The Metal Crypt - Vile Interview

Interviews

Interview with Guitarist Colin Davis
Interview conducted by Barbara Williams (Crowley)

Date online: February 26, 2003

Hailz, and first of all, congratulations on your new website. Looks great! What made you come up with this?

We needed a new site pretty badly. This one has everything you need there. I think it works.

Love your logo. Who came up with it and does it have any specific meaning?

The guy who did our first album art, Jonzig. He came up with the logo. There's no hidden meaning, but it's a pretty sick design I think.

What made you form Vile? How did you guys meet?

There're not that many guys doing this in the Bay Area. You eventually find each other. We had all been in bands that just broke up. And when that happens, there's a good chance you can make a super-band. That's what we tried to do.

Why Vile? Who came up with the name?

I can't remember. I was up on the wall for a while with a bunch of others. That was the only name nobody hated too much.

Why "vilestench" for the website? Is it that there is another band by that name?

Vile.com was already taken by some software company. And since "Stench of the Deceased" was the name of our first album, we called the website Vilestench.com

The other Vile I believe is from Hawaii. Who came first and do you have the copyright to your name?

The other Vile is actually from Indonesia. But they changed their name to Absolute Defiance. So there's no problem there anymore.

How do you write your music? Is there a set guideline or do you write what you feel as you go along?

I think all the songs have been written slightly differently. If I'm writing the song, there is just some type of form to the madness. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end to the song. And all the songs have to sound different from each other. Sometimes it takes a long time to settle on the parts for me. There's not too much thought in the structuring though. It pretty much comes out naturally.

How do you get the inspiration for writing your lyrics?

Juan Urteaga, our singer, comes up with them. He likes history. He likes to take a historical event and make a death metal fantasy out of it. He uses a lot of language for power. He also has a really natural and unforced low voice.

How would you describe (or categorize) your style of vocals? Who have been your role models?

Speaking for Juan, I would say David Vincent and George Fisher. Also, Brett Hoffman and Frank Mullen. He also has a killer gut wrenching high voice that he mixes in there, too. Sounds like you chopped of his arm.

Which cities have you played?

Most of the west and central United States. All the major cities a couple of times. We've done the Milwaukee Metalfest three times.

Any plans to go on tour? If so, where and when and with whom? Would you be opening up or be the main attraction?

We're planning on getting out to the rest of the country and Canada by the end of next summer. We're also touring Europe in January or February 2003. I can't say who it will be with at this time, though. We don't know yet. I imagine we would headline or co-headline.

So far, I have only heard and read good things about you. Are there any critics? (How does all this make you feel)?

So far we've had very positive reactions. We work hard to make the music good.

Now that you're with Listenable Records and Unique Leader Records, are you happy? Are you pleased with the progress you have been making or will there be a lot more promoting?

I really don't know what to expect, actually. This is the first time we have worked with a label. And now we have two. The labels are happy so far, though. I think sales are doing well.

Any video releases in the planning?

It will happen. I'm just not sure how or when. We have been talking about it for a long time.

What are the future plans of your band?

Right now we're working with a new drummer. Our main guy is in school now, so we have to use someone else for now. I'm actually never sure what the drummer situation is. That can change a lot in our band. Whoever we use will always be sick though. So we're working that out and planning for a European tour. We'll also tour the States and Canada once next year, too.

How is your latest album different compared to your previous one?

A lot of people say it's very different. I guess it is. It's much more modern sounding. The music has to change with the times I think. So we try to listen to what other bands are doing and stay in the game. This album has a Hate Eternal influence. There are also a couple of black metal parts. I want to mix it up a little.

You just released a new CD. (Congrats!!! I will most definitely get a copy of it) How many copies have you printed? Are you satisfied with the sales thus far?

So far, real good with sales. Not sure what the exact amount is now, but it's doing as good or better than expected. I want to give it six months on the street to see how it sells.

I tried to find you on Mp3.com, but no luck. Will there be a site pretty soon? I would be really nice.

Good idea. I'll get one up there. In the meantime, you can go to our website at www.vilestench.com and listen to the MP3s we have there.

Any hope to see you on tour in the El Paso, Texas area???

Maybe. We always do Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Dallas or Houston.

Thanks so much

Thanks Barbara,
Colin