A song that made you want to make music?
Steve Rouse (drums)- Personally? Would have to be Unholy Confessions by Avenged Sevenfold. Back then I was more into punk music and when I saw the music video on the TV and heard the double bass parts I just thought, ‘Damn, I need to write something like that’. Next day I went out and spent all my pocket money on a double bass pedal.
Best rider you’ve ever had?
Jonny Sloan (guitar/vocals) – Beer!
Craziest thing you’ve experienced in the band?
Joe Bambrick (bass/vocals) – The 6th show we ever played was Bloodstock Open Air, to go from nothing to a festival of the size before we hit double digits was nuts.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
Ellen Hill (vocals) – ‘Tell me I’ll be fine, I need someone to believe’ from Own Enemy would be the deepest lyric from the released music we have. This was a different writing style for Kilonova. The lyrics were written first and then the music followed their structure.
Own Enemy was written at the back of a classroom while I was having a panic attack, the lyric was me trying to calm myself down.
Easiest song you wrote?
JB – Better Off Extinct was 80% written the first time Jonny and I ever played in the same room. That’s how we knew we were on to something.
Favourite song in your set?
JS – Straight to Hell. I love the atmosphere the intro creates, then when we burst into the song the energy in the room just elevates.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
JB – Dave Grohl, I think we’re the only band he’s never collaborated with.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
JB – It’s all the background admin that goes on behind the scenes, for every 45 minute set we play in front of an audience there’s hours and hours of work designing posters, planning itineraries, restocking merch and everything else that keeps the band moving.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
EH – There’s a dent in my skull where I got pecked by an ostrich when I was a kid.
Jokes you have in the band?
JB – Ellen had a fan politely ask to lick her boots and we’ll never let her forget it.
Key to writing a song?
SR –There’s no right or wrong way to writing songs, everyone just does it differently. We generally come up with some tasty riffs and a simple structure then add the drums and vocals to it later. On ‘Own Enemy’ for example though we did the opposite and all ready had the lyrics written before the music so it changes with each song and really.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
JB – We drove from Northampton to Workington in horizontal rain on tour with Democratus, that was a long haul.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
JS – it’s got to be the Hetfield/Hammett combo in Metallica. As a 15 year old at his first ever live show, I was absolutely blown away by the riffs that were pounding through my body. That inspired me to pick up the guitar.
New band you’d recommend?
JS – On the local scene there are countless fantastic bands we all love seeing. Shout outs have to go to our tour mates A Ritual Spirit, Ashen Reach and Nocturne Wulf.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
JB – Killswitch Engage
Place you’d most like to tour?
JS – I’d love to tour America. Having traveled to a number of States and been to local shows, it would be a dream to go back and play some of the cool venues with Kilonova.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
SR– Please do not feed the drummer.
Reason for the title of your recent release?
EH – Our newest single is called ‘Immortal’ and the song is all about rising above and beyond whatever life throws at you.
See us live at?
JS – With the uncertainty due to Covid-19, we cannot give any dates. But we can assure you the second we get the go ahead we will be booking so many shows you’ll be sick of us!
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
JB – Musicians have easier access to the tools they need to make and distribute their music than ever, it’s harder for any one artist to stand out but there’s more amazing music than ever getting made. I think that’s better.
Unusual merchandise?
JB – I have a drum head used onstage by the Blue Man Group, turns out when you ask them for an autograph they kiss the drum.
Variations you’d like to do of any of your songs?
EH – I’ve been working on a piano version of ‘Own Enemy’ during lockdown.
What do your fans mean to you?
JS – Our fans are amazing. We are so thankful to every single person that shows up and supports us. Without them, live shows aren’t possible.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
JS – Thankfully the only injuries we have picked up so far haven’t been serious. Plenty of cuts, bruises and sore necks!
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
JS – Thats got to be Steve.
EH – Because he’s gone to go and get a burrito
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
SR– That’s a tough one but I’d say a goat because Ellen climbs on a lot of stuff on stage, including the crowd, but somehow never breaks anything.