Band Interview: Under the Mountain

Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life are pleased to bring you an interview with variety laden rock and roll band, Under the Mountain.

1. How did you get started as a band?

Myles: Steve and I started playing music together back in high school. Twelve years ago or so, we both moved back to Nanaimo at the same time and started playing together again. I was working on a job site and met Curt, he came and jammed with us and it was a good fit. After trying out a bunch of drummers we finally met Fred through another friend of ours. He was with us until last year when he moved to Toronto, we’ve known Jon for years and knew right away he’s who we wanted as his replacement. There wasn’t even a discussion, it was an immediate agreement.

2. How would you describe your sound?

This is always a hard one, it changes song by song for us. We go from straight up rock and roll, to eight minute progressive metal instrumentals, to southern rock with acoustic guitar and banjos.

3. What bands/artists would you say have influenced your style of music?

Oh man, there’s a list. Personally I’d say Down has influenced my guitar playing, and Alice in Chains have hugely influenced Steve and I wanting to throw vocal harmonies on everything we can. Lately I’d say Atomic Bitchwax has been creeping into some of our music.

4. Has the rise of YouTube & music streaming helped or hindered you as a band?

Oh, definitely helped. We’ve had people listening to us from every part of the world from India to Australia, Germany, the whole world really. Some places I’ve never even heard of. That’s my favourite part of the advent of streaming platforms, I don’t know how we’d get our music to these people as a band on a small label if it wasn’t for streaming.

5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

I think the one thing as exciting for me as being on stage is riding motorcycles. Other than that, hiking with my pooch and going to watch other bands play.

6. What are your future plans musically? Tours?

With covid I doubt we’ll be touring any time soon but we’re going to get in the studio and record a new album in 2021!

Links

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