We always try to bring
you the interviews with the best bands currently tearing it up on the
Sludge/Stoner Metal scene and now is no different with today's
special guest – Jason Taylor – Vocalist and Guitarist of
brilliant band – Sierra
Sierra's blend of
Psychedelic Sludge/Stoner Metal has blown us all away at the blog.
Their début album Pslip is one I rated very highly just recently.
“The amount of ideas
on show on these two tracks can put some albums to shame. They are
both packed of brilliant riffs to rock out/headbang to. The perfect
mix of riffs and vocals that show Sierra are a band full of great
ideas all waiting to be discovered by whoever listens to it.
The album is one that
impresses me every time I listen to it. I am well into double figures
now and it just gets better with every listen. A sign of a truly
brilliant album in my humble opinion.
Sierra have excelled
themselves here and they deserve every reward and accolade coming
their way. As this album is something special indeed. “
Sierra even have
Kylesa's Philip Cope producing the album and even providing vocals on
one of the albums stand-out tracks – Into Nothing.
I had to get an
interview done with these sublime Canadian Sludge Rockers. And Jason has kindly answered my questions. Plus I found out Jason has family in my hometown of Tyne And Wear, UK. Small world. Anyway. Time to talk Sludge!!!!
Q1 – Hi Jason. Thanks
for doing this. How are things with you today?
Jason – Great man!
My pleasure
Q2 – Can you give our
readers a brief history of how the band came about.
Jason – Robbie and I
have been playing in bands and jamming for close to eight years.We
met through an add I put up in a local music store. We both listen to
lots of different types of music, and each band we started we would
write in one style. It never worked out. With Sierra we just said
lets write whatever comes out... its been working well so far!
Q3 – How would you
describe your music. I would describe it as Psychedelic Sludge/Stoner
Metal. But your music has a sublime Progressive edge to it as well.
Jason – Stoner prog.
I guess
Q4 – Now congrats on
PSLIP. What a brilliant record it is that we rate very highly here at
Sludgelord. Bet you guys are excited waiting to get the album
released upon to the world.
Jason – Yeah man. It
was recorded back in January and its just getting released now. Been
playing most of these songs live now forever. So yeah, stoked!
Q5 – Now what the
heck is PSLIP about. As I have listened to it multiple times and I
still can't figure out what it means. Or do you want to keep that
part of the album a trade secret.
Jason – Its a
concept album of sorts. Not giving to much away. When we announced
its release we stated `The album is a journey through a Psychedelic
stated of being, documenting some of the slips and falls along the
way`
Q6 – How did you get
the legend that is Philip Cope to produce the album. Obviously you
guys are huge Kylesa fans. Did that help to work with him as well.
Jason – Yeah, we`re
huge fans. Not only of Kylesa, but of all the main bands he`s
produced in the past. I really wanted him to produce the first ep, so
I met him before a Kylesa show in Toronto, and gave him a demo. He
actually got back to me a few weeks later.
Within a few months we
packed up and headed to South Carolina to do the first ep. That went
great, and Phil ended up becoming our manager. So Pslip was done by
him also, at The jam Room Studios. One of the coolest guys to work
with. Really inspiring watching him work his studio magic.
Q7 – Did it take a
lot of convincing to get him to vocals on Into Nothing. Did Philip
agree to it straight away or was he hesitant at first.
Jason – Not really.
We asked, and he was up for it. It was either me screaming my balls
off or him. Hes much better at it!
Q8 – How did you get
Casey McKinley to design your excellent album cover. Was that through
Philip as Casey has designed a few Kylesa covers. How much input did
you have with the overall design.
Jason – II seen him
online just from being a Kylesa fan, before our involvement with
Phil. He designed our logo and every other merchéalbum design we
have ever released. I'm a big fan of visual audio collaborations.
Band who use the same artist exclusively. Like Yes and Roger Dean.
With merch we just throw the ball in his court. He doesn't make
anything that doesn't rule, so we dont have to worry. With albums we
give him the demos to listen to, and give a slight idea of the
concept, and let him run with it.
Casey has become one of
the greatest friends Ive never met. Hope to play Kentucky soon and
have a beer with him in person!
Q9 – How big of a
help has BandCamp in getting your music across to the masses.
Jason – BandCamp is
great. Wouldn't be doing this interview without it!
Q10 – In 5 words or
less describe the live SIERRA experience.
Jason – LOUD SWEATY
FUZZY HOUSE PARTIES!
Q11 – I am a big fan
of the Canadian Sludge/Stoner Metal scene. Bands such as Alaskan,
Dopethrone, Titan, Godstopper, Pyres, Anciients and FUCK THE FACTS if
your into the harder variety. Is there a big scene for you guys to
perform regularly and to sell merchandise or do you have to rely on
foreign markets more.
Jason – Our city has
a good DIY scene. bands like Mighty Atom and Disrape putting on house
shows, helping bands out on tour and stuff like that. None of us are
alike stylistically, at all, but everyone enjoys it.
As for the bands you
mentioned, when we played Montreal with Kylesa we met the singer from
Dopethrone. We have talked about putting together a tour or run of
shows in the future. That dude eats and drinks sludge for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner.
Q12 – What are your
favourite bands you are currently listening to. Any bands that myself
or our readers should check out.
Jason – Some rad
bands from Kitchener. Mighty Atom, Disrape, and New Wings. Check out
our bros in LazurIWulf too.
Q13 – If you could
provide words to wisdom for people wanting to start a band – What
would they be.
Jason – Don't do it!
Stay in school
Q14 – Is there going
to be a physical release of the album in the near future. CD or
Vinyl. As I would love this album on Vinyl.
Jason – CDs should be
available Friday July 19. And yes, there will be vinyl! Go to
facebook.comsierrariff or sierrariff.bandcamp.com to get a copy
mailed to you.
Q15 – Do you have any
plans to tour overseas or is this too expensive for you to do this at
this moment in time.
Jason – Absolutely!
When the right time and opportunity arises we will cross the pond.
Q16 – Finally do you
have anything to say to your fans.
Jason – LET THE MUSIC
PSLIP! See you all soon!
Thanks for your time.
Best of luck with your album. I think it's going to cause waves
within the Sludge/Stoner Metal scene.
Thanks. Sludgelord
