Backstage Pass - Killset - Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview?

KILLSET

Luca (Singer)

ATP

What is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

KILLSET

KillSET. Wanted a name that was short, sweet and that described our live show and every set we play. Reminds us every time we take the stage that we must Kill (the) SET or we won’t live up to the name…..or if you asked a cave man what he was there to do on that night….KillSET!

ATP

So who's in the band and what instruments do you each play?

KILLSET

Luca –Singer
James “Jas” Dillon – Drums
Mark Baker -- Bass
Dave Comer -- Guitar

ATP

How would you describe your sound. What makes you unique?

KILLSET

“Chaotic Melodic” I think what makes us unique is that we literally have no rules in the writing process. If it’s cool, it’s cool and if it’s not it’s not! The variety in personal music influences has allowed us to create anything, regardless of genre within the same song, without feeling the need to compromise. Again, if its cool, it’s cool and if it’s not, it’s not!

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

KILLSET

I couldn’t list the influences without someone in the band feeling like there was something left out. Artists from Gangster Rap, to Hair Metal, to Nu-‐Metal, to Hardcore, to Southern Rock, to Grunge, to Industrial, to Pop and everything else I may have left out, all play a part in what we do.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

KILLSET

Let’s just say if our experience on stage was compared to Jenna Jameson’s experience in her field of work, she would look like an innocent school girl!

ATP

How would you describe your shows?

KILLSET

Pure energy and chaos mixed with moments of beauty. We are incredibly proud of our stage show, and if each one of us does not come off that stage drenched in sweat about to pass out, then we have not done our job and have to answer to one another. There is only true respect in this band, but we are not afraid to constructively critique one another. We actually have all of our shows filmed and watch it like game day footage allowing us to prepare and get better for the next one!

ATP

Tell us about your favorite show and why?

KILLSET

I would say we have 2 so far. They probably weren’t the biggest shows we’ve played, but were very meaningful. Playing with RED at The Roxy because it was early on in our career and the pure excitement of the fans during and after the show was validating in many ways. Recently, we played direct support for OTEP in Arizona and that was another special one. The amount of love we received during and after the set truly inspired us. To get to a point where the crowd knows your songs and lyrics so well that you can just let them sing them for a bit was absolutely amazing!

ATP

Tell us about your worst show and why?

KILLSET

It actually wasn’t that long ago. It was this over hyped up festival that did not live up to the hype. I can’t say we even had a bad set, it’s just that it did not live up to the expectations. From stage placement to the sound capabilities it ended up being a huge disappointment. That stuff happens, but we learned from it and through that we were able to understand our true worth in the industry. So, in the end we were actually able to make something positive out of it.

ATP

Tell Us About Your Dream Show, who you'd like to play with and where?

KILLSET

I know the guys have their own dream shows, but each one of ours would differ greatly due to the fact that our major influences in music have such a range. Right now, for me, I would love to play a show with Nonpoint. I’ve been a huge fan of theirs for some time, and I really dig their energy on stage. The former athlete in me would love the challenge of going head to head with them. Only the utmost respect for those guys, but I would love to see how the crowd feels we measure up live.

ATP

Do you have a street team and how can you join?

KILLSET

We just have hardcore fans in our area that help us promote, but no official street team. Hook it up…ATP!!

ATP

Do you have a record label and if not are you looking for one?

KILLSET

Labels are interesting these days. We have done a lot on our own with our friends/connections in the industry, from a full length record produced by a highly accredited producer, getting big shows, distribution, all the way to licensing deals that have gotten our tracks in movies, but we are always looking for support. If that support comes in the way of a label with a substantial offer, then we are down!

ATP

What are your plans for the future, in a year, 5 years?

KILLSET

The next year has us recording a new record and touring. Getting on the road for us is a major priority, as we believe our live show is what will continue to take us to the next level.

ATP

Finally, do have any words on what Arm The Pit means to you?

KILLSET

Arm The Pit means that there is hope! You guys are everything that is right about the industry and we are very appreciative of the opportunity that you guys have given us and every other band out there that is busting their ass to make it!