EMQ’s With Matt of As Oceans Divide
EMQ’s With As Oceans Divide
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hi, I’m Matt, and I play drums for As Oceans Divide.
The band came together through years of friendship and a shared history in Ontario’s metal scene. Guitarist Eric Camilleri wanted to create something heavier, more technical, and more emotionally driven, and reached out to me after we’d known each other since high school. From there, we brought in vocalist Tom Emmans, producer and guitarist Thomas Ireland, dudes we’d all known, worked with, or shared stages with over the years. It quickly became clear this was more than just another project. It became a band built on trust, experience, and a passion for writing honest, heavy music.
How did you come up with your band name?
We wanted a name that reflected both the heaviness and emotional depth of our music. “As Oceans Divide” represents distance, struggle, and the challenges people face in life, but it also suggests movement, change, and the idea that even the biggest obstacles can eventually be crossed.
What Country / Region are you from, and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We are from Ontario, Canada. The metal scene here is healthy. We have and know great promoters, bands and venues all over Ontario.
What is your latest release?
We are releasing our Self-Titled EP on July 9th. (Editor – Read Beth’s review HERE)
Who have been your greatest influences?
By far my favourite bands as a kid were Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying and Killswitch Engage. And those drummers influenced my drumming before bands like Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying and Killswitch Engage came along.
What first got you into music?
I think music started for me in the back seat of my parents’ car listening to classic rock. Which is arguably the best music ever.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
There are a lot of amazing artists I would love to work with, but getting the chance to collaborate at Metallica headquarters in San Francisco would be my dream.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Getting As Oceans Divide on 70000 Tons of Metal would be incredible. Playing a gig on a cruise ship would work for me.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
The greatest gift ever received was on tour in New Brunswick, playing for Bloodshoteye with Misery Index; a couple gave us a place to stay and brought us to the local laundry mat.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for giving a new band a chance. Every stream, every share, every conversation, and every person who comes to a show means more than you probably realize. We don’t take any of that support for granted.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Dimebag
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love everything about creating music and playing drums. Not sure I hate anything about it.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change a thing. For us we do it because we love it.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Vulgar Display of Power, to this day it still holds its weight.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I grew up in the CD generation.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
On my 40th birthday, I played at the Biltmore Theatre with my Pantera Tribute band Cowboys From Hell, opening for the Metallica Tribute Sandman. What a night.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I have no idea.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
My wife, my kids, my Dad, and Cam Newton. (We are huge Panthers fans lol)
What’s next for the band?
We’re hoping this EP is just the beginning. We are working towards more music, a full-length? Maybe.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people? Please include any links
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asoceansdivide
Instagram: www.instagram.com/asoceansdivide
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AsOceansDivide
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 Roll.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
THANK YOU!
