ROCKED: A night out with ILL OF DAY

Photographer credit: Robert Ciolfi

Toronto Independent Music Awards – TIMAs

WEB CONTENT – February 19.2009

www.TorontoIMA.com

ROCKED: A Night Out with ILL OF DAY

By BD Marie Hughes

ILL OF DAY

Denise Anselmo – vox

Jay Pierce – bass

Tyler Hunter – guitar

Danny Nobrega – drums

Towards the first week of February 2009, I met with the Canadian rock band Ill of Day at Bovine Sex Club for an insightful and reflective interview.

BD: Happy New Year! Great to see you again, as always! What’s happening? What’s new?

IOD Denise: Happy New Year, BD! Things are going great right now! There has been some strong interest from different sources and we are currently writing our first full length album! We’re busy but energetic and excited!

BD: Tell our readers how Ill of Day came together and when, as an introduction to you.

IOD Denise: We came together in early 2006 when Danny Nobrega, Jon Roberts and I met through another guitarist, Matt, that we had both jammed with. It was instant chemistry. We all knew it wouldn’t work with Matt so we began our hunt for a guitarist while writing and jamming. In August 2006, we found Chris Bennett. At that time, we wrote and recorded our first album, the “Ill of Day” EP. Following that, Jon decided to pursue his career and we were back on the hunt for a bassist in late 2007. Luckily, we barely skipped a beat and found Jay within a month or two. Shortly thereafter, Chris left the band and we were, once again, forced to find the right guitarist. Tyler Hunter was the man for the job. Now here we are! Our lineup is complete and we couldn’t be happier!

BD: Can you tell us how Ill of Day came to have a female lead vocalist? Was it a desire for diversity? To be more unique?

IOD Danny: We were aiming for a certain melodic drive, something very dark but yet sensual to the ear. When Denise had come out to rehearse, we were able to play with our eyes shut and not a worry about what was to come next. Within the first 2 minutes of her audition, I knew Denise was the individual that this band needed to be what it is today.

BD: Have you ever encountered problems with sexism in having a female lead which we all know exists in the metal scene?

IOD Denise: I have witnessed sexism all my life way before I was ever in a rock band. You will always come across some pervert or people who automatically have pre- conceived notions of who you are and how you perform. That is part of the thrill, proving them all wrong and not giving a fuck! How long will it take for people to start seeing one another as individuals with unique abilities and interests?? Woman or man, black or white?

BD: Why do you think there’s so much aversion or resistance to female vocalists in the scene?

IOD Jay: Well… I’m not sure that is entirely true. I think that female fronted rock bands are becoming more and more popular. There are a lot of really good female fronted bands that are popping up all over the place in this industry! I think that maybe some people don’t think that women can "rock it out". (laughs) Come catch a show and watch Denise.... (everyone laughs)

BD: (To Denise) What’s the best, worst, and hardest thing about being a female singer in a metal band? (grinning)

IOD Denise: We all have ultimate respect for one another and treat each other equally. But sometimes I can get away with not lugging as much gear as the boys do. (laughs) My arms are wimpy! I cannot lift heavy amps and stuff like that. The guys are always such gentleman and treat me like a lady. I can’t really think of the worst or hardest thing. But scale some lyrics, the truth might come out in a song. (we both laugh)

BD: What’s your take on the Toronto music scene?

IOD Denise: Toronto is a tough scene to break into. It seems as though Torontonians just don't go out to see live music unless it is an already established act. Venues do little to promote indie shows, leaving it up to the bands performing. Bands should do all they can to promote their gigs but it is in the interest of all involved to have a great turn out. I think there should be more support from venues who want to see their clubs fill up. They should do their share of promo, radio, print, and so on. There are tons of amazing bands from Toronto and even Ontario. People, go out and check out some shows! It’s better than sitting at home playing rock band! Come experience the real deal! (laughing)

BD: When you’re writing your music, do you focus on specific topics such as current political issues and, as another example, relationship pitfalls, or, are you writing more to convey a mood or, say, a frame of mind? Describe your writing scenario.

IOD Denise: I never actually set out to write about a specific topic. I just let my thoughts flow and usually discover what I’m singing about throughout the writing process. So I tend to base all lyrics upon a mood and frame of mind. We do have politically charged songs like “Nameless, Soulless” for example. A lot of what I write lyrically is a battle to try to understand yourself like “Mind Control”. Or songs about the human condition and tragedy like “Cry”. Mostly I like writing ambiguously where words don’t necessarily mean one thing or the other and it’s completely open for interpretation. The listener can use it in whatever way they choose.

