Interviews: Consciously Dying

This is a new interview with the Extreme Metal band Consciously Dying from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

I actually had A few band names in mind. The first one was ‘Dead Skin Sells’ , The second one was Onix And the third one was Consciously Dying. I went with Consciously Dying after making a poll on Facebook just to see what my followers would gravitate towards. ‏ The name Consciously Dying comes from my fascination with death and the afterlife, The undisputed question, what happens to us when we die

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I chose extreme metal because it was an outlet for my anger and darkness, little did I know that this would be accompanying me for the rest of my life. People ask me “ how can someone so kind, nice and social make such dark evil angry music?” The answer is that because I have an outlet for all my darkness it allows me to be a positive person. I get to scream, I get to yell, I get to shred my guitar and bang my head and that is another form of therapy to me. All I want is to give back to my younger self.

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

I met Denis when I was working at a music store in Hollywood, I sold him an amp and then when I saw him at my school, Musicians's Institute, we became good friends but it wasn’t until years later that he joined the band but we were friends before the band was formed. Gene I met after the band was formed, I was in search of a bass player and went to Skinny's lounge in North Hollywood. I also saw him at a party and at the music store I worked at the time. I guess it was just meant to be.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Denis’s favorite bands would have to be Depeche Mode and Black Sabbath, Gene is very eclectic but we like the same shit, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir and old school Black Metal basically.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration comes in many forms. I could be sitting on the toilet and then a melody pops into my head. I could have a conversation with someone and suddenly a phrase they said would sound cool to me. I also could be jamming or noodling with my looper pedal and just get stuck on something. Lyrics usually come to me when I’m on the road and have peace and be creative.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was in Maywood right before the pandemic. At the time we were doing two kinds of gigs. gigs in Hollywood, Sunset strip, Viper room and gigs in Vernon, Maywood and south gate tough areas that have real metalheads. 

7. Where would you like to act?

Honestly just like most bands we would love to play festivals in Europe like Wacken, Hellfest And Party San but essentially wherever there are metalheads that need us, we will be there.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Emperor. That is the band I would like to tour with the most. There are so many others and hopefully, we get to work with them soon.

9. Whom not?

I wouldn’t like to tour with bands that are not metal bands, I know that the definition of metal can be broad So I will just say that if it’s extreme metal and we like the music, let’s go!

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

Not really. Maybe when I was a 12-year-old at my music recital but even then before you know it it’s over. My tip for overcoming stage fright is to tell you to be in the moment, feel the energy, and know that every one that is watching is there for you.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Mörk Gryning, Borknagar, Salem, Slayer, Rotting Christ, Metallica, AC/DC for sure, Steve Vai, pantera, joe satriani and Jimi Hendrix

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

To go with them to the bathroom and… well you know, do things you do in a bathroom of a metal show. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

I am very grateful for them, they give us the power to do what we do, to keep going, and to make music for them. Recognition comes from people, from fans, people that come up to you and tell you that your music matters to them, that it made a difference in their lives and that means everything to me.

14. What do you think of our site?  

Very cool!! looks great and is very neat and accessible. you are doing a great thing helping promote band and music!!! keep it up!!!

15. Something add?

No matter how hard it gets, NEVER GIVE UP!! live life to the fullest because before you know it, it's over, we are all consciously dying.