Tuesday, May 3, 2016

King Giant Interview

Answers from Todd Ingram (TI) and David Kowalski (DK)


1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

TI: We just did a short run of shows in the States as direct support for Pentagram. It was a great experience. It felt like touring with family. And last night we played in Baltimore with Fight Amp, Negative Approach, and Eyehategod so we are staying busy and trying to play shows to promote the album as much as we can.



2.Your last album came out during the summer, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

DK: Each album is an extension of the music that we’ve previously offered. We try to grow as musicians and songwriters. As for the sound, we are definitely a metal band with a penchant for song craft, so because of that, we tend to sound more “retro” than a lot of our contemporaries. That’s why our recent tour dates with Pentagram worked out so nicely, because they are a heavy band with such a distinct sound and great songs.



TI: This was our first album recorded at Magpie with J Robbins. And I think sonically and composition wise, it is our best album to date.



3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

DK: Our song topics tend to lean toward the narrative / storytelling vein. Dave Hammerly, our singer, is our sole lyricist so he’s best to answer this question.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'King Giant'?

DK: The name King Giant was derived from a Sideshow “freak” of the same name. We thought the metaphor of a sideshow freak, coupled with gigantic riffs made the name apropos.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

DK: I’m sure we all have individual highlights because of performance and whatnot, but honestly, I’m sure we can all agree that our best shows are when we get new fans, based on them simply hearing our songs for the first time.

As for our stage performance, we just go out and play, it’s not theatrical, we’re just a heavy rock band at heart.

TI: Victor Griffin jamming with us at The State Theatre, headlining at the 9:30 club in DC, and our album release show for Dismal Hollow are personal favorites of mine.



6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
TI: We are playing the Maryland Doom Fest in June and we are looking at options to tour again later this year.



7.The last album was released on 'Graveyard Hill Records' which is also your own label, are you open to working with another label?

DK: Of course! if anyone is interested in working with us, we’d gladly take part in that conversation.



8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal?

DK: Very positive, we’re extremely humbled and delighted at the amount of international fans that have reached out to us, especially since we’re doing this all on our own, and especially, since we haven’t been able to tour overseas yet.



9.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
TI: I’m also in Serpents of Secrecy and in the middle of working on its first full-length release.

And prior to KG, Floyd was in a band called Blue Balls Deluxe and he is working on releasing some old recordings from that band.
Also back in the mid 90’s, DK, Hammerly, and Brooks were in a band called The City Bleeds. And they recently released an album of recordings captured back then.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
TI: It’s a very organic process. We are always writing new riffs or sections of songs. And when it comes time to make another album we select what still resonates to us, and develop them. Of course as we grow as musicians and composers we bring those new perspectives into that effort.



11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

DK: Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Metallica, coupled with punk / hardcore like Ramones, Misfits, All the Dischord bands, Bad Brains….. you get the idea.

TI: My influences include many of the bands DK just mentioned as well as more Prog bands like Yes, Rush, King Crimison, And since I grew up on 70’s and early 80s music Kiss, Zeppelin, Mountain, Ronson era Bowie, Hendrix, Aerosmith, Sabbath, and Free are also in the mix.

As for who I have in rotation now? Seriously the new Pentagram “Curious Volume,” is a well written record.
I hadn’t heard much of it before the tour, but hearing songs from it every night made me want to listen to the whole album repeatedly upon my return. I love the new Clutch album too.
Also Mothership, ASG, and Foghound.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
TI: Motorcycles, cooking, hot rods, bulldogs, hunting, gardening are all pursuits you’ll find among the band.


13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
TI: SUPPORT your Local Live Heavy Music venues. It’s such a tough market here in the States for this genre. So go out and support those venues and the bands that come through because before you know it, the venues will be closed or switching over to some kid playing his iTunes playlist on his Macbook.

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