Anyone who has read the album reviews that I've done for The Illuminati will know that I love this band. They have a refreshing "hard rocking" sound that makes a great compliment to the to anyone's collection.
I was fortunate enough to get some great answers from band member Nick through what has become a cool friend to me, Black And White Entertainment; specifically Andrew.
I hope you all enjoy it...
D-Day: Thanks for talking with D-Day's Revenge! Let's start with the question you must get all the time and get it out of the way. Why the name "The Illuminati"? Do you guys hang out in a shelter somewhere and discuss the secrets of the universe?
Nick: The simple answer is that it sounds cool. It also strikes a nice mysterious chord that implies something larger than just the three of us. Contrary to a lot of reports, we don't really deal in conspiracy theories in our songs. The closest we get to that is looking at themes of personal paranoia, but not political.
D-Day: From what I've read, a couple of you started up in Canada in a garage-rock band called "Tchort". What was the defining moment that brought you around to starting something like The Illuminati?
Nick: We were actually working on what was going to be a Tchort record, back in the summer of 2002. Les and I had written a bunch of songs, half of which went on to become the first Illuminati EP. In the middle of the process we realized that we had something different on our hands. All four members of Tchort just decided to stop the band then and there. It was actually a really liberating experience. We decided to play one last Tchort show which fell on Aug. 28th 2002. 6 days later The Illuminati was on tour with Danko Jones and we haven't looked back since.
D-Day: It's obvious from my reviews of your albums that I love your music. You have a "southern rock" sound blended with several other genres in my opinion. What are your thoughts on that and who are your main influences?
Nick: Everyone in the band brings something a little different to the table, but I'd say our tastes converge in heavy '70s rock. So, that's the jumping off point for the band - heavy guitar based rock and roll. But where we get our sound is when all those extra little bits of influence from non-related genres start popping up. We've said it before, but given our ages TV themes, jingles, movie soundtracks, these are all things that we love explore. It's the main reason our songs are so short.
D-Day: If you could pick any three bands to join out on the road, who would that be? Not just your favorites, but who would you blend in with the best for a kick ass tour?
Nick: It's really hard to say actually. We've had a lot of fun playing on bills where on the surface it looks like too much of a mixed bag. We like playing shows with mixed genres - it usually makes what we do really stand out. And at the same time, it would be hard to pick a fave that everyone agrees on. I think I'm officially stumped!
D-Day: How did your association with Liquor And Poker come about? And how are they to work with?
Nick: We started talking to L&P around the end of 2004 about doing something. It wasn't officially a done deal until the spring of last year after we played SXSW. We played one of those crazy ass sets where it's super early, super packed and guitars end up being smashed. Both L&P and Century Media have been very supportive of the band. They've really helped us build our introduction to the States. We're much obliged!
D-Day: Do you know anyone who's actually hit a moose with their car?
Nick: I can't remember a specific story, but it's fairly common. Last year we saw the immediate aftermath on the Trans Canada. It was brutal. Totalled the front end of an SUV. It's no joke to hit one. a dear, whatever but a with moose you might as well be hitting a wall.
D-Day: Do you have any touring coming up that we can look forward to? With whom?
Nick: We're doing a run with 3 Inches of Blood up here ends in October so we're working on something after that. Details to follow!
D-Day: What's been the hardest thing to adapt to so far for your band?
Nick: It's hard to say. Nothing has been insurmountable to this point. On the whole it's been a really steady curve onward and upwards. we've never really had any critical setbacks and nothing too flash in the pan either. I guess the biggest thing is when you get a team working for you, you have to satisfy all the links in the chain to work effectively. It's a good thing for sure, but it takes a lot of organization, especially when multiple countries are involved.
D-Day: Now that you're making some noise in the music world, what's been your craziest experience so far? Crazy fans, faulty equipment, wardrobe malfunction, someone shit their pants, you get the idea...
Nick: There's been a few. Faulty equip is something that just happens. Especially with vintage gear - you just have to grit your teeth and bear it. Here's a good story: last summer we were taking the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria. There were two weird ass kids that we saw popping and locking in the parking lot with white gloves and shit, ended up trying to light a joint in the middle of the cafeteria on the ship. after striking and later forcibly subdued by security, they claimed to be 'members of al qaeda on a mission of terror'. so that of course met a full search of their car and so far forth. we were laughing our asses off after when we found out it was them!
D-Day: Who is the main songwriter in the group, or is it all a group effort? How does it work for you?
Nick: Ususally Les or myself will bring a collection of riffs in and then we all work on the arrangement and parts. Sometimes Jim has a part and play to him. There's no set way for stuff to come together. As a bass player, playing with a drummer is a big thing for me. I like it when the beat is a mutually agreed upon thing.
D-Day: Let's try a multiple choice question that many aspiring artists would want to know.
"Why did you want to be in a rock band?"
a) titties and beer
b) To have my music heard world wide
c) to make money, if possible
d) I can't type or lay bricks
e) to get the Hell out of Canada once in a while
f) All of the above
Nick: All of the above, except D. We'd be lying if we said we can't can do those things.
D-Day: How do you feel about music downloading? Do you see it as advertising or stealing? What would your solution be?
Nick: It can be both. I don't think downloading is necessarily bad. Everyone does it to some degree, I'm sure even the RIAA.
I think they really have to make the switch in terms how we consume our media. They need to make everything available now. The whole DRM issues
(Editor's Note: It appears that some of this answer was lost. If I get the remainder, I'll be sure to add it...)
D-Day: Are you concerned about being heard on radio or does that matter to you?
Nick: Radio is still a powerful thing, but like I was just saying, radio doesn't mean the same thing anymore. It's not the iconic thing that it might once have been. But having a hit song on the radio would be great.
D-Day: What is the main goal for The Illuminati?
Nick: To freak out playing the tastiest rock we can must.
D-Day: Thank you so much for talking with us! Any final words for your fans old and new?
Nick: Thanks, we'll see you all soon!
Be sure to check out The Illuminati's sites!
