AxMinister - Interview - PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS.COM

Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)

PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?

A: Axminster is a Theatrical Thrash Metal Band. We melt your face with brutal thrash and excite your hormones with a very sexy visual show.

PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.

A: We have lived many lives throughout time. At the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066 in the year of our Lord, we made a sacred promise to ourselves that we will fight and die for True Metal. We will not rest till the enemies of Metal and all the False Metal losers die by our hand, or at least get so unmotivated that they give up, turn to Emo and start painting their nails.

PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?

A: AxMinister tackles three themes: History, Self Improvement, and the Ecclesiastical realm. We need to tell the world that great men have walked before them, great power lies within your souls, and that there is something bigger than yourself. Live your life anyway you please , but remember, you will one day face a final judgement.

Life is shorter than we thought. It seems like yesterday that we were angry teenagers. Today we are pissed of middle aged men with more resources and rage. You owe it to yourself and the ancestors which came before you, to create something worthwhile and leave your mark on this planet.

PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?

A: We are on a sacred quest to spread True Metal to the world. We have been writing and performing music ever since we were teenagers. We will never stop. Asking AxMinister to stop playing music would be like asking Julia Roberts to stop eating, praying and loving. It’s just not going to happen.

PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?

A: Every time we put out an album we feel immense pride. Watching as a song emerges from an inception in the deepest parts of our soul to the jam room, the studio and then on the internet is a laborious process. It’s like giving birth to a baby elephant only without a hypodermic needle.

PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?

A: We love the competition! Because it only makes us try harder. When we enter onto the stage, we realise that we cannot leave nothing behind. With every show we need to empty out our gas tank. Whether we are the first band on the bill or last, whether we are playing in front of one person or a thousand, we always give it our all.

PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?

A: Booking shows is a lot of work. All three members put in an effort into reaching out to promoters and monitoring social media, looking for opportunities. Sometimes we set up our own shows. On April 14, we will be playing in Owen Sound. Check our website for details.

PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?

A: Streaming sites are the future of music. We have to be adaptable. Overall I believe it’s a positive. I might not have the money to buy a CD at a show. However, anyone can take out a phone and follow us on Spotify. However, we do plan on pressing vinyl in the near future.

PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?

A: I think that Tornado of Souls by Megadeth is the greatest song ever written. The guitar solo is phenomenal and it talks about heartbreak and perseverance. Something that affects us all at least once in our lifetime.

PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?

A: I don’t understand how we don’t have limos and groupies while a fake loser like Drake flies around in his private helicopter.

PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?

A: We are getting to release a 3 song EP called Vir Fortis. It contains a 14 minute song about Napoleon. It chronicles his life from birth to the start of the French Revolution. The other two songs are about Vlad the Impaler. The first song gives you a historical survey of his life and the second song describes in detail the brutality which he had no problem using against his enemies.

PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?

A: You can find our music on all the major streaming sites. If you want to buy our merch, you can visit our website www.axminister.ca We are also on all the major social media sites.