Rock/experimental/metal The Overseer recently inked a deal with Solid State Records. A promising band from Bentonville, US. Lets have a chat with bass player Bradley Riggs.
[TMR] Hello to you from´The Metal Resource’ Holland, how are things going there in Arkansas ?
Bradley: Pretty good right now! Just relaxing in our off time, working when we can, and looking forward to getting back on the road!
[TMR] Will you Introduce yourself and the band please [name and instrument]
Anthony Rivera- Vocals
Abishai Collingsworth- Drums
Darren King- Guitar/Vocals
Bradley Riggs- Bass
[TMR] Tell us the brief history of ‘The Overseer’.
Bradley: Well, The Overseer started roughly 4 years ago with all the same members as now plus 1 guitarist. Based out of Northwest Arkansas. We’ve been through a couple member and style changes to get where we are now. We are currently a 4-piece and couldn’t be happier!
[TMR] Are you guys full time musicians ? If not what kind of job or study do you do beside the band ?
Bradley: We’re as full time as we can be. The past couple years, we toured 6-8 months. When we are home we work when we can. Brad and Darren work for Darren’s Dad’s Construction company. Abishai works in a warehouse for a tree company. Anthony helps a friend’s construction company.
[TMR] What is your musical background ?
Bradley: For the most part we were all into the underground metal scene. (As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean, Haste the Day, August Burns Red) We’ve branched off since then listening to every genre there is. From Taylor Swift to Meshuggah. From Ascend the Hill to UnderOath and Thrice.
[TMR] Why the name ‘The Overseer’ ? Is there a story behind it ?
Bradley: Honestly, We were recording like 3 years ago and didn’t have a name for our band yet. Our friend did some guest vocals and said he was gonna start a band called Overseer. He said that it probably wouldn’t work out so he let us use it.
[TMR] Who writes the music/lyrics in ‘The Overseer’ ? .. how do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands/situations have influences you for writing music and lyrics ?
Bradley: Darren writes majority of the music. Brad and Abishai obviously have input and write their own drum and bass parts. Anthony and Darren write all the lyrics. We try to get influences for tons of bands. UnderOath, Thrice, Radiohead, Deftones. Anthony usually writes from personal experience. Its usually something he has been through.
[TMR] How do you describe the music of ‘The Overseer’ the best ?
Bradley: Its hard to describe because we have a ton of variety. But we would probably describe it as a more riffy UnderOath with some Thrice and Deftones thrown in.
[TMR] How does ‘The Overseer’ stands in life till events in the world, religion and politics and in which proportion stands that till your music and lyrics ?
Bradley: We try not to get too involved in politics. We are all believers and try to live our lives to reflect that. Our lyrics reflect what we believe because we want to give people hope. We want people to be open and honest with who they are and seek the truth. That there is a God that loves them right where they are. Not for anything they’ve said or done, but because we are his creation and he has an unconditional love for us.
[TMR] Who are your musical and non-musical influences ?
Bradley: Influences range from Brad Paisley, Thrice, Ascend the Hill, Gospel Chops drummers, UnderOath, Deftones.
I think we would all agree that the fans also influence us. They keep us going.
And of course, Jesus Christ. There wouldn’t really be a purpose to play this music if it wasn’t for our Savior.
[TMR] Tell us a story about a day in your life
Bradley: Well on tour, we usually sleep in til like noon. Hopefully we stayed at a host home so when we wake up they have lunch ready. We drive 4-6 hours to our show. Set up, sound check if we need to. Waste time until we play. Either playing a game outside, napping, watching the local bands, or talking with kids. Then we will play our set and put as much energy and passion into it. Get off stage and try to sell merch and talk to as many people as we can.
[TMR] What inspires you to do what you do?
Bradley: The fans. The people. With nobody to come to our shows and nobody to spread our message to, its worthless.
[TMR] How does music affect you and the world around you ?
Bradley: It effects our everyday life because without music, our band wouldn’t exist. Our lives would be drastically different. Music can speak things that words can’t. Music gives words passion and meaning that words can’t express on their own.
[TMR] For a lot of bands the lyrics are just a accidental circumstance, but for some bands they use them to communicate ! Can you tell us how that is for ‘The Overseer’ ?
Bradley: Our message with our lyrics is to keep seeking for truth and hope. To be honest with yourself. To confess anything that you are hiding. To live a life of honesty.
