Interviews: Starved Of Light

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Death Metal/Technical Death Metal band Starved Of Light from the USA. Check out this interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

The name holds many meanings with primary inspirations sourced from Diablo 4 and the album art we chose for Into Early Mourning. The ‘light’ refers to topics/feelings including life, love, religion, and more. Our vocalist, Tim, shares his thought that the world is starved of these sources of light and that many struggle in their absence. For those who hunger for the light, we would like our music to act as a reminder that each of us has the ability within ourselves to shine in a dark world.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

Death metal has been a part of the culture of Atlanta for as long as we can remember. Many of us have played in the Atlanta metal scene for over 15 years. We all grew up around a lot of heavy tones and sounds. It’s only natural to want to be the heaviest peach in the peach state.

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

Tim and Robbie (drums) were both members of other bands before Starved of Lightwas formed, including All American Organ Grinder. Robbie, Josh (guitars), and Elliott (bass) were formerly members of the local band Abattoir. Beyond Starved of Light, Tim is the vocalist in local band Leafblower, Josh is a guitarist of the Santa Rosa, CA-based Burning Palace, and Elliott is the bassist of Chattanooga, TN-based Coathanger Abortion.

4. What is each band member’s favorite band?

This is a challenging question because not only do we all have varied tastes, but each member enjoys a broad spectrum of music. Tim noted Every Time I Die, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and The Black Dahlia Murder as favorites. Josh included Artificial Brain, (specifically old) Sepultura, Suffocation, Ozzy Osbourne, and 80’s hair/glam metal as a whole. Elliott’s favorites include much of the same as Josh, with some others such as Opeth, Hellripper, and Nuclear Tomb. It’s safe to say that as a through-and-through fan of technical death metal (or technical music in general), Robbie will enjoy a band’s music if they qualify as such. Some of his favorites include The Zenith Passage, Obscura, and, alongside Tim, The Dillinger Escape Plan.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Tim shares that he spends a lot of time in his car and that he tries to jot down his thoughts when inspiration strikes. He believes that words are a powerful weapon and that he sees a special place for each word or phrase when he hears a riff. It’s safe to say that he’s our lyrical wizard. As a first step in the music writing process, Josh shares riffs with the group from which songs are developed in a collaborative process.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our most recent show was at Sweetwater Live with God Tongue, Subdivisions, and Violence System. We had the opportunity to celebrate the head of our label (Dark Sails Entertainment’s) birthday by performing music off of Into Early Mourning. All in attendance were there to hear a selection of great local music and celebrate Codye’s birthday and contributions to the Atlanta music scene.

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

For now, we’re looking to expand our local audience in Atlanta. Thankfully, the city has a ton of great venues to choose from. It’s hard to name a specific spot at this exact moment, but we certainly have options. There’s always the possibility that we may visit our neighboring states in the near future. Stay tuned.

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

We’re also lucky to say that there is a well of talent in our local music scene. Beyond the guest vocal collaboration with our friend John Dernar (Violence System) found on the Into Early Mourning track Endless Waltz, we have not set our sights on anyone in particular. If we had to pick? Crimson Dawn from South Park.

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

From Tim, Trapt, and Creed. They can kick rocks!

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

Tim says that he likes to use the phrase ‘heebie jeebies’ instead. Stage fright just doesn’t feel right. The stage won’t judge you. It’s the strangers in the crowd you have to worry about. But if you believe in your music and the people you surround yourself with, nothing can go wrong.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

This list is equally as long as our list of favorites, if not longer. A couple of honorable mentions include The Black Dahlia Murder, Job for a Cowboy, Revocation, The Zenith Passage, Conjurer, and Better Lovers.

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

Tim says ‘tree fiddy’. No further comment.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are some of the nicest, most caring individuals this city has to offer. We’ve only played a handful of shows thus far, and our audience is still growing. We’re incredibly grateful for anyone who lends us their ear and time at home or at a show, especially those who truly see the magic in our music and express their belief in us. It means so much to share this love for music with everyone. We’re trying to heal others who are starved of light. For those reading, thank you for makings shows all about the stage dives and high fives.

14. What do you think of our site?

We appreciate that there are others around the world that love and appreciate the lore of metal (especially our local scenes) and all that it stands for, and are there to help promote and spread the tunes. Thanks for being such a rad zine!

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Life is short. Love your life, friends, and family. Play sick shows. Make cool memories. Be sure to tip your bartenders, buy local merch, and support your local scene and zine. Thanks to everyone headbanging along to our debut album Into Early Mourning.