EMQ’s with CORNERS OF SANCTUARY PART TWO
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Philadelphia, PA based New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal band Corners Of Sanctuary. Now you may remember that guitarist Mick did this with us back in June but drummer, MAD T, wanted to take part as well and, as a former drummer, I wasn’t going to say no and it’s always good to get a drummer’s perspective? Big thanks to him!
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 Mad T, and I am a drummer. Corners Of Sanctuary began in 2011, with Mick Michaels wanting to bring back that classic metal sound. After doing some roadie-ing for the band on and off, as well as some fill in shows, I eventually joined the band in 2016. Since then, we have done numerous regional tours of the United States, a few on the West Coast, mainland Europe, and the United Kingdom. It’s been a fun four-year ride!
How did you come up with your band name?
That’s a Mick Michaels question. I remember him talking about how music was always a source of happiness for him, a place of sanctuary. I think he wanted to really drive that point across to the listeners.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
Corners of Sanctuary are based out of the Philadelphia. The city’s metal and rock scene, just like every other region that the band has toured, is relatively the same. There may be a few well-known bands in each area, but in the past decade, everyone has been having a harder time persuading people to come out and support the local original scene.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Corner of Sanctuary’s latest release is our annual Holiday/Christmas song ‘Wonderful Time Of Year’. It’s a really catchy, feel-good song, that I think anyone, from any genre ,,can appreciate and grow to love! I’ve been singing it to myself since I recorded my parts for it – and that was in October!
We also released our latest full-length album, “Heroes Never Die,” in October 2020, on RFL Records.
‘Wonderful Time Of Year’ (Lyric Video)
Who have been your greatest influences?
Hands down, Judas Priest has been there since I first picked up the drumsticks. It was Priest that actually moved me enough to start playing. Later on, it was Iron Maiden, Accept, Twisted Sister, Savatage, Queensrÿche, Ratt, and similar bands. Then I discovered power metal, and Sabaton became almost top tier.
What first got you into music?
Growing up, my family always listened to music on car rides and the like. My father was also a musician – a guitarist actually. I was introduced to Judas Priest by way of my father, and I was hooked, and wanted to be like them from the Seventies, Eighties, and Nineties. The rest is history.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
That’s a tough choice. It’s a tie between Judas Priest and Sabaton. Both are hard driving bands and I connect with their music. To be honest, I’m not sure what I would contribute, because both bands have something that’s way beyond my pay grade!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wacken…hands down. That’s like the metal festival of all metal festivals and the Germans love metal…at least, that’s what they told us when they came to see us in 2018! Additionally, that’s where a lot of the bands I get into have played. To share the stage and even the festival with bands that I listened to and try to emulate would just be a moment for me that I made it.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I’m not sure if compliments count, but I recall two weird and surprising ones. The first came from a fan who walked up to us before our set, look at us up and down, crossed his arms, and belted out: “You guys look much taller in your pictures!” All of us just stood there staring at each other awkwardly and politely gave our thanks.
The second time happened right after the band’s first show in Europe. The guitarist from the band before us made a beeline for us. Now, this guy was like 6’5” – like a Viking – and stopped just in front of our bassist, James Pera. Looking down at us, the tall man told us that “You play like much taller men!” Much like the first compliment, we stared at each other and gave our thanks. That compliment has been a staple for us during practices when we complete a song or two without any mistakes!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Stay metal, enjoy life, and destiny is all.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Freddy Mercury…so much there, so little time.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I enjoy playing on stage, practicing, and travelling to the shows. What I dislike about this lifestyle are the ways that people mistreat the bands. That really can take the enjoyment out of playing some nights.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Bands would get some sort of definite monetary compensation for their work. Or to have better communication between bands, stage managers, and promoters.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
There are so many to choose from…one album that I’m spinning a lot now is Falconer’s “From A Dying Ember”.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
For me, CDs are the go-to item, because I can play them in my car without having to worry about scrolling through a device that takes my eyes of the road.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I think one of the best shows that Corners of Sanctuary has played was during our last US West Coast tour, where we had the opportunity to play at the Whisky A Go-Go. The energy we had on that stage was driving the songs, and the audience seemed connected to it as well. You know when the audience likes you when they start chanting the chorus without you telling them to!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I’d probably read more, and finally finish the many TV shows and movies that I’ve been neglecting.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
The only time I would do that is to invite family over. I don’t do much entertaining in the way of dinner parties.
What’s next for the band?
We have a few virtual shows lined up, like the Wrecking Ball Metal Fest, among others, as part of our “Metal Never Dies” Online Tour.
Plus, we are already working on some new music for 2021, including a new EP, and material for our next album.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
First and foremost, our official site at
www.cornersofsanctuary.com
But you can also find us at:
www.Facebook.com/CornersofSanctuary
www.Twitter.com/COSnROLL
www.instagram.com/cosnationmetal
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Both!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you having me!
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