Interview with Emmure

Interview with Jesse Ketive

Introducing Emmure... 

Jesse Ketive - Guitar

Frank Palmeri - Vocals

Mike Mulholland - Guitars

Mark Davis - Bass

Mike Kaabe - Drums

How did you come about obtaining the band name?

Frank came upon the name before I joined the band.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?

Heavy and ferocious. I ask them if they ever heard Metallica or Slipknot and take it from there.

What one thing do you feel sets you apart from the rest in this genre?

Our style and heavy, melodic flow that many bands recreate but do not make sound like Emmure does.

How long did it take to record Speaker Of The Dead? And is there any particular message you are trying to relay to your audience with this album?

It took four weeks total to record the album and just like every record, this one is about feelings we have at a moment in our life musically. Vocally, I can’t speak for, but there are messages about life and people and love and all the emotions spoke in the past.

Which label, if any, have you produced this album through? Do you think record companies actually make the recording process any easier?

Victory Records released this one and we couldn't have been happier. The label funds the band and puts out samplers and makes it happen, as we tour on the other side and make it happen. It’s a team work in progress.

Any plans for a music video? And, if applicable, which is your favourite video thus far?

We have a video out for "Solar Flare Homicide" and that one is definitely my favorite as we did it in Brooklyn NY, which is close to home and had hometown friends and fans come and fill out the video to be what it was. It was fast, easy and done with our brother Frankie Nasso.

When you go into recording mode, do you find it easy or challenging?

It’s definitely easy and fun. I live for it. We have done five studio albums and when we record it’s kind of like, "Let’s take these songs and record each part with super care and attention to achieve the tones and sounds I hear exactly in my head."

Who’s responsible for the bands artwork?

Frank and our Art guy over at Victory, ‘Double J’ takes care of the art mainly and the ideas for the insert and CD art etc.

D I S C O G R A P H Y		The Respect Issue 2008
Complete Guide To Needlework 2007		Felony 2009
Goodbye To The Gallows 2007		Speaker of the Dead 2011

How hard has it been to get to this point?

Well there has been lots of blood, sweat and tears to say the least. Lots of asking our parents for Western Unions. Selling things and arguing and feeling like no one understands you. As time goes on you either adapt and get your mind and life in order to correspond with a rigorous touring schedule, or you can’t handle it and get expelled or leave a band. Fortunately we have had nothing in our path that has slowed us down or stopped us and nothing will.

Where does your main fan base / support tend to lie?

The USA and Canada. Overseas in mainland Europe and the UK has lots of fans as well. Depending on the tour package we are on and the 9000 other shows happening that weekend, depends on the actual turnout.

Can you recall a favourite venue?

I love all the ‘House Of Blues’ across the USA. They are all similar; newer designed and have good catering and showers. The stage and sound system is also very recent so it’s always a good show.

What are some of your favourite Australian acts? And have you had the chance to play alongside them?

Parkway Drive always kills it and has an amazing stage presence and show.

Otherwise we haven't played with any other Aussie acts as of yet.

After a live performance do you tend to go and hang out with the fans or do you prefer to keep to yourself?

I will do both. If it’s a day where I don't want to hang, I won’t, but I am a nice guy and like to mingle and try to smoke some weed with the fans and so on and so forth. So I’d say I usually hang or say hi. Then there’s your privacy… you always want a little.

What’s your hometown of Queens, New York generally like for metal?

It was a small scene and a few hardcore bands came up here and a few bigger metal acts through the 80s and 90s, but mostly underground stuff was what I grew up on as far as a Queens scene.

What would be your most memorable gig / performance to date?

There’s sooo many! I couldn't pinpoint one. So many wild things have happened while we played; before and after. I’d say it’s always a party onstage with Emmure.

Have you got a favourite song you like to play? And is there one in particular your fans seem to prefer?

I love to play Solar Flare Homicide and Children Of Cybertron. Both songs have pitch drops and are super fun to bounce and play.

If you created your own metal festival, who would you prefer was playing alongside you and where would that be?

Emmure, Meshuggah, Deftones, Pantera and Korn.

What kind of instruments do you use?

I have been using Ibanez guitars since 1996 and I have been endorsed by them since the end of 2007. I just fell in love with the 7 string design that Ibanez had. I just couldn't go back, since 1998, when I got my first 7 string. We use Ibanez Basses and Fender Guitars for my other guitarist. Tama drums and Zildjian cymbals.

What have been some of the more bizarre signings you’ve had?

Signing someone’s glass eyeball during the Warped tour. Period.

Have you ever had any Mystical experiences?

When I was younger I did all of that and was terrified by ghosts! Haha.. Aside from that, I haven't had much paranormal activity in my life.

Where can people purchase your music and merchandise from?

Victoryrecords.com

Best buy/ Hot Topic/ FYE/ and ITUNES.

What was the main reason you chose this career path and has it turned out as expected?

Cause of dedication. I went to two different colleges/trade schools and worked and just continued on the guitar knowing that’s what will ultimately make me happy. All of us just pushed and said, "This is what we’re gonna do; all or nothing!"

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?

Underwear and socks, Baby wipes and a pair of balls.

What words of advice can you offer anyone looking to enter the music industry?

Nowadays it’s a rough biz. Maybe six years ago and before I would agree, but it takes a real grinder to make it now. Everyone and their mother have a clothing line, management, booking company, label etc. It’s all about who can pull it off and really make a change nowadays.. Anyone can jump into the industry, but it will eat you alive if you’re not ready.

Anything you'd like to add or say to your fans?

Thanks, as always, times a million. We can’t wait to come and rock out and hang and smoke with you all!

LINKS

Emmure Facebook

Emmure Myspace

Emmure Last FM

Emmure YouTube

Victory Records