Interviews: Aquila

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Death Metal/Metal band, Aquila 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?

My drummer, Matt McGuire, came up with the name, Aquila. The main theme of this band is that we write about the Roman Empire. Aquila means eagle and it was also golden shafts with a golden eagle at the top that the Roman soldiers would carry into battle. It's like us going on stage or into the studio. We are preparing to entertain the crowd.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I've been a metal fan for years, it speaks to me. The first time I heard a metal song, I got it right away. I think other metalheads felt the same way. People who don't like metal, they just don't get it. Which is fine, I think we metalheads want it that way.

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

Matt McGuire and Anthony Rimac knew each other for years from high school football and became roommates at university. I got to know Matt when he played in Bloodshoteye, my old band, for a brief period and we became friends. When Rimac and McGuire started jamming, I was always asking them," Let me know when you need a singer." I'm 8 years older than them and I think they wanted to find someone closer to their age now that I look back at it. But everything happens for a reason and they got stuck with me. Lol

4. Each band member's favorite band?

My favorite band is Metallica and I think Matt's favorite band is Metallica as well. Rimac's favorite band is probably Between The Buried and Me, I have never asked really. And Tony's favorite is Pantera and Colin plays bass, so who cares what his favorite band is.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

When I bought Death's The Sound of Perseverance on cd, and after listening to that album I wanted to be in a metal band. I wanted to make metal music and be on stage. That album changed me, it's still one of my favorite albums.

6. Where was your last gig?

Wow. I haven't been on stage since 2014. We opened up for Threat Signal in Hamilton Ontario, it was a great show. We, Aquila, are playing our first show since then on September 2nd, so that will be exciting.

7. Where would you like to act?

I would love our band, Aquila, to play at Harpos in Detroit. I've seen so many shows and concerts there. It would be awesome to open up for a big band there. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Like a Shadows Fall or Unearth. I think our sound would go great with those types of bands.

9. Whom not?

In metal? I would play with any band in metal that can bring a crowd. I would open for Korn or Limp Bizkit or Five Finger Death Punch. They are big for a reason and they have a following. I'm not into those bands, but it would be cool to open up for them.

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

I used to be so nervous before a show and being on stage. The best way to get over stage fright is to practice and record yourselves as a band and watch it. Practice your set again and record yourselves each time. Make changes and improvements. Once you see yourselves performing and see what others see, you can improve.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

At the moment local young bands in the Kitchener/ Waterloo area in Ontario inspire me. Bands like Invicta and Raider inspire me and these kids can rip it. They are really talented and great guys.

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

I had a guy ask me to pierce his ears with our band buttons in Niagara Falls show once. It was wild and I couldn't believe that's what he wanted.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I cherish them. I mean anyone who supports our band by buying merch or coming to our shows is forever in our hearts. They make the shows great, not the bands. It's the people who come to the shows.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think the site is great for fans and new fans to get to know the bands a little more. I'm sure people may love the music but to get a better understanding of what the artist was thinking that makes it unique.

15. Something to add?

Yes. Please check out Aquila's new Ep, The Great Fire. Go to www.aquilametal.bandcamp.com to order merch and let us know what you think. Thank you.