EMQ’s with SINS OF MAGNUS
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania based Stoner/Doom Metal band, Sins Of Magnus. Huge thanks to guitarist/vocalist Rich Sutcliffe 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?
Hey!! My name is Rich, I play guitar and sing. We started in 2009 to do something a little different than everyone else. Sean, our drummer, was the drummer in the very first band I did in 1990. Eric, our bass player and singer, has been in 3 other bands with me since 1995. All our bands were either punk or hardcore, and we just wanted to do something different. We didn’t want to be confined to any one genre. Eric and I were looking for a drummer, and right away Sean was our first choice, and he was on board. So, the 3 of us, collectively, have played together on and off for 31 years.
How did you come up with your band name?
We were originally called Magnus when we first started. Our first EP is under the Magnus name. Do you know how hard it is to search for a particular album by Magnus? There are so many bands with this name that it nearly impossible. We added ‘Sins of’ to it to make it easier to find, and we all thought Sins of Magnus sounded cool.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from Philadelphia, PA USA. There is a great scene out here. There are a ton of unsigned bands around here, however, and I think it’s a shame. Check out Black Friday Death Count and Victor Traps and you’ll see what I’m talking about. These 2 bands should be household names.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest LP, “The Circus”, came out on 16th February 2021. There’s a limited run CD of 100 copies, as well as all popular streaming platforms.
‘Flux Capacitor’ (Audio)
Who have been your greatest influences?
Personally, Tony Iommi, Alvin Lee, and Fast Eddie Clarke. Eric’s influences are John Entwistle, Steve Harris, and Geezer. Sean’s are Neal Peart and Mike Portnoy. Collectively our influences are Sabbath of course, Motorhead, Slayer, Trouble, Dayglo Abortions, Priest, AC/DC, Danzig, Ramones, old NYHC, Rush, Metallica, Ratt, and Shelter.
What first got you into music?
I grew up in a household where I was subjected to either country music or disco. In 1978 my parents bought me “Love Gun” by Kiss. My whole perspective of music changed from that day on. In terms of wanting to play music, all of us wanted to play our instruments because of Metallica. It was what kids in high school rocked to back then. It is how we all started out.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
No doubt in my mind it would be John Arch from early Fates Warning. He is one of my top 5 vocalists and I always wanted to write material with vocals that only he could handle.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
The Doomed and Stoned festival. Every band I currently love plays this festival and it would be an honour to be a part of it.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
In one of my old bands, I received a painting of a tree. I don’t know why they thought I would want that, let alone bring it to a show, but I guess it was a nice gesture.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Listen to everything we have to offer. The songs are so different from one another that there is something for everyone, no matter what genre you most identify with.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Lemmy. I miss him dearly. We need more rock stars like him in this world.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I like that I get to be creative and be able to express myself in the music we write. The only thing I hate is carrying equipment up flights of stairs. I’m too old for that!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
There are too many cliques. Everyone should support each other.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Ignaurus” by Into Another. This album is full of creativity both musically and lyrically.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I personally like the sound of vinyl, but only for old recordings. It defeats the purpose to record digitally, then release it on an analog format. I don’t care what format it is in, as long as I get to hear it loud!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We opened for Trouble, during their tour supporting The Distortion Field. Really fun night getting to meet one of my favourite bands, and influences, who were really cool, no egos, and down to earth.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
My day job! Nothing else. Music is the only form of art I’m half decent at.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Rob Halford, Geoff Tate, John Arch, Michael Kiske, and Bruce Dickenson. It would be the best falsetto quintet of all time!
What’s next for the band?
We are beginning to record 5 new songs, at New Sofa Studios, for what looks like will be an EP. Our releases have been 3 or 4 years apart. It’s time to get more out there a little sooner than that. Since there are currently no shows to play, we have really focused on new material, and I think it’s our best to date.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
www.instagram.com/sinsofmagnus
www.sinsofmagnus.bandcamp.com/
www.open.spotify.com/artist/3NGmWS7VrQ4o7iM37xzQfl
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Our drummer Sean, who lived in England for 4 years said “Biscuit yo”!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Please support unsigned bands. They work harder than anyone else and have something to prove.
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