cures for stage fright are preparation and inoculation. Prepare your craft so much that you can do it in your sleep and your initial fear will melt away as you find yourself just kicking ass on what is essentially autopilot. Second, make sure to inoculate yourself by performing for as many small then increasingly large groups as possible. Everything in life is a skill in my opinion, and that needs to be cultivated just like honing your skills at your instrument.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Ledwing: Probably Avenged Sevenfold, Lamb of God, The Faceless, Ghost, and Dream Theater. That’s tough since we pull from so many places.

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

Ledwing: To be totally honest, I have been propositioned implicitly in a sexual manner so that’s certainly unusual. Most of the time though, we just get asked a lot of questions on gear and the music, or to sign things.

Brian: No comment.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Ledwing: We really appreciate them. Honestly, we want all of our fans to know that every time they see us, reach out, or show support in some way it means the world to us. We fancy ourselves entertainers, not just musicians, and entertainers are nothing without a supportive audience.

14. What do you think of our site?

Ledwing: We love it when we see sites and zines flying the metal flag, you guys are part of the lifeblood of the genre and are part of why metal has a distinct honor of being an evergreen genre. Keep doing what you’re doing.

15. Something to add?

Ledwing: Thank you so much for talking to us and taking the time to listen to the music. We look forward to seeing you guys at a venue sometime.