EMQ’s with FIRING SQUAD
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Woodstock, New York based Thrash Metal band, Firing Squad. Huge thanks to guitarist Jack Weiss 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?
My name is Jack Weiss. I play rhythm guitar in Firing Squad. I met Will Lange at a heavy metal workshop hosted by Scott Ian of Anthrax in 2015. We’re still tight with Scott to this day. Will and I were in a band together from 2015 to 2019. After that band broke up, we started Firing Squad with Alan Rosenbaum on drums and Elliot Mangione on bass.
How did you come up with your band name?
We named the band after the song ‘Firing Squad’ by Power Trip. Riley Gale Forever.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We’re from Woodstock, New York. A great place to live if you want to be a washed-up hippie who plays the blues. There’s not much going on in terms of punk or metal.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
We released the “American Carnage” EP in February, and our new single, ‘Police State of Mind’ comes out November 10th.
‘American Carnage’ (Official Video)
Who have been your greatest influences?
Ramones, Dead Kennedys, Anthrax, Megadeth, Power Trip, to name a few.
What first got you into music?
My parents introduced me to a lot of the music I love. Growing up, I watched The Yellow Submarine religiously. From there, my dad put me on to The Ramones and a bunch of other classic punk.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Jello Biafra, without a doubt. He’s a total genius and a big inspiration.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Gizzfest in Australia. I’m a huge fan of all the bands on Flightless Records.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
The clap!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Don’t trust anyone over 30.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Vince Neil.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The most rewarding aspect for me is songwriting. I’ve got nothing to hate. I just want to make good music.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Higher emphasis on artistry as opposed to profits.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“New Clear Days” by The Vapors. Great band, great album. Couldn’t tell you how many hundreds of times I’ve listened to it. Their other two records are amazing too. “Magnets” and “Together”. Check them out!
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl for sure.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We played a crazy show at Dad Shack in Oneonta, New York. Don’t look for it, it’s not there anymore.
Great energy, tons of kids. Our gigs in Oney always went the hardest.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Dedicating myself to a life of crime.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Phoebe Bridgers, Arik Ancelin, Noam Chomsky, Joan Jett, and Ty Segall.
What’s next for the band?
Our new single ‘Police State of Mind’ comes out November 10th. So we’re hyping that up as well as writing new material and getting ready to record again.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
For social media, we use Instagram and Facebook. For streaming we prefer Spotify.
www.instagram.com/firingsquadofficial/
www.facebook.com/firingsquadofficial
www.open.spotify.com/artist/47lDAPYSirKNnYAPOnC1P1
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I’ll have to try one and find out.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Make sure to check out our EP “American Carnage” available everywhere! Keep your eyes out for ‘Police State of Mind’. It’s our best track yet. Thanks!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.