A Dirty Dozen with ART GEEZAR from ART OF SHOCK – April 2020

According to a recent press release: “Los Angeles based metal band Art Of Shock have just released their new album Dark Angeles via Century Media. Art Of Shock’s Century Media debut, Dark Angeles, churns with that intensity of the city of (fallen) angels. AOS’ hard-luck and hard-won story begins with their debut at the Whiskey A-Go-Go. Without having a full band or equipment, they book a show, with less than two weeks to pull it off and pull it off they did. The stint landed the band a slew of shows throughout SoCal and a ravenous fan base in the LA metal scene. Art Of Shock’s sheer determination then found the band securing a spot on the Vans Warped Tour. Over the years the band have shared the stage with the likes of Trivium, The Cavalera Conspiracy, Sacred Reich, and more. With Dark Angeles out now, the band is ready to show the world what they’re made of.” We get front man Art 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?

We worked a lot on every song on this album! By the time we recorded it, we knew every single note inside and out and our dear friend and producer Mark Lewis made sure we got the best performances and sounds that we could get! There are, of course, many layers and a veil of hermeticism involved in every single song but it’s also vague enough for the listener to get to their own conclusions. Each listen can uncover another layer. We would love to hear what our listeners discover.

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

I grew up in a very musical household, so music has been my passion since I can remember. I guess I must have been six or seven years old when a family member showed me a video of Queen performing live. My mind was blown! I knew right then, that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

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

Too many to mention! We like many different types of music and a lot of artists have inspired us over the years and we’re looking forward to discovering many more in the future.

4. Who Would be your main five musical influences?

Queen, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith.

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

We would love to have Jeff Loomis do a guest solo on one of our songs. Everyone in the band admires his work!

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?

I don’t agree or disagree with any comparisons. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion. I usually won’t have any comment about it. It’s definitely not something I care about. There are some people who like to be hateful and hurtful. I ignore that too. It makes no difference in anyone’s life. I prefer constructive criticism, but I’m not here to educate anybody.

7. 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?

That’s a good one! I’m obsessed with barbecuing. There are usually copious amounts of drinks and I’ll be the first one to break into song!

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

When I met Brian May a few years ago.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part is being able to work on the thing you most enjoy in life. If I could no longer be a musician, I’d like to work in film and television and become a writer. All I know is that it would be something in the creative field.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I have no problem answering the same questions over and over again, I can answer any question. I’m an open book. Nobody ever asks me about my dogs! I have two beautiful Weimaraners. Their names are Angus and Priscilla. Angus is a troublemaker and very funny looking. Priscilla is a very sweet old lady!

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?

I wouldn’t change a single thing. We’ve made a few big mistakes, but we’ve learned from them. It’s been a priceless education. It is our story and our journey. Nobody gets medals at the end of the road.

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

I’d love to witness Eddie Kramer working with Hendrix on, Are You Experienced?, expanding the sonic landscape of rock music and bringing Jimi’s vision to reality. I’d also love to go back in time and see Queen working with Roy Thomas Baker on Queen II.

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Category: Interviews