Pierre-Olivier Fortin, Canadian guitarist for Metalcore band from Montreal, Quebec. Beheading of a King Interview August 15, 2013
Beheading of a King Interview
1. What’s new in the world of Beheading of a King?
We are currently writing our first full length ever. 10 brand new tracks including Handcrafted ; our first video clip. It’s coming along well together and we can’t wait to start recording and release the whole thing. Also, we are going on tour with Obey The Brave, Expire and No Bragging right across Ontario/Quebec/Maritimes during September which will definitely be a good package. Meanwhile we’re gonna release a few songs that will be featured on our new full length. The album is planned to be released sometimes this year.
2. I am sure you are very happy to be coming to Halifax, Nova Scotia for Spread The Metal Festival what can we expect from the band?
Halifax has always been one of our favorite cities in Canada. The scene is awesome there and lots of our friends live there too so it will definitely be a good show. Though we are playing the Toronto date and it will definitely be a good time.
3. How is touring in Canada compared to anywhere else around the world?
Touring in Canada feels more ”at home” than in the United States. We haven’t explore the Eastern part yet but we are planning to go out in Europe. We have so much more friends in Canada than in the US that it also brings a different mood to the shows on tour, but experiencing new crowds is always a pleasure.
4. Are you keeping busy this summer with tour dates?
For the whole summer we focused on writing the album because we didn’t want to throw a bunch of riffs here and there and release an album that we haven’t put everything in it. We’d rather take twice the time to record an album and release it than just release something you’re not proud of. Also, we did a bunch of festivals here and there, that’s where it’s at during summer!
5. Would you say touring now is more relaxed and easier to do?
I remember the first tour we ever did with Misery Signals and Structures; we had some problems with the van, had to get a minivan and remove the middle seat to fit our cabs, drums, luggage, instruments and merch as well. We had a rough first one, so I guess it made all the next tours after way easier, especially having the right van and a trailer.
6. What equipment are you currently endorsing, etc.
Simon, who plays the drums, is endorsed by Los Cabos sticks which he loves. We have had a bunch of little endorsements here and there but haven’t got endorsed by big names. This is actually one our upcoming goals; get a decent sponsorship for guitars, bass and drums as well.
7. What would be some of the craziest stuff you’ve seen on tour?
We’ve seen a lot of people with broken noses, broken legs. Also some old drunk lady who was in the middle of the pit, trying to touch our instruments during the set. I remember playing in the Queens in NY last summer and some kids were moshing on us during our set!
8. What were your earliest influences in life?
We all grew up listening to old metal and punk bands as well as exploring different genres such as jazz and classical music, but we refined our taste with August Burns Red, Messhugah, Misery Signals and so much more.
9. What would be some of your main influences today?
Our favorite bands right now are Circle of Contempt, Veil Of Maya, Born Of Osiris, Memphis May Fire, After The Burial and many more.
10. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
The first thing you would notice would be the variety. A lot of different genres, from classical music such as Bach, Asturias, to jazz and groovy band such as Jef Neve trio (one of my favorite), to metal bands and to classic big pop bands such as A Day to Remember.
11. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
It usually starts in a city you don’t really know, drive a couple of hours to get to the next venue. If we get earlier than the load in we usually try to hang out in the city and visit around. Otherwise we load in all the gear, set up all the merch, do our soundcheck. After this point we can now relax a bit, talk to the fans, eat something and of course warm up before the show. Once the show is done, you load out everything and drive for a couple of hours to get to the next city.
12. Where do you see music going in 100 years from now?
Music is digitalized nowadays and this will definitely bring the end of music towards the local scene, the touring bands and companies related to them. Internet gives the access to any information and unfortunately indie artists will have more difficulty to promote their music. More we’ll go in the future, more we’ll have poor indie artists and big rich all made up bands.
Extra questions with Pierre-Olivier Fortin from Beheading of a King.
Life without music would be nothing but chaos
Favorite movie: The Union
Favorite sport: Soccer
Favorite food: Pastas & Sushis
Favorite drink: Monster & Pasbt
Favorite saying: Perf ( Perfect)
Favorite car: Tour Bus ;)
Favorite book: L’écûme des jours / Boris Vian
Favorite band: Misery Signals
CD or Vinyl: Watch Out! / Alexisonfire
Star Wars or Star Trek: Star Wars all the way
PC or Mac: Mac