Trail of Ash is a musical project helmed by Devour the Dead's Bobby Destroy-her. Described as Depressive Post-Metal, this onslaught of riffage shreds with no reliance on vocal hooks. It's straight instrumental, and it slays. I got time to catch up with this Accelerating Death Records artist, and here's how it went down.
***********************************************************************************
Where did the idea of Trail of Ash come from?
Trail of Ash is a concept I have tried to bring out in bands for years, but I decided a different approach since I wasn't getting the results I wanted. It's a focus on past events and the depressions that followed, and how there is always something there.
Do you play all the instruments yourself?
I have used a 6 string baritone for the recordings, but will be re-doing all of the tracks with an 8 string i recently picked up. The drums are programmed for now, and the basslines are a slight modification to the baritone. I play all of the strings, however I have asked another guitarist (James from Devour the Undead) to play alongside me for the live aspects and recordings.
Is this a solo project or could it be the start of a band?
It's solo composition, and the beginning of a bastardized compilation of artists, all walking different paths, and all wanting to contribute something to what the project will be. There will be a set number of members for live sets, but a few guests will add to the aspects involved.
What did you think of the initial response when people heard the tunes?
I found people were always asking for vocals, but seemed quite content with the music on it's own. I've had a very positive response, and the ridiculous amount of myspace plays have encouraged me to stay in the vein that I am in.
What is the vocalist situation at this time? Are you looking to have different singers on each song or will you settle on one in the future?
I do have one vocalist who is a permanent fixture and phenomenal artist by name of Sharon Davison. She adds an aspect of vocals I couldn't hear from anyone else, and wouldn't want to hear anyone else try. It's something that this project was in need of, and she fits perfectly.
Have you ever thought of singing on your own track?
I have, and will be doing some vocals.
What was your introduction to metal music?
Pantera.
What do you think of the current scene in Vancouver and how does it relate to Victoria?
Too many bands, not enough venues, WAY too many bullshit promoters. There are a few in both towns that are the real deal, but I've been handed a LOT of lines that I had hoped would be real, and when you find out there's nothing really there and just talk with no walk, it makes you want to believe there's more out there. The music industry is a religion on all levels, it depends how much you trust in something that could be completely false. As Van does as well, Victoria needs more venues, more bars at least willing to take on shows. We need to dispel the myth of the "metal show", more damage and drunken idiocy happens nightly at any top 40 club in both cities.
What would fans be surprised that you listen to?
Khaki King?
Did you shoot a video? And if so, can you explain what the process was like?
Not as of yet (again, believing in something that's just not happening), but I am looking for a director to do something with a track of mine. I'll let you know how the experience was when I have it.
Were these songs initially meant as instrumentals or did you always feel like there was room for vocals?
I always want a song to feel complete, but at the same time I don't want to over-saturate with "the singer". So, yes and no.
Who is your guitar god?
Tosin Abasi
What was the first song you learned on guitar?
Fade to Black
Did you have a music teacher or were you self taught?
Self taught
Who is your favourite out of the "big four"? Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth or Anthrax?
i'll give Anthrax my vote, but all of them have had ridiculously good moments.
Are you ever going to play live with this group?
Yes.
How is Devour the Undead doing? Any news on that front?
Devour the Undead is re-grouping and re-writing some of the tracks. We had quite a few technical issues at our last show at Logans, and watching the show afterwards we realized that we wanted to overhaul a few parts. It makes it easier to spot them when one guitar is cutting out somehow.
How long does it normally take you to write a song? What is the songwriting process?
That's a tough one. Most of these songs have been written in an evening or two, then i sodomize them until i'm happy with the outcome - that can take weeks/months. Essentially, I hit a set of notes that depicts the experience that inspired me to compose, and if it hits right I build on that.
Is there anyone in the music industry you really respect yet think should retire?
No, never. Create until your death, let them listen afterwards.
Any last words you'd like to say that hasn't been covered in this interview?
Yes. If you don't listen, you're missing out. Listen to everything you can, enjoy it for what it is, and don't ever, ever look back. You can always do everything better when you look back on it, but it just wouldn't be "you".
***********************************************************************************
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trail-of-Ash/147384758612977?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/pages/Trail-of-Ash/147384758612977?sk=info
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/trailofash
No comments:
Post a Comment