Backstage Pass - Ashes Of The Forgotten - Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview, what is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

TJ Garcia the vocalist for Ashes of the Forgotten or AOTF for short. Tony's (drums) girlfriend actually helped come up with the name Ashes of the Forgotten. From what I was told the band was first called simply 'The Forgotten'.

ATP

So who's in the band and what's everyone's life story in 100 words more or less?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

Well there's me of course haha, Tony on drums, Chase on guitar, our newest addition Conner on guitar and at this moment we are using a fill in bassist Vinay from Born and Raised. We are looking for a full time bassist.

ATP

In a nutshell, please describe your sound.

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

If we were in a nutshell, it would crack open. Our sound has been called unique it's a mix of death, extreme and some progressive/djent thrown in.

ATP

Why did you each of you start playing music and was there a turning point from becoming the dream child that every mother and father hopes their child will become before discovering music? Why did music become a career choice for you?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

I can't speak 100% for everyone but my reasons for playing music is because its fun. I've always been really creative and music lets me express myself. I'm not really sure when the turning point was I have been doing music since I was a little kid it's just something that caught my attention and made me feel good doing it. My father was a musician so I guess I was born into it.

ATP

What instruments do you each play? How did you learn to play, self-taught or school?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

I can play guitar, bass and drums which I have been in bands in each instrument. I'm self-taught in them all and been playing them all since about 6 years old or so. AOTF is the first band I've been a full time vocalist for but I've done backing vocals in past bands.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

For me there are so many like Led Zepplin, The Doors, David Bowie, White Zombie, The Acacia Strain, I Declare War and so on.

ATP

What makes your band unique?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

From what I've been told it's because we aren't typical death metal but we have elements of it.

ATP

Do you write your own music? If not, who writes the music?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

I write all the lyrics and give my input on some riffs and drum parts.

ATP

What inspires the songs you write?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

My personal beliefs and how I see the world. Some lyrics are about horror/sci-fi things that I am a fan of.

ATP

How long does it take you to write a song that’s ready to record?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

Normally doesn't take long for me to write lyrics. I just have to wait on the other guys to get their stuff down.

ATP

How would you describe your local music scene? Likes, Dislikes. What would you change?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

There are a few that have big heads and think they are 'rock stars', it seems like there is a lack of support at times and there are closed groups which if you don't have a certain sound you are not excepted into their circle. I've been apart of the scene for awhile there are those that I mentioned but there is also a lot of great people and supporters out there as well.

ATP

What is your favorite local venue? Why?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

Trees for sure because of it's history and all of the great national acts that have played that stage.

ATP

What's the biggest problem you find when working with other bands, booking agents, promoters and venues when settting up a show or a tour?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

It's hard work at times just trying to get something going. Money always seems to be the biggest issue.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

ASHES OF THE FORGOTTEN

I am a whore for sure haha, I have no idea how many shows I've done. I have been playing live since I was 9 years old.