A Dirty Dozen with TIM SWISHER of EYES OF THE LIVING – March 2019

According to a recent press release: “To get to know who Eyes of the Living are today, you must go back in time to look at their successful musical endeavors as individuals. Members of Eyes of the Living have composed music for national television shows, such as The Messengers, True Hollywood Story, That Metal Show, and Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour. On top of these accomplishments, they even had their music played on the greatest syndicated radio show in history–The Howard Stern Show.” We get singer / guitarist Tim to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

I don’t think people often catch on that War On Dead – More Dead is a concept album about a Zombie Apocalypse. Although the lyrics were created around a concept, many of the songs can have a universal meaning… I know they do for me.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I got into music at an early age. Seeing and hearing Kiss for the first time sparked the fire. I started on drums first, then transitioned to guitar. Once I saw and heard the Scorpions, Metallica, Mercyful Fate and Slayer, I started thinking “this is something I’d like to do…”

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Metallica “For Whom The Bell Tolls” pulled me into the heavier sound, then their whole album Ride the Lightening. Seeing Metallica, and Mercyful Fate live is what sent me in the direction I went in…

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Difficult question to answer haha, but I’ll go with some old and new Metallica, Megadeth, Mercyful Fate, Gojira and Slipknot.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Joe Duplantier from Gojira, I really like their sound and creative approach.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

We have a lot of old school thrash elements in our sound, but with a modern sound. We also tend to incorporate other elements and genres into the music as well. I love writing music in general, I like a broad range of heavy music, so you’ll hear a mix of influences and sounds throughout. I haven’t heard a comparison yet that has made me cringe haa I’m sure some are on the way…

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

You get to express yourself through sound. The reward is when people enjoy what you are doing, when what you created connects.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

We are all very chill guys and get along like brothers, past time fun is always a compromise and a great time. we don’t do acoustic singalongs but do participate in pool ballerina during the summer! hahaa

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

I don’t get star struck, not sure I ever have… I stood at the same dice table as Scott Weiland and thought hey cool, but wasn’t compelled to strike up a conversation. I kinda always felt like I was meant to be at their stature.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

An artist, painter, sculptor.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

We all have a few of those right!? Haha I wish I never stopped perusing the band life years ago, I might be further along and more established then where I am now!

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

This is tough… I guess if I had to pick one, I’d have to say Metallica Ride the Lightening. I’ve listened to many influential albums, but this one is what drove me into writing thrash! To see the original line-up in the studio recording would be phenomenal. There’s not one bad track on that album in my opinion!

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Category: Interviews