Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I have always been around music since a very young age. My family always spun records and collected CDs and tapes. My interest in music, I am sure, started with that. Developed into me wanting to be the greatest drummer, slowly moving into a creator of music. During that journey, I picked up guitar, and piano along the way. Creating music, to me, has become one of the greatest adventures life has to offer so far.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Currently the roster is just myself (Daniel Bohn). I have been in a couple bands in the past, and am currently rocking this solo career. It’s been a total blast. I recently got signed by Sliptrick Records and am really enjoying it so far. Can’t wait to see where the journey takes me. Hopefully, in the future, some collaboration with other musicians will happen.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
I could list more – haha but to narrow that down, I’d say these three masterpieces.
Colors – Between the Buried and me.
Deadwing – Porcupine Tree
Precambrian – The Ocean
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
I’d probably say Beast and the Harlot by Avenged sevenfold. That song really blew me away, and really motivated me to improve my drumming.
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in. How do you feel you are doing?
It really is a tough industry, it’s insanely competitive, and there’s so much music out there. It is honestly great, I think it really pushes new music to evolve and grow. And it gives us consumers a wealth of great content. For me, it is an amazing outlet and therapy as well. I feel personally, I am doing ok. It is tough to get the music in listeners’ ears, but once I can, I feel people vibe with it. My goal over the next couple of years with the label’s help, is to really try to grow my fanbase and following and show people the love and passion I have. But foremost, create amazing music that I am truly passionate about. To that end, I feel very successful.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I have been going to concerts for so many years. I have heard and seen a few things that are disrespectful/harmful and had some engagements with drunks etc to help protect friends) I think over the last 5 or so years, women going to concerts at least in metal communities has grown exponentially and people generally are more respectful of women and really everyone. Which is awesome. There for sure is safety issues that still occur, and unfortunately probably always will no matter the gender. I think we just need to learn to keep our hands to ourselves and know our environment (Mash pits etc.) And lastly, if you see something, don’t just ignore it, be there for your fellow peers, we want concerts to be a safe environment for every fan in the venue.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
It’s really a tough barrier to break. I think that the toughest part of growing is getting random people to click your track and hit play. My advice is to be yourself, write music that is passionate to you. There already is so much music, especially music created for people and algorithms, that I feel being you and making your own unique self is crucial. As for growing socials, learning how to make quick engaging content for Tiktok or Instagram is great. Learning to truly find your demographic and make creative content can really boost your social media success, which in turn will boost your stream success.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I have never been stung by a bee
I have a tattoo
I have two cats
What’s your thought on Spotify monopoly on the music industry?
Spotify really has done so much for music. It has made music so much more accessible and customizable with playlists etc. This makes it easier for artists to get heard and discovered or even recommended with Spotify curation. But, because they nearly do have a monopoly, and I would imagine is the main way most people consume music now, it makes making money nearly impossible for artists. Unless you are already a huge success like Taylor Swift. Another unfortunate thing is their own editorial playlist and campaign programs, are nearly impossible for new or smaller artists to get a chance. They focus on the million or more stream clubs only, so they can make the most money. My recommendation to consumers is if you like a band, buy their digital album on Bandcamp, or by their merch support them this way, cause spotify doesn’t do much. Especially for the newer or smaller folks.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
I wouldn’t say sign up, but I do find some of them fascinating. Honestly, I could believe the moon landing was fake. But I try not to go down any rabbit holes. But I have read about a few that at the least are pretty interesting or would be if they were true.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
RECORDS lol I bought so many records from bands I like. Me and my friends listen to records at least once a week, and I got a little addicted to just finding metal bands of all diverse genres to have something new and cool to show my friends. However, it hurts the bank account haha. But I love supporting these bands, I know they need it, especially because I am in the same place.
What was the worst experience on stage?
It was one of my first shows, if not the first, and I bought these so-called indestructible drumsticks. Of course, I figured I only needed them for the gig. And well halfway through our first song it snapped in half. Had to play the rest of our set with half a drumstick. Not a great time… Learned my lesson.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about?
Probably that I deer hunt each winter. I have gone most years since I was a young teenager with my father. It is a good father-son bonding time.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I think mostly that I have my own unique sound. I truly try to find ways to evolve my music with multiple genres or themes. I also love fantasy and whales. I try to incorporate them as much as I can.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
Indeed. Very excited about this release. Emotions of the Sky – it is a direct sequel to my last album Colors of the Land. Continuing the story, as these are concept albums. It will be my first album as a signed artist. Very excited to see how it is received. This one is a bit heavier, more technical and groovy. Definitely more of a progressive death album. A darker nature album focusing on a world being destroyed by its gods, and the costs and detriment religions have had on the world. I would say it’s my most ambitious album yet!
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
I wanted to make this album more aggressive and angry. Especially the drums. As the story starts out with The Red Blight, which is a very experimental track, has a dark electro pop style at the beginning that takes us eventually to an angry fast pace black metal sound and a hopeless beautiful ending. So going with that theme I wanted each song to capitalize on the emotion the song is conveying. While increasing the heaviness and grooves as it progresses.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process I would say is a hybrid experience. Everything but the drums are at home, as those are done in a local studio to track this time around. I really felt the drums were slightly lacking in the last album, and really wanted them to pop on this one.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Mostly the drums and vocals. I have been trying to evolve my vocal style and experiment with my cleans and screams. Trying to see where it naturally goes. As a drummer, I actually prefer more prog rock or mathy rock style drums when I play. so a more death metal style is and was a bit of a learning curve.
Would you change anything now that it’s finished?
Probably yes haha… I feel a couple of tracks could maybe be tweaked.. I imagine many artists feel that way. Overall I am very proud of the album and very excited for its release.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Follow your dreams! Make time for your passions, and never settle for more than you deserve. Magic is the science of gods.
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