1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Since the release of our second record Burning the Bridges to Nowhere we have been going nonstop. This newfound momentum can be largely attributed to our band decision to bring a manager on board. We have 20+ shows booked between now and September, are CD is selling well in stores and online and our music video for the single "No Way Out" has proven to be a success. As busy and chaotic as things are, we know that our patience and hard work will pay off soon enough.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Like most bands, when we listen to a past release we want to be able to hear how we have grown as musicians. As a band we feel confident we have succeeded on this front. And I know when we release the next one, we are going to be able to hear our growth and maturity even more.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
We could go on for days analyzing Tom's lyrics because he writes from such a deep emotional place. What I can say is he draws from personal experience mostly whether it be inner turmoil or exterior conflict. I think this is a big reason why he is able to deliver such heart wrenching performances. Sometimes he has lyrics that he has written in the past that he thinks would be a good fit for certain parts or other times he'll listen to the music and see what comes to him. Either way, it's always solid because he's rarely stuck and he can always deliver what he writes perfectly phrased.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
I can remember Tom and I looking up words in the index of one of my Dad's books about the paranormal. We found Odium and the name has stuck ever since.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
We have shared the stage with Alexis on Fire, Protest the Hero, Baptized in Blood and many others. Our live show is for us a lot of fun and for the crowd, a crushing good time! We are always trying to improve our live performance. This, for me, means keeping my cardio in check and making sure my chops for both my hands and feet are crisp. In the future you can expect to see more live vocal support from Andrew and Dale. It will help to fill out all of those harmonies and overlapping screams that you hear on the record .
We know that playing live is what keeps this band going, it's what keeps this band alive. Anything we can do to step up the performance and improve the show is going to be help our fanbase grow even faster.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
We have a solid run of shows between now and September and are looking at a longer tour in September. We have brought a booking agent on board who can help us get into new markets. It's going to be tough for the next year or so as we transition between full-time job to part-time job and touring and then eventually to full-time touring. But hey, that is what we all signed up for and I can't wait to sink my teeth in.
7. Currently you are signed to Year Of The Sun Records, how did you get in contact with the label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Chris Ben and our bass player Dale were college friends. Dale figured he'd send it over to Chris and before you knew it, he had us on the shelves in HMV. We where stoked about our record actually being on the shelf beside our favorite bands. We continued working with Chris throughout the years after At the Bottom was released. He helped get us onto iTunes and into other online outlets. Additionally, he helped us release two music videos. One for At the Bottom and another for Population Zero. They both proved to be very successful. All in all, Chris has played an important role in launching our careers and we thank him for that.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
A few weeks ago we broke 2000 likes on Facebook and we had a contest for some free Merch. I ended up shipping the stuff to the Yukon. We've also had some fans online contact us from Europe, from Sweden, Australia and Brazil. It seems through a beautiful thing called the Internet, a lot of people are hearing our music and really digging it.
9. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
There aren't any other side projects currently. Given how busy we are right now, I doubt there will be any. We are all very focused right now on pushing this record and gaining more exposure.
10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
For our next release you can expect, every aspect of the record, of the show, and of the band in general to be stepped up. That is what this is all about and by the time we release another record we are going to be quite a different band. We will have a lot more experience which will definitely affect which direction our sound chooses to go in.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We have been influenced quite a bit by bands like In Flames, Soilwork, Slipknot and Tool. Some music you'd be likely to hear in our tour van would be: Avenged Sevenfold, Steel Panther, Whitechapel, Born of Osiris, and Mars Volta. Also, with increasing popularity.... the Joe Rogan Experience!
12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Other than family and friends my interests pretty much revolve around music. I built a recording studio in my basement and find myself spending any spare time I have there. Recently, I've been building a whole bunch of bass traps and high-frequency absorders for my studio so that I can start mixing. This will be my secondary income once this transition into part-time and full-time touring does take place. It's going to be a dream come true.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks very much for your interest in the band. I had a lot of fun writing this interview and I'll catch up with you next time!!!
