Interviews: Judicator

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Power Metal band Judicator from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The band name was suggested by Alicia. Judicator is the name of an Imperial Star Destroyer in the Star Wars universe. We did consider some other band names, but I don’t think any of them were anywhere as good as “Judicator.”

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

My first true exposure to metal music happened when another friend of mine brought over a DVD of Iron Maiden's 'Rock in Rio.' I was captivated by the energy, how epic the music was, and the dynamic performance. From that experience onward I knew I wanted to be involved in the world of metal.

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

Judicator was formed by myself and Alicia Cordisco (Transgressive, ex-Judicator) back in 2012. After she left in 2020, the band underwent a phase of gradual reconstruction. After this time period, Judicator ended up with three former members of Disforia — myself, Chad Anderson, and Dayton Andersen. I would say Austin Bentley (also an ex-Disforia member) has been a sort of unofficial member of Judicator for years. We're fortunate because by having Judicator consist of so many people who were a band together before, we have a lot of inbuilt chemistry. I hate the "getting to know you phase," haha. I always try to skip to "We're friends" as soon as possible.

4. What's your favorite band?

If I had to pick one, I would say Blind Guardian.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

What drives me to create is always exploration — whether it's exploration of myself or something else. Music presents an opportunity to create an experience that reaches people in a unique mix of like... books and movies. Because with music you must use your imagination, but you're also being fed auditory stimuli that paint a picture for you. I love movies, but I have a special place in my heart for art forms that engage the audience a bit more, like music and books. The imagination is something to be cherished and protected.

6. Where was your last gig?

We performed at Mile High Power Fest in Denver, Colorado. This was a special performance because we performed the title track from our new (or new-ish) EP 'I am the Void,' which is a very emotional and spellbinding song.

7. Where would you like to perform?

We are achieving one of our biggest goals in music this April — we're performing at a European festival, Epic Fest in Denmark. Beyond that, I would have to say that performing at Wacken: Open Air or 70,000 Tons of Metal is still a dream of mine.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

My dream has already come true in this regard. I have worked with Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian) twice. He sang "The Dying Firmament" with my old band Disforia, and he sang "Spiritual Treason" by my current band Judicator. We've become friends, which is the most unexpected blessing I could have imagined. We opened for Blind Guardian for their Salt Lake City show on their latest tour through the U.S. Beyond Hansi though, my next pick would be Bruce Dickinson. Iron Maiden is the band that made me fall in love with metal music, and Bruce Dickinson is the man who made me want to be a performer. His style, energy, and creativity have remained very big inspirations for me even into the present day.

9. Whom not?

I want to work with nice people who are creative and have unique, interesting perspectives.

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

I've never really been bothered by stage fright. This might be because I've been performing since I was a child. I get a little nervous before a show, sure, but it's never something that controls my thoughts or actions. As far as advice for beginners, it's a matter of exposure. If you're scared of spiders, you should read about spiders, watch videos about spiders, and learn everything you can about them. You should then handle spiders. Like with many things in life, when you learn more about it, it becomes less daunting and scary. So if you suffer from stage fright, shut up and go perform. You can start small at first — perform for your parents, family, or friends, then move up to performing for 10 people in a coffee shop. Whatever you're afraid of, look it in the face and run toward it!!!!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Blind Guardian, David Bowie, Protest the Hero, Iron Maiden, Mr. Bungle

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

To be honest, I don't want to share it here because you never know if they'll see it, and I wouldn't want them to feel bad. Most of the time when someone says something weird, they're not trying to be weird. Some people are just awkward, and some people are unaware that what they're saying or asking is presumptuous or weird. I always try to meet people where they're at and see through whatever awkwardness there is to what their actual intentions are.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I adore them, and I wish I could interact with them face-to-face more often.

14. What do you think of our site? 

I think it's aesthetically pleasant and easy to navigate!

15. Something you'd like to add?

Pre-order our new album 'Concord' by clicking HERE!