A Dirty Dozen with JUAN GARCIA from EVILDEAD – October 2020

According to a recent press release: “US Thrash Metal legends EVILDEAD released their first single and lyric video for the song “The Descending” today. The song is taken from their new studio album United $tate$ Of Anarchy. United $tate$ Of Anarchy will be released as a CD DigiPak version, LP version, exclusive bundle version with shirt (only at the Steamhammer shop) download and stream through SPV/Steamhammer.” We get guitarist Juan to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

Photo Credit: Todd Jolicoeur – Toddstar Photography

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?

The new EvilDead album – United $tate$ Of Anarchy is a straight up thrash metal album. There’s a lot to digest musically and lyrically speaking. I suggest given keeping it on repeat; every listen is a new mind altering metal awakening.

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

The band KISS inspired me a lot, and also seeing Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush for the first time; he was on another planet shredding away, actually the show was at the Santa Monica Auditorium but mentally Frank was out of this world; it was a religious experience.

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

The KISS Alive! album when I was growing up it was constantly on my turntable; depending on my mood songs like “Rock Bottom,” “Cold Gin,” “Parasite,” and “Black Diamond,” were so inspiring and made me want to pick up the guitar. Also the first Van Halen album was mind blowing. When AC/DC toured the United States on their Highway to Hell tour with Bon Scott on vocals pretty much sealed the deal for me. I was hooked and I started to get serious about pursuing music.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

There’s more than five for sure, but In no particular order of the top of my head: Michael Schenker, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, W.A.S.P. w/Chris Holmes on guitars, and of course KISS w/Ace Frehley on guitars.

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

Cliff Burton. The main reason because I think the first three Metallica albums are fantastic releases and you can tell the influence Cliff had on Metallica! Also back in the day Cliff said positive things about one of my past bands to our record label at the time; which I thought was super cool.  I would probably learn so much from him musically speaking; his vision to songwriting was top notch.

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 would describe it as fast, with in your face lyrics, and the best way to listen to it is loud! As far as a reviewer/fan that made me cringe? I wouldn’t know because that sort of stuff I don’t take serious, everyone has his or her opinion.

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

Touring for me is something that I enjoy a lot. Also performing live is such a great experience; specially music festivals, and smaller shows alike.

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 sing-along?

First one to cook? Probably someone’s girlfriend; we’re more the type of band to order take out! First one to get drinks that would be a tie between Albert (guitarist) and Karlos (bassist). Sing-along? Of course our vocalist Phil or drummer Rob.

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

Walking into Michael Schenker’s backstage room by accident while he was warming up on guitar by himself before going on stage at the Country Club in the 80s to a sold out show; the weird thing about it was he was super cool about it and didn’t mind; he let me hang out; and about 5 minutes later Jeff Beck walks into the room! At the point, it was just surreal.

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

Before music I was really into sports, mainly baseball and I was seriously pursing that in High School; however then I discovered Heavy Metal.

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?

There have been a few, but I have no regrets on how things turned out. Everything is an experience and you learn and grow from it.

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?

Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance sessions would rule; first off it was recorded in Ibiza Sound Studios in Spain; that island is wild to begin with. Not only that to be there while the mighty Priest were recording the masterpiece would be amazing. I could think of a lot of other albums, but for some reason that one stands out. That record is a staple of Heavy Metal.

EVIL DEAD LINKS:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews