EMQ’s With Illusions of Grandeur
EMQ’s With Illusions of Grandeur
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Theatrical Hard Rock/ Fantasy band, Illusions Of Grandeur. Huge thanks to them 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?
Illusions of Grandeur (I.O.G.) is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band based in York, PA. I.O.G. has been touring in both the United States as well as across the UK, Germany, France, and the Ukraine since 2016.
Illusions of Grandeur:
Vocals – Maggie “the Siren” Carlton. Born in Washington DC, Maggie has been singing off and on stage since she was 4 years old. Maggie has a heavy background in theatre, as well as being a part of bands and choral productions since grade school. Her influences range from Janis Joplin and Robert Plant to Maria Brink, Jonathan Davis, and Amy Lee.
Bass – CM “The Arcangel” Carroll. CM is a Philadelphia born touring musician who has been active since the 90’s in metal, rock, and hardcore bands from Los Angeles to New York. CM’s main influences range from Jaco Pastorius, Cliff Burton, Stanley Clarke, Mike Watts, Geddy Lee and mainly “The OX” John Entwistle and John Paul Jones.
Drums – Ted “Ares the God of War” Domzalski. Ted is a Philadelphia native. Slamming on drums in bands around the Philadelphia scene for years, landing as the God of War in Illusions of Grandeur. Some of Ted’s influences are Lamb of God, Amon Amarth, Chris Adler, and Gene Hoglan.
Guitars – Julian “Dimios” Yeager. Also born in Philadelphia, Julian has been active in the NE metal scene since 2005. Julian’s main influences range from Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page to Chuck Schuldiner, Marty Friedman, and Jeff Loomis.
How did you come up with your band name?
To dream and go for anything with Illusions of Grandeur.
What is your latest release?
Illusions of Grandeur has a new single and video called “Midnight” coming out 6/6/2023 worldwide on Universal Music. It’s a bit darker than our last few songs as I.O.G is exploring different styles of music for our upcoming album “The Siren Rises” coming later in 2023.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Korn, In This Moment, Avatar and classic rock like Rush, Janice Joplin and AC/DC.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
We would love to collaborate with Korn, Avatar or Alter Bridge.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Download as the lineups are the best in the world!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Prince, he was such a talent and gone before his time.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Touring and Playing live! We live for the stage and as an independent band try to play 120 to 150 shows a year. We love our friends and fans on the road. It can be tiring on the road but we love it nonetheless.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
For musicians to be paid fairly for streaming.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Cheap Thrills” – Big Brother and the Holding Company
“Breakfast in America” – Supertramp
“Korn” – Korn ( Debut Album)
“So” – Peter Gabriel
“The Mothership Connection” – Parliament Funk
“Paul’s Boutique” – Beastie Boys
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
BUY a CD from a band or go to Bandcamp so the band gets paid directly, support.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
The Witney Music festival in Witney, UK and Rok Bulva in Ukraine.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I do not know, I have never thought of being anything but a musician, it is my life.
What’s next for the band?
Illusions of Grandeur in 2023 will release their 3rd album “The Siren Rises” and continue to tour in Europe and America! I.O.G. hope to go worldwide in 2023-2024.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllusionsOG
Bandcamp: https://illusionsofgrandeur.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iogmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iogband
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@illusionsog
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCNb-T_hQo8nglq50v02BVmA
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you all for reading and supporting music!
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.