BD: Are you able to say all that you want to say with your music?

IOD Denise: There is a feeling in expressing thoughts through music that sometimes speaking words cannot describe. I definitely feel fulfilled after a good jam session and show. A weight is lifted and I can move on. It sometimes helps put things into perspective, so yes I say the things I want to say without holding back. I have a lot more to say so Ill of Day won’t stop!

BD: Tell us about your debut EP available on iTunes, eMusic & Indiepool.com. That is pretty exciting for you!

IOD Jay: We recorded our EP May 24 weekend in 2007. We piled into a small basement studio and went to work. We recorded with Tim Oxford, a graduate of Metal Works engineering program. We all had a blast working with him. We are eagerly anticipating the sessions recording our new full length! We are currently looking for a studio and producer to work with us. We have had a few offers but are keeping our options open as well. We cannot wait!

BD: Do you see your music as a business or an art? Can your music still be an art if you sign to a major label?

IOD Denise: Our music is an art first and foremost. We do it because it feels great and gives us a much needed outlet to say the things we need to say… release… Unfortunately or fortunately, depends on how you look at it, there is a business aspect that needs attention so we can reach a larger audience and share our art. It would be great to be able to make a decent income with it so we could all do it full time and still be able to provide for our families. I don’t know what it’s like to be signed to a major although I’m sure there is some pressure to mold and change your art to what will appeal to a larger audience and make the label money. But there are tons of bands signed to major labels because their art appeals to a lot of people and they do not need to compromise. That is what we hope for.

BD: Do you feel heavy touring will equal a record label deal? Is it possible for you to tour?

IOD Jay: Well... I think you need one to get the other. Heavy touring will definitely help promote a band. You need to create a buzz around the band before you can get any labels to even check you out. Yes, we are totally willing to tour!!! No doubt about IT!!! I’m not really sure that you can afford NOT to tour. That is what separates garage bands from artists!

BD: There’s no mistaking your outstanding musicianship along with electrifying and often mesmerizing performances. What really allows you to “bring it” when you’re on stage? What flips your switch?

IOD Danny: There is something in our performance that I just cannot explain. The feeling that comes out of our live set for me is mesmerizing every single time. I am completely lost in the moment. It seems our inner souls are holding hands and allows us to compile our emotions and release them on stage naturally.

IOD Jay: For me, it’s the energy of the band and the audience! Denise can pump anyone up!! For me..... the pounding of the bass and kick drum!! (laughs)

IOD Denise: The music flips the switch! The vibe, energy and connection I have with the band, and of course, the audience feeding back. We truly believe in what we say and do. It all comes together and alive on stage. It’s a feeling like no other… seduction of the mind... (laughs)

BD: When your audience leaves the club you’re playing at, how do you want them to remember you?

IOD Danny: I would hope that the audience would feel a personal connection with us through our music and our performance. Our main drive is performing live and captivating our audience. Making them feel they have a full connection with us, whether it is a track they liked or our energy on stage keeping them on their feet. When they walk out the door I would like them to think, “When is their next show? I have to see them again!”

BD: Where in Ill of Day do you feel you take chances? You know, dread is a close cousin of fear. (laughs)

IOD Jay: I feel that I take chances everyday!! (laughs) I put 100 % into this band.... and will quit my real job just to push it!! I would like to have a career in music... so whatever it takes! I am not afraid... of failure. I am more afraid of not trying!

BD: You have had tremendous industry recognition in the past 2 years including a TIMA nomination for “Best Metal” in 2007. How do you define success?

IOD Denise: Success is doing what you love. It is great to have your music recognized by TIMA and we hope to be nominated again this year! However, in the end, your personal happiness that comes from doing what you love – that makes you successful.

BD: What’s on the horizon for Ill of Day?

IOD Denise: Hopefully some great things! We are prepping to record our new album and with that will come a video shoot, hopefully for our first single “Identify”. Keep checkin’ our website for an exclusive acoustic version of the song! Mailing list members will be able to download it for free!! We have had some radio play with “Nameless Soulless” which spent a few weeks at number one on the charts! (Humber Radio’s “Unsigned Top 5 Countdown”) We’ll have some new promo shots done. We are planning a US tour… The horizon holds the unknown. We are super stoked to spread the word and get to as many people as we can with Ill of Day. Wish us luck!

REFS/Sources:

www.myspace.com/illofday

www.illofday.com