Art Of Dying Interview with Jonny Hetherington singer for Canadian Alternative Rock band. Jonny Hetherington Interview July 10, 2015.
Art Of Dying Interview
– What’s new in the world of Art Of Dying?
We’ve been on the road for almost 3 months – Two laps around North America supporting our 5 song EP Rise Up. The first half of the tour was with Finnish metal cellists Apocalyptica and the second half has been a headlining run with some festivals thrown into the mix.
– How was it recording your Rise Up EP?
We actually recorded a 13 song full length album and just snuck out the first 5 songs on the EP to reward our patient fans. We recorded it in New Jersey with producer David Bendeth. This was the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. He pushed us beyond our limits and back again. He forced us to have personal realizations that lead to better performances and better songs. We really had to strip everything away to make this record and you will be able to hear that.
– How did you go about making the artwork?
I’m really excited to unveil the art work for the full length. We commissioned Canadian fine artist James Nizam who shares our love of sacred geometry. The album cover is a light sculpture that we executed in reality and captured on a single piece of film. It’s a stunning piece of art. The EP artwork borrows from the same themes of archetypes and geometry.
– When writing a song, is there such a thing as investing too much time?
Absolutely not. I mean absolutely. I mean, let me think about my answer for a couple of years, keep tweaking and fine tuning it and get back to you on that with something concrete. I think the best songs come quickly, but that’s just my experience.
– How is the current US tour and life on the road?
It’s been challenging. I’ve been hospitalized on this tour for dehydration, had a death in the family and had the most intense and fulfilling performances of my career. Needless to say it’s been emotional.
– Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
Wake up in my bunk as the bus rolls into the venue. Head to the radio station for a few acoustic songs live on the air. Find a spot for lunch and try and sample some good local food. Back to the venue for sound check. Find a wall and play an hour of wall ball or go for a run. Phone interview. Do some vocal warm ups and a half hour of yoga (usually in an alley, see my Instagram) Shower on the bus get changed for the show. VIP meet and greet on the bus, crank some new tunes. Lock down with the guys on the bus, sing together a little, get hyped up. Hit the stage. 1 hour and 15 min set. Jump off the stage and meet the people that came to the show. Sign autographs. Have a few drinks. Back to the bus for Texas holdem with the band and crew as the bus rolls (usually a min of 500 miles) to the next show. Sleep. Repeat. Our record on this tour was 12 shows in 12 days, no days off.
– What would be some of your main musical influences today?
Tavis Stanely, Cale Gontier and Jeff Brown. I draw from my older influences of Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Maynard James Keenan, The Deftones, Damien Rice, Faith No More, Led Zeppelin on a regular basis.
– Without social media could bands today manage to survive?
Social media is a modern version of grass roots promotion. I grew up printing and hanging my own posters on poles (coming home stinking of sour milk), walking my music into the local radio station and passing out flyers near the exits of concert venues, so I believe social media is important.
– In your opinion, which album would be essential to have if someone were stranded on a deserted island?
Nirvana Nevermind, U2 Joshua Tree, Vivaldi Four Seasons.
– Any words of wisdom to share with aspiring artists?
Never give up. It’s that fucking simple.
Check out Art Of Dying online http://www.artofdyingmusic.com/
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