Drums

When did you start playing?

When I was 10 years old. I’d attended my first rock concert and found my calling. I’ve never felt so strongly about anything since.

Who are your biggest influences?

For metal, definitely Gene Hoglan, Jason Bittner, and Derek Roddy. I know and love many other badass metal drummers, but I keep my lists short.

What was your most metal moment since you joined the band?

Recording our EP this summer, we were standing outside of the studio just before day 2 of tracking commenced. There was a Starbucks across the street and Gennaro asks the three of us: “You guys want coffee?”
-”No”
-”No, not really”
-”Nah”
Gennaro: “Yeah, me neither.”
Then we recorded gangvox for the chorus of Wings of Steel.

Favorite Black Trip song?

Storm The Might – I love the rapid succession of different grooves in the first half.

Favorite song by other artists?

Strapping Young Lad’s ‘Almost Again’ from their last album The New Black. It’s a gorgeous combination of the purest sound of aggression I’ve yet found with the feeling of exploding and the fear of imminent, violent death. And it ends without feeling resolved.

Favorite local bands?

Randy James Dio, Bent Knee. I’ve seen plenty of well-executed music. I’ve seen few great bands, where every player is performing to the same audience, in the same moment. These bands could open for any superpop act or rock legend and wipe the floor with them. I feel I’ve seen enough of the industry to stand by that assertion. In this age of image-only music, a good band still goes a long way in my book.