EMQ’s With Solstice Rider
EMQ’s With Solstice Rider
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Epic Melodic Death Metal band, Solstice Rider. Huge thanks to their Guitarist/ Vocalist/ Keyboard player, Jeremy, 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, this is Jeremy from the band Solstice Rider! Solstice Rider is an epic melodic death metal band from the State of Maryland in the USA. The band was formed in 2020 and we’ve been releasing music, and building our name ever since.
How did you come up with your band name?
The funny thing is, I’m terrible at naming bands. But then one day I was living life and then the name “Solstice Rider” came to me, and that was it.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We’re from the USA from Maryland. The scene in Maryland is very diverse and spread out. I’d say the most popular genres here are doom metal and metalcore so we sorta stand out as our music sounds a bit European.
What is your latest release?
We released our newest single “The Wildchild Rides On” this year a few months ago. A new EP and album should be out in 2024.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Finnish Metal bands, Japanese music, and Film/Video Game music. Tuomas Holopainen and Yuki Kajiura are my biggest inspirations.
What first got you into music?
My Dad got me into rock and I sorta found my own way surfing Youtube back in the day (2008). I was into Black Sabbath and System of a Down, then I discovered Sonata Arctica’s Wolf and Raven and that’s how my awakening started.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I would collaborate with Tony Kakko or Marko Hietala if I could choose.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wacken hands down. Tuska as well. Those festivals have always inspired me and it feels like a holy ground for metal.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I recall a fan having my face tattooed on their arm.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Be yourself.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Ronnie James Dio. He’s like a God to me.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I enjoy being creative, I dislike how it’s not financially lucrative.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
They should pay the artists more. Spotify should increase royalties, because without us they are nothing.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Dark Passion Play from Nightwish. It’s funny because Tarja is my favourite vocalist, but Dark Passion Play has some of Tuomas’s most emotional compositions and I’m very drawn to a composer’s mental state and artistry more than anything.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
CD’s.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
TBD.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I am currently a Programmer, so probably that.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
My bandmates! All of them are great people to have at a party.
What’s next for the band?
New music in 2024!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://www.facebook.com/solsticeriderband
https://www.instagram.com/solsticerider/
Buy our album here: https://solsticerider.bandcamp.com/album/suffer-to-glory
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?
We say humble pie in the states, to your question… I’m gonna assume a muffin. 🙂
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I wanna thank the fans for the love and support, stay tuned for more music!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
