EMQ’s with GRIEF COLLECTOR
Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Minnesota Doom metallers Grief Collector. Huge thanks to them for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
This is Brad Miller, And I am the drummer. Grief Collector was formed in the Fall of 2017 by myself and guitarist, Matt Johnson. We wrote the material and recorded the music in the summer of 2018. Once Robert (Lowe, ex Candlemass & Solitude Aeturnus) joined, we recorded his vocals in January of 2019.
How did you come up with your band name?
The name Grief Collector actually comes from the lyrics of a Candlemass song.
What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?
We are from Minnesota, USA. The Doom Metal scene here is pretty amazing actually. A lot of really talented bands out there.
What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)
We just released our first album called “From Dissension To Avowal” on April 1st
Who have been your greatest influences?
I’m really influenced by Swedish bands like Katatonia, Candlemass and most recently, Ghost. But I grew up listening to bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden.
What first got you into music?
In all honesty, seeing the inside cover of “Kiss Alive II” made me wanna become a drummer. Visually stunning. And the raw energy that album had at the time.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
For me it would definitely be Katatonia, hands down.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I think we are really big on playing The Maryland Doom Fest.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Not really a gift, but one time I was asked to sign a McDonald’s receipt. Apparently the guy didn’t have anything else to write on. LOL.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Go out and support these bands that you love so much. Every city should have a thriving music scene. And that’s the only way to achieve that.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
For me it would definitely be Layne Staley from Alice In Chains. His lyrics were so powerful and painful.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I absolutely love the writing process. Being able to create something from scratch and see it come alive. I definitely don’t like the arrogance and cockiness that the music industry can spawn.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I think the music industry lacks originality and it seems like everything is mass produced and has really lost the spontaneity it used to have. I like not knowing what an artist might do live. It’s exciting!
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Without a doubt, Katatonia “Night Is The New Day”.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I’m a big Vinyl and CD fan personally. I like to be able to see the art and read the lyrics. That’s always been a big part of the excitement of getting a new release from a band for me.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I put on a local Doom/ Sludge Showcase here in Minneapolis every year called The Minneapolis Menagerie. Those are always a great time.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I love food and cooking, so I would probably be in the culinary arts.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
I’m a sucker for 80’s metal and the higher ranged vocalists. So I would probably invite Rob Halford, Geoff Tate, Bruce Dickinson, Ray Alder and King Diamond.
What’s next for the band?
We are looking to hit the road this summer and fall. Then work on the follow up album sometime in 2020.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
We are on all the main sites. Bandcamp, Facebook, Spotify, ITunes and Apple Music. As well as others.
https://www.facebook.com/GriefCollector/
https://griefcollector1.bandcamp.com/
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Well, being from Minnesota, I can honestly say I’ve never heard of a Jaffa Cake. Lol, but I googled them and they look delicious. I will go with a biscuit.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
We would like to thank everyone who has supported this project from day one. And to all the new Doom fans around the world for their amazing support and kind words. Much love and respect.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.