In today’s A-Z challenge, we find out all about Air Drawn Dagger as the band take on our famed 26 questions!
A song that made you want to make music?
LB: “Welcome to the Black Parade” by MCR.
Best rider you’ve had?
LB: Stu (RIP) at The Star & Garter in Manchester used to really look after bands with great vegan and non-catering. Such a generous man.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
LB: Possibly touring the US or selling out our biggest hometown show. Being able to bring production and have actors with us is a dream come true.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
LB: Not sure if we can pick that one, feels too subjective. We do have a few people with the lyrics of “Phantoms” tattooed on them though.
Easiest song you wrote?
LB: Maybe ‘Wish You Were Dead’ as we capped it at 1 min 30 ish. Pure punk rager.
Favorite song in your set?
LB: It might be “Sanctifound” at the moment; it’s a fun set opener.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
LB: Tough one! Gerard Way, Oli Sykes or Rou Reynolds. Hit us up!
Hardest thing about being in a band?
LB: Everything outside of playing the show, the balancing act of admin and logistics to be able to be creative.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
LB: I have a black belt in karate.
Jokes you have in the band?
LB: Way too many from delirious hours in the van. We tend to find new characters and accents we never knew lived in our brain.
Key to writing a song?
LB: I like to set a brief and go from there. Try to achieve a feeling or vibe and see what you end
up with.
Longest distance you’ve traveled to play a show?
LB: Like 11 hours for the LA show.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
LB: Frank Iero is really inspiring. He’s playing stadiums one minute with MCR and then touring club venues with a different band. Every time I’ve met him, he is humble and friendly and a real inspiration. Quality, quality dude.
New band you’d recommend?
LB: Displacer, they’re a new hardcore band from Sheffield and have just released their debut single. Get on that.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
LB: MCR (of course), BMTH, Enter Shakari.
Place you’d most like to tour?
LB: Japan, Australia, New Zealand
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
LB: “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one” – Dolly Parton
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
LB: ‘A Guide For Apparitions’ brings multiple meanings. The record can be a Grimoire if you’re being haunted or a guide if you are the one confined to a realm you don’t belong.
See us live at?
LB: TBA. We always share news on our IG!
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
LB: Yes and no. It’s more accessible to build an audience now, but you also have far more work to do as an artist, usually with less profit. It’s an industry that’s constantly in flux, and nostalgia plays a big part in glorifying how the industry used to look.
Unusual merchandise?
LB: We have a branded drink being served for one night only at our headline show at Corporation in Sheffield on April 5 called “The Dagger Pint”.
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
LB: We are always switching things up. I would love to collaborate with artists of different genres to see what they could do. A full mariachi version of something, perhaps?
What do your fans mean to you?
LB: It’s cliche to say “everything”, but we really do have a community that builds this and brings us together. Whether it’s through our Patreon or meeting at shows, The Church of Dagger is a real group that grows and thrives together.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
LB: We have been fairly lucky that we haven’t had any major on stage injuries. Just the steady flow of clumsy tumbles and scrapes so far.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
LB: Likely all of us, if the bakery is open below our studio, we all will be in there getting a coffee. Shout out to Lovely Ritas in Sheffield.
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
LB: Okapi – it’s a hodge-podge of different stuff and it loves eating all day.