Exclusive Interview with the Band, A Day to Fall

In 2006, I received a myspace message from Marty, the drummer from "A Day To Fall," and was asked to do some artwork for their first album, "Dying Day." As always, I take a listen to the band's music, and get a feel for what they do, and see if I like them before making my final decision. I liked these guys right away, and accepted the offer on the spot. When I heard their music, I couldn't help but wonder to myself, "Why the hell aren't these guys famous?" Anyone who is a fan of metal/thrash music, I urge you..no wait, I demand you to check out these guys. Let's just say, "A Day To Fall" would make Satan himself run home crying to his mommy.

On that note, I present to all of you readers and fans, an AC exclusive interview with the "six-headed monster" known as "A Day To Fall."

Who is "A Day To Fall"? Introduce yourselves; tell us what instrument you play, and how you guys got together.

Marty: Drums.
Dave: Fiddle, skin flute, meat whistle, and occasionally a guitar.
Brian: Guitar
Matt: Vocals. I found a day to fall be chance. My roommate started a band with Marty's boss, a band that Marty agreed to play bass for and I tried singing for. That is how me and Marty met. I actually joined a day to fall as a bass player and after long debate I was made the singer.
Tim: Keyboards/back up vocals
Bryon: Bass Guitar. Matt called me out of the blue and asked me if I wanted to play in the band. Finding no one in Pennsylvania that I wanted to play with I said yes plus I needed a challenge. Good idea? Yes I'm glad I met these guys they don't know but in a way they saved my life.
Marty: We have been a band for a little over four years now. We have gone through numerous line-up changes over the first few years but now we have finally found the right guys to make this band work.

How did you come up with the name "A Day To Fall"?

Brian: I'm pretty sure Dave came up with that one. Ask him.
Dave: We found the name suitable for the area we reside in, the original name was "one more day to fall" for reasons that here in New Mexico there are no seasons it will snow one day, sunny the next then drop a tornado on your ass the following day, and that's how we play together very emotionally changing. You never know what's in store for you the next day in this band.

Your first album, "Dying Day", has received a huge response since its debut in October 2006. What were your reactions towards the growing responses you've received since its release?

Marty: Surprised and appreciative.
Dave: Made me want to drop a beef log.
Brian: I was surprised that people were actually buying it.
Matt: It was more then I had ever hoped for and I can't wait to go back in the studio and out do Dying Day.
Tim: Freaking awesome!

Speaking of your first album, where can people who are interested, pick up a copy of your album? Can they buy it online?

Marty: Because it is an independent release the only place you can get a copy is through (InterPunk.com), at our shows, or by sending us a message through myspace.

In music like this when the lead singer does those heavy screams and growls, people always wonder if it ever screws up their voice, if they're in pain afterwards, vocal chords get damaged; you name it, people are curious. So Matt, I have to ask you, does it really screw up your voice? What do you sound like by the end of a show? And is there anything special that you do to "prep" your voice before going on stage?

Matt: Yes, singers can hurt their vocal cords very bad when screaming; you have to know what you're doing. I personally don't have a problem when I am screaming because I use my entire body not just my chords. After shows I sound the same as if I never even did the show. I do some vocal exercises before we play but that is only for keeping in key. Sometimes my entire body shakes because I am pushing so hard but that takes the pressure off my voice. Anybody that is curious about how to scream properly needs to pick up a copy of Melissa Cross's DVD, "The Zen of Screaming."

When I talk to people who have heard your music, the one thing I hear often is, "Their drummer kicks ass!" So my questions are, how long have you been a drummer? And are you self-taught?

Marty: HA HA! I hardly fall under the "Kick-ass" category as a drummer! But I appreciate the complements. I am self-taught. I never had the opportunity to take lessons because of the small town we live in; no one teaches drums except in the schools. I have been playing for 15 years now.

This question is also for Marty. I understand you also do some side projects as well? (i.e. Jam Shack Studio, collaborations with other musicians, and your own music projects). Tell us about them, and where people can go to hear, and get more information about them.

Marty: The Jam Shack is the bands little project studio we built in my brothers house to record our first record. After we finished the ADTF cd I got bored and decided to open it up to other local bands in the area. As for my personal projects; I've always got ideas running through my head and the first thing I do is get the ideas on tape (or hard drive). Sometimes they work out and become cool songs and sometimes they end up being shit, ha ha! I like to collaborate with other musicians in the area for a few reasons: 1. There are some talented guys out here that have a lot to offer. 2. I can't sing/scream to save my life. And 3. I like to keep a comradery between musicians. All too often in small scene's you get a lot of competitive attitudes between bands and that just makes for a bad music scene. Just check out the myspace.com site for updates and mp3's, (www.myspace.com/jamshackstudio)

Who are some of your musical influences?

Brian: At The Gates, Pantera, Megadeth
Marty: I'll try to keep my list short! Devin Townsend, Mnemic, Soilwork, Black Sabbath, Faith No More, Tears For Fears, Type-O-Negative, etc......
Dave: Alice Cooper, Rob Flynn, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Mr. Cash, and ALL EUROPEAN METAL.
Matt: Well my vocal influences are: Pantera, all that remains, bleeding through, rancid and shadows fall.
Tim: Nine Inch Nails, Cradle of Filth, Type-O-Negative, Soilwork, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, and many more.

I hear that you guys are already working on a new album. Is this true? If so, when do you think it will debut?

Marty: Yes it is true. We will be hitting the studio in June with producer Eddie Garcia (ex-Pissing Razors) to do another record. We have been talking to a record label for a little over a year now and it looks like this record will be released through the label. It's too early to announce anything yet so we really have no idea for a release date, if it gets released. We will update our myspace page with more info when the time comes.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

Marty: Touring and making records.
Dave: Touring and eating shitty gas station burritos.
Brian: Celebrating the five year anniversary of you asking us this question.
Matt: On the road pursuing my dream.
Tim: On the road making music.

I recently read on your myspace music page, that you are holding a competition for fans. Tell us about it, and if anyone is interested, how they can participate.

Marty: It's just a simple competition. All you gotta do is send us a photo showing your enthusiasm for the band. The craziest top 5 photos get free shit and the pics will get posted on our myspace page. Just send your pics to (www.myspace.com/adaytofall).

Where can people go to hear your music, and be updated on the latest news and show dates?

Marty: (www.myspace.com/adaytofall).

*A big thank you goes out to "A Day To Fall" for doing this interview.