Interview with Aaron Bilbija
Tell us a little about yourself...
Aaron, Wayne and Meredith have been in the band since its inception in 2002. Mark joined just prior to recording our 2nd album in 2006. We all have a wide range of influences from jazz to pop, classic rock to death metal. In terms of metal, our main influences would be the thrash bands of the 80's and 90's.
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DISCOGRAPHY
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Severance
2003
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The Warning
2007
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Within The Eye Of Chaos
2010
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How did you come about obtaining the band name?
We had a whole sheet full of names that we came up with, Daysend was the name that we all agreed stood out from the rest, and was the most original.
How would you describe your music?
Modern metal with a whole lot of hooks and melody, with roots grounded in thrash.
What one thing do you feel sets you apart from the rest in this genre?
Our ability to write a well constructed song and the range and dynamics of our sound and playing.
How long did it take to record your latest material?
It took about three weeks to record Within the Eye Of Chaos. Three intense weeks! Mixing took about two weeks.
What is the inspiration behind your latest material?
Wanting to produce great songs that we ourselves would like to listen to. Along with a whole of other people too... hopefully!
Which label, if any, have you produced this album through? And how much of a difference has it made to the overall production process?
This album was mainly self produced. I think this album has turned out closest to our original vision for the band and our sound, more so than the others, because we were more in control.
Any plans for a music video?
Yes we hope to make a video for one of the tracks soon. We have yet to settle on which track or tracks or who with.
When you go into recording mode, do you find it easy or challenging?
I think recording is very challenging, especially if you have a great attention for detail and you want everything to be just perfect. Sometimes it gets to the point where you just have to say "that's enough" and walk away. It is very easy to over analyse something.
Is there a particular market or country you are trying to reach?
Anyone that likes well written music and play metal throughout the world.
What kind of message are you trying to relay to your audience?
There is no real message we are trying to relay, we just hope for people to enjoy our music and feel good listening to it.
Who's responsible for the bands artwork?
A man named Michael C. Morphett takes care of our artwork. He's great at producing iconic designs.
How hard has it been to get to this point?
There are always obstacles! There is always something that doesn't go to plan. It's how you deal with them; you either get bogged down by them, or persist through it and come out the other side. Alot of being in a band comes down to perseverance.
Where does your main fan base / support tend to lie?
Probably the capitals on the east coast of Australia. We love playing everywhere though. It's always exciting to go to new places.
What is your favourite venue?
It's hard to say, I tend to enjoy the smaller venues that have a certain 'vibe' to them. Both as a performer, and as a punter.
What are some of your favourite local acts? And have you had the chance to play alongside them?
Sakkuth, Dreadnaught, Alchemist, Dyscord, Switchblade, Mortal Sin, Deprivation, Damaged and plenty more.
What would be your most memorable gig / performance to date?
Playing the Hordern Pavillion in Sydney. I saw alot of great bands there as a kid and growing up. To play on that same stage was pretty cool.
Have you got a favourite song you like to play? And is there one in particular you've noticed your fans have started asking for?
The songs that probably stand out at the moment would be 'Born Is The Enemy' from Severance, 'Blacker Days' and 'Winter' from The Warning. Even though we have only played it live twice, I think 'Mindless' from Within The Eye Of Chaos will be a crowd favourite!
If you were playing at a metal festival, who would you prefer was playing alongside you and where would that be?
Anthrax, Megadeth, Machine Head, Protest The Hero, and Coheed And Cambria... anywhere!
What kind of instruments do you use? And have you done the 'Rock Star' thing yet and smashed any equipment?
Guitar... I wish I could afford to smash one!
Have you had many chances for signings?
Just the usual CD's or setlist.
Have you ever had any Mystical experiences?
No. I'm way too boring for anything like that.
Where can people purchase your music and merchandise from?
Our CD's should be available in any good music store. You can also purchase music and merch directly from us on the net.
What was the main reason you chose this career path and has it panned out as expected?
If I wasn't playing and writing music I wouldn't know what to do with myself! I guess earning a living would probably be an option.
Fame, fun or finance?
For personal satisfaction and fun. Anything else is a bonus!
Let's pretend you were creating a tour survival guide. What would be your top three tips for surviving a long tour with the band?
1. A good deordorant.
2. A good sense of humour.
3. Lots of clean underwear.
What words of advice can you offer anyone looking to enter the music industry?
Work hard. Then work harder.
Anything you'd like to add or say to your fans?
Thanks for listening!
LINKS
Daysend Website
Daysend Myspace
'Interview with Daysend' by Déa di Morté © 25 February 2010
Hails! to Aaron and Daysend for agreeing to participate and taking the time to complete this interview
All pictures courtesy of Daysend