THE
BASICS
Name : Nick Hipa
Band : As I Lay Dying
Job In Band : Guitarist
Website Address : asilaydying.com,
myspace.com/asilaydying
HOME
Hometown : San Diego, CA (North County to be specific)
Hometown is best known for : Burrito's, Beaches,
Blink-182
Best venue in your hometown : The Jumping Turtle
(until 4 dudes got stabbed there last month, thus causing the venue
to lose their entertainment license i.e. ability to have shows)
THE BAND
How long has the band been going?
The band has been around for 9 years now
Many lineup changes along the way?
We've had line-up changes of Spinal Tap proportions. I can't even
give a fair guess, but the number of former member is probably over
20 now. Our DVD "This Is Who We Are" actually documents
the changes, but I couldn't even do the math when watching it!
How would you describe your sound to the average person
on the street?
To the average person I would say "Its extreme heavy metal
with screaming you can't understand."
What's your most recent release? Tell us a little about
it...
Our most recent release is the DVD I mentioned earlier. Visually,
it's the all encompassing As I Lay Dying item, complete with a lengthy
bio/documentary, live sets worth of performances, every video we've
ever made, and the stock-behind-the-scenes-random stuff. We've got
a new album coming out in a month or two that we're all super pumped
about though. Its called "The Powerless Rise" and we can't
wait for you to hear it!
Got a favourite track that you have released so far?
"The Sound of Truth" is probably my favorite "single"
we've ever released, based purely on the fact that its a fun guitar
song.
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously
about playing it?
I was always around classic rock given that it was me Mum's music
of choice, but it wasn't until I heard Ozzy Osbourne's "Tribute"
album that the true obsession set in.
What was your first band name, and what style did you play?
The first band I was in that actually played shows was a band called
Sanctified. We played extreme heavy metal with screaming you can't
understand.
Most prized music related item you own?
I've got an old Ibanez Jem that was my first "proper"
guitar. I saw it at a Guitar Center and was super pumped on it,
but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would ever be mine.
Little did I know that my Mom went back on another day to put it
on layaway until she could pay it off (which essentially prevented
anyone else from being able to buy it). She gave it to me several
months later on my birthday and for that reason it will always hold
a deep sentimental value to me.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is...
playing the sickest of shows!
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is...
peacing out all the things I enjoy doing at home.
When youre not doing band related stuff, what are you usually
found doing?
If I'm not playing guitar I'm surfing
ON THE STAGE / ROAD
Best rider item you've ever received without requesting it?
The funny thing about rider stuff is that we never actually get
everything we ask for, so the thought of getting something we haven't
is pretty unrealistic. Although once, in a small country far, far,
away, the promoter made it clear that he could get all sorts of
drugs and women for us if we wanted. Being that we are all clean,
drug-free dudes in extremely committed relationships, we ended up
turning down what I'm sure is an offer tons o' bands couldn't refuse.
Favourite place (city/town/country) you’ve toured…
and why?
We've played so many amazing places that I never even dreamed I
would get to see as a child, so its really hard to pick just one.
If I had to pick a favorite country though, it'd probably have to
be Australia. I'm not just saying that because a lot of Aussie's
are gunna be reading this either; I love the climate and vibe down
there. It reminds me of Hawaii (where I was born) and California
(where I live) in a way.
Most memorable show you've played? and why?
Coincidentally, I will never forget the last time we played in Sydney
on the Soundwave tour. Some bogan threw a gigantic empty bottle
of Maker's Mark at my head that drew a lot of blood and left me
quite discombobulated.
Worst 'guilty pleasure' artist / song you've come across
on a bandmates iPod?
Josh (our bassist) loves Creed and Nu-Metal... seriously... he even
has a Creed tattoo!
Who in your group has the worst “bad habit”
on tour, and what is it?
Jordan (our drummer) loves concocting the foulest of odors from
the wretched abyss that is his bunk.
RIGHT NOW
Where are you?
On the couch of my living room at my place in Carlsbad, CA.
What's the last song you listened to?
I'm actually watching the Meshuggah DVD as I type this, and the
song playing is "Electric Red"
Which band or album is currently rockin' your world?
I've been listening to a lot of Alice in Chains, Cynic, Opeth, and
John Frusciante.
Tell us a band we should all go and listen to right now?
If you're a guitar player and love heavy music, please check out
DAATH. They are a crushing-metal band with tons of shredding, technical
proclivity, and-most importantly-great songwriting. Their last album
"The Concealers" is the one to check out!! |
|
NEW
ALBUM
THE POWERLESS RISE
AVAILABLE IN MAY |
|
::: INTERACT :::