[TMR] Is there a highlight you will always remember, since the beginning of ‘ The Overseer’ ?
Bradley: We had our trailer stolen off of our van in the summer of 2010 with all of our gear still in it. Adding up to right over $20,000. We were on tour at the time so it wrecked us. We didn’t know what to do at first. We decided we were gonna play the festival we had that weekend and then go home. At the festival we realized God still had a purpose for us. We raised just over $20,000 with merch sales and donations and bought brand new gear that was better then our old stuff. God blessed us more than we can imagine and he definitely takes care of his people.
[TMR] And the worst thing were ? [if there is one]
Bradley: We were on tour and our van broke down so we ended up missing 2 shows. Van problems are the worst.
[TMR] Name some of your favorite bands to play with live [past and future] and tell us why ?
Bradley: Children 18:3 because they are the best live band ever and the funnest people to hang out with.
[TMR] First record you bought?
Bradley: I can’t really remember but the first metal band I listened to was As I Lay Dying.
[TMR] What makes you laugh?
Bradley: Awkward people.
[TMR] How do you prepare for a show?
Bradley: Vocalist warms up his voice by doing some exercises. I drum on my drum pads for at least 30 minutes. We all stretch and pray before the show.
[TMR] Describe your show, visual and musically ? And tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
Bradley: Our live show is very energetic. We engage the crowd as much as we can and do many things (funny and serious) to entertain the crowd. We have really good gear so it sounds really big and full. 2 Orange 6X12’s and 2 ampegs on each side of the stage. The louder the better right? You should come to one of our shows because because we will definitely keep you entertained because we love to have fun on stage.
[TMR] How do you promote your band and shows ?
Bradley: I know its not much but we do Facebook andYouTube videos. Sometimes we will pass out fliers for home shows.
[TMR] What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked?
Bradley: One time we were practicing past 8 P.M. and our neighbors called the cops. The cops showed and apparently stood outside for a couple minutes. When we realized they were knocking we went outside. The cop said “Have you ever stood out here and listened to how loud you guys are?!” Oh sorry officer I cant be inside playing music and outside listening at the same time.. :/
[TMR] Do you have a life philosophy?
Bradley: If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. C.S. Lewis
[TMR] Are you visiting many gigs and what do you listen to these days?
Bradley: Not really. Brad and Darren went and saw The Foo Fighters recently and Anthony went and saw Thrice. Listening to Manchester Orchestra. O Brother. Thrice. Ascend the Hill.
[TMR] Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
Bradley: Its honestly not very good anymore. We used to have a venue that would get packed out for local shows but it closed down. Our town is a college town so everyone listens to mainstream artists
[TMR] What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
Bradley: Its definitely went down hill. People have figured out had to download everything off the internet for free so labels dont make many, and in turn the bands dont make money.
[TMR] Can you tell anything about the upcoming debut album? [such as the recording process so far / album title / release date / songs etc.]…what can we expect ?
Bradley: All the tracking is done. We recorded in Atlanta, GA at Glow in the Dark Studios. Its still waiting to be mixed and mastered. The album is gonna be self-titled with 10 songs. Expect to be surprised. There is alot of variety and we experimented a ton on this record. Some of the songs are different than anything we’ve ever written.
[TMR] Your debut album will be released via ‘Solid State Records’. How did you get signed by them ?
Bradley: One of their reps, Adam. watched us at a festival in South Dakota. He really like the set and talked to us afterward about it. We continued talking back and forth with him over the next few months. Sent him some demos of new songs and they had a meeting and were sold.
[TMR] What are your plans for this new year or the near future ?
Bradley: Tour as much as we can to promote the record. Play as many festivals as possible. Do a music video.
[TMR] What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Bradley: Dont give into fads. Dont just play music because everyone else is doing it. Write music that you love, not just to please the crowd. Have fun and dont ever get caught up with being a “rockstar.”
[TMR] Guys thanks for your time and the interview, we wish ‘The Overseer’ all the best for 2012 … Is there anything you wanna say at last? [any final statement ?]
Bradley: Its our pleasure! Were excited for 2012 and stoked for this record to come out. We hope you like it and listen to it. Seek truth and hope. Religion is DEAD. Christ is RISEN!
Band members:
Abishai Collingsworth – Drums
Bradley Riggs – Bass
Anthony Rivera – Vocals
Darren King – Guitar