EMQ’s With PRISONER

EMQ’s With PRISONER

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Canadian Rockers, Prisoner. Huge thanks to their Vocalist/ Guitarist, Murray Emery, 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 Murray Emery, I play guitar and sing in Prisoner. Prisoner started in London, Ontario Canada in 2020 when I moved there for audio production school. We built a name for ourselves in the province and played many shows while recording our debut record. I then moved back home to Calgary before moving to Los Angeles, USA to pursue Prisoner full time. The band progressed with varying lineup changes until 2023 when I moved back to Calgary, Alberta Canada. This is where Prisoner fully solidified a consistent lineup, and we have been rooted here ever since. 

How did you come up with your band name?

The name stems from our debut single “Prisoner of Time”. We shortened it to just Prisoner, and the name has some conceptual context. The idea is that we are all prisoners of something, whether it’s a job, physical limitation, or the concept of time itself. It is something we can all relate to in our daily lives. Music is also a form of escape for people, and it makes you happy. So the name is kind of a paradox where you can get away from the things that restrict you and just enjoy music.

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We are based in Calgary, Alberta Canada and the Rock/Metal scene is very supportive here. Our province is deeply rooted in Country music, but our underground scene is very strong. The relationships we have built across the country due to our history have made it very easy to be a part of the scene. Everyone does their best to be inclusive and we have artists who play sold-out bar shows to full arena shows from large touring acts. I feel like Canada itself is a hidden gem for amazing Rock and Metal music.

What is your latest release?

Our latest EP “House of Cards” is out August 21st with a music video to promote the first single “Skies are Blackened”. It is a unique release as it has varying musical stylings from thrash to a power ballad. It has something for everyone from your die-hard metalhead to someone looking to discover Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Musically I am a massive fan of Megadeth, Black Sabbath, and Bon Scott-era AC/DC. In a more modern sense bands like Black Veil Brides, Trivium and Motionless in White have inspired me. Each for varying reasons from visual and theatrical aspects to the sound of the band itself. As a guitar player, I love Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert, Jake Pitts, and Tony Iommi. As a singer, I love Ronnie James Dio, Chris Cornell, Rob Halford, and Bon Scott.

What first got you into music?

My parents definitely had a big part in that. I grew up listening to Classic Rock and Heavy Metal in the house, the car, and everywhere I can remember. I remember hearing Megadeth’s Countdown to Extinction and Van Halen’s one in the car, and I think that’s where the obsession started. I started late in comparison to most of my musical peers, and I picked up the guitar at 15. From there it just became an obsession and it’s all I wanted to do.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

I would love to collaborate with Marty Friedman or Matt Heafy. I feel like being able to work with them would be such an amazing experience from a production perspective, as well as a musical standpoint. To hear the stories of their musical journey and to be a part of that would be insane. 

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

I have always had a dream of playing in the UK. So my pick would be BloodStock in the UK. There are so many great bands that have and will play there. I find the lineup is always great, but there are also lots of up-and-coming artists on the lineup to help keep this genre strong. There’s also something about the fans in the UK, when I watch videos of bands performing there, the people and crowds are always overwhelmingly great. 

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I don’t think we’ve had anything too weird thus far. Cool art, stuffed animals, snacks etc. 

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Just thank you for listening to our music and giving us the opportunities we have had. Without the people who support us, we’re just four dudes with no sleeves in a garage playing instruments. So for all of the time and money spent supporting what we do, we can’t thank you enough.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

I would bring back Ronnie James Dio. He was such an amazing talent and stayed relevant for decades of music in varying bands. He always worked and helped other artists to be their best and to just talk to him would be surreal. It also helps that he came through my hometown when I was seven with Black Sabbath and he could’ve been my first concert ever but I missed the show. He is just a large inspiration to me as an artist, but also as a person and his character.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I love playing and making music. The creative aspect and challenge of constantly getting better is what makes music fun. I also love playing with my band and connecting with the audience live. There is nothing like it in the world. Hearing your lyrics sung back to you, the energy, everything about it is just infectious. It makes all the not-so-great parts worth it. On the contrary, I don’t love traveling in small spaces as I am pretty tall at 6’4”, as well as the lack of sleep sometimes. I can’t complain though as I am lucky enough to be living my dream.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I would change the structure of how the industry contracts artists to allow for accountability of the business side of the industry. This would allow for the artists to sign fair and equitable contracts to keep both sides working in a proper fashion, rather than artists signing their life, and creative control away just to be heard.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“Powerage” from AC/DC. It’s one of the first records I fell in love with, and every song is good. The driving force of Malcolm Young, Angus’ leads, and Bon’s ability to tell a story in each song created a perfect storm for a masterpiece.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Teenage me would say downloads because it is so portable, but as I got older I fell in love with vinyl and the quality of the recording. It might also be because I’m a massive music and sound nerd. Plus, buying vinyl supports artists and I don’t want to be a hypocrite.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Our last show in London, Ontario was insane. We played a large hall and the audience ripped off the railing to the stage and was stage diving and moshing like crazy. Definitely one of the most energetic crowds we’ve played, and one of my fondest memories on stage.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I would be an audio engineer or producer as I own a recording studio in Calgary called Crooks Hollow Studio, which I built and designed. Or I would be doing commercial construction as I grew up working for my parent’s company.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

I would invite Dave Mustaine, Wayne Gretzky, Andy Biersack, George St. Pierre, and Tony Iommi as all of these people are people I looked up to growing up in some capacity as an athlete, or musician.

What’s next for the band?

Prisoner is full steam ahead with shows to back the EP, and we are already in the midst of recording to have more music out by the end of the year. Then this winter we will be working on album number two and next summer we plan to fill it with shows.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Website:https://prisonerband.ca/

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCotA8hwMuuWeVhiAcOMLaBA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prisonerbandofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558663405360

Spotify: Prisoner | Spotify

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/prisoner/1617269145

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?

My gut instinct would be a cob. I briefly remember my 6th grade teacher mentioning that word as she was from the UK.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you for reaching out to us, go listen to good music, and thank you to Jon at Asher Media Relations.

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.