EMQ’s With ORCHID’S CURSE
EMQ’s With ORCHID’S CURSE
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Canadian Melodic Death/ Groove/ Metalcore band, Orchid’s Curse. Huge thanks to their Vocalist, Josh Hogan, 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 Josh (Hogan) and I am the vocalist for Orchid’s Curse. We formed way back in 2005 and are just about to drop our 6th release “The Decay”. Like many bands who’ve been around for close to two decades, we have seen our share of member changes but have always remained a consistent staple in the East Coast Metal Scene in Canada. Our current line-up has been in place for the past 7 years.
How did you come up with your band name?
Orchid’s Curse was an episode title of the TV Series Twin Peaks. It seemed like a cool name at the time and we still like it almost 20 years later so I guess it was the right decision.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We are based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Canada (right on the east coast). The loud scene here has had its ups and downs over the years but there’s still a handful of bands in the region grinding hard to put East Coast Metal on a bigger stage. We have a handful of smaller rooms (150-250 capacity) as well as some bigger stages. We certainly don’t get every big tour to this remote region but we still get some big-name acts (Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth etc…) plus lots of other bands have performed here (Children of Bodom, Opeth, Black Dahlia Murder, Sleep, Napalm Death, The Dillinger Escape Plan, etc…). We have been pretty lucky to score some opening spots for bands like The Black Dahlia Murder, Children of Bodom, Every Time I Die, etc…
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our newest album is a 5-song EP called THE DECAY and features some of our most well-rounded songs to date. From 2 and a half minute bangers like ‘Divided by Everything’ to the epic closer ‘Pay to Prey’ this album has something for every metal fan.
Who have been your greatest influences?
We have pretty diverse influences across band members, but we would definitely say we are for fans of At The Gates, Black Dahlia Murder, and Burnt by the Sun.
What first got you into music?
My Dad was a weekend musician so music has been in my life as long as I can remember. Once I heard Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, etc… at around age 12 there was no turning back.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
If I could pick anyone to do vocals with on a tune it would 100% be Greg Puciato. That dude is an absolute beast with a wild vocal range (and an A+ stage show).
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I mean any of the big Euro fests would be incredible but I think doing 70000 Tons of Metal would be badass.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Years ago a fan of ours got our logo tattooed beside his Gary Busey tattoo. I don’t know if I’d call that a “gift” but it was certainly something.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Take care of each other. There’s enough hate in this world already and I’ve always loved the inclusivity of (most of) the metal community.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I mean the metal community has lost a lot of icons but Trevor Strnad was a massive loss. Gem of a human being and an incredible frontman.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I think the best part of being a musician is the performance. Watching fans go apeshit and scream along is one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. I don’t know if I really “hate” anything about it but there’s certainly a lot of headaches that come with touring (even small scale) from sharing tight quarters with 4 other human beings.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I could probably go on about this for a long time but I think the consolidation/corporatization of the music scene has been problematic for the artists.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
I could list 100 albums that changed my life but here are the first 5 which came to mind:
Refused – “The Shape of Punk to Come”
Dillinger Escape Plan – “Miss Machine”
Nine Inch Nails – “The Downward Spiral”
Tool – “Aenima”
Death – “The Sound of Perseverance”
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl for the art, CDs for the sound quality, and streaming for the ease of use.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Opening for Children of Bodom was by far the biggest stage/crowd we’ve got to play on. The coolest Tour we’ve done would have been when we got to support 3 Inches of Blood and Goatwhore, that was a super fun little run!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Making pizza, making hot sauce, and gardening (all things I do as a musician).
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
The four other dudes in the band and someone with big enough pockets to pay for everything.
What’s next for the band?
We are pretty simple dudes. We just want to continue to make great music and play great shows!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Official website – www.orchidscurse.com
Instagram – www.instagram.com/orchidscurse
Facebook – www.facebook.com/orchidscurse
Bandcamp – https://orchidscurse.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/orchids-curse/300753714
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/47GqE6Jxg0mbdQwogQyef7
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll, or a Tea Cake?
A BAP. Gimme a bacon bap please and thanks!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to spread the word about Orchid’s Curse! Long live east coast Metal!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
