Interviews: UTILITY PROVIDER

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band UTILITY PROVIDER 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, did you plan it or come out just like that?

Chris: The band name Utility Provider spawned from the idea that music is the utility that we, the artists, supply to our listeners.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

U.P: Because metal is life and we live and breathe metal

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

U.P: We knew each other a bit from around the scene but not really on any sort of personal level.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Chris: Faith No More

Tyler: Nirvana. When I first heard Smells Like Teen Spirit I knew I wanted to be a musician.

Vadim: I absolutely love Progressive Metal. Some of my all-time favorites are Dream Theater, Haken, Leprous, and Rush. Their creativity and musicianship inspire me constantly.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Chris: The things in life that we experience as human beings

Vadim: Mike Portnoy is my biggest influence in both drumming and songwriting. His versatility, technical skills, and approach to crafting music have shaped my own style immensely.

Tyler: I really enjoyed writing fictional stories when I was little and so I feel that writing lyrics is an extension of that.

6. Where was your last gig?

U.P: We recently played a fantastic show at The Wise Hall in Vancouver. It was an incredible night, and the energy from the crowd was amazing. Here's the event link for those who missed it: The Wise Hall Show.

7. Where would you like to act?

U.P: A Canada-U.S. tour is definitely part of our plans and dreams. It’s something we’re aiming for in the near future, and we’re really excited about making it happen.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

U.P: Anyone who shares our love of originality! If we like the music we’d love to play with you and share experiences.

9. Whom not?

U.P: We don’t like to limit ourselves so I don’t think we would ever put a blanket ban on not playing with someone

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

Vadim: Absolutely. Even after playing hundreds of live shows, I still get chills before going on stage. My advice is to relax, plan your setlist, and run through the songs in your mind. Don’t overthink it. Just breathe, step onto that stage, and trust in all the hard work you’ve put in during practice.

Tyler: I definitely still get butterflies before I perform and I hope I always do. I can’t recall who said it but I remember reading this great quote that really resonated with me: “If you no longer get nervous before a performance, it’s time to hang it up because you probably don’t really care anymore”.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Chris: Led Zeppelin, S.O.A.D, (old) R.H.C.P, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Sepultura, Extreme, Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend, Primus, Depeche Mode, The Smalls, Tears for Fears

Vadim: Dream Theater’s Scenes from a Memory album was life-changing for me. Watching Live Scenes from New York completely transformed my approach to music and my style as a musician. It’s an iconic performance that I’ll never forget. Haken, Transatlantic, Metallica, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden.

Tyler: Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Linkin Park

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

Vadim: Nothing too wild has happened to me, but one of the strangest moments was when a fan in Europe asked us to skip our venue show and play at their private party instead. That was definitely a unique request!

Chris: I don’t know if it's the weirdest… but it's the best - signing cleavage!

13. What do you think of your fans?

U.P: We think our fans are quite unique because they always seem to have an open mind. We love how passionate our fans are too!

14. What do you think of our site?

U.P: We’re huge fans of any site that promotes awesome independent music and does it with class and an open mind. Thanks for giving us a platform to share our passion.

15. Something to add?

U.P: We’re always grateful for any opportunity to showcase our music! Our brand new album “Challenger” drops on November 26th and we can’t wait for you all to hear it.