A Dirty Dozen with WILLIAM McILRAVY from SAUL – October 2020

According to a recent press release: “Iowa-based rock quartet SAUL — brothers Blake Bedsaul [lead vocals] and Zach Bedsaul [lead guitar, backup vocals], William McIlravy [bass, backup vocals], and Myles Clayborne [drums] — have premiered the futuristic and cinematic video for their new single “King of Misery” over at Loudwire. The song, co-written by Disturbed’s David Draiman, is the lead single from the band’s debut album Rise As Equals. The record arrives October 23 via Spinefarm Records.” We get bassist William 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?

“King Of Misery” was a great way to break out our new album RISE AS EQUALS. With David Draiman of Disturbed co-writing and backing it it should do really well. Our fans are incredible at requesting and helping us blow it up.

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

When I was in middle school I discovered the music video for Avenged Sevenfold’s “Bat Country”. Although, I didn’t start until I was 16 when my friends band needed a bass player and I just told him that I’d figure it out.

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

The first big show I attended was Slipknot, Coheed And Cambria, and Trivium.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

To start it was all about Avenged Sevenfold and of course being a bass player, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers). With the way rock is advancing I’ve been listening to Architects and Bring Me The Horizon. Clay Gober from the band Polyphia has made me want to get better as a musician.

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

Working with Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer) would be so much fun. I’m a huge Puscifer fan and I’d love to see what kind of weird stuff we could come up with.

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?

Radio rock with a hint of Djent. Nothing has made me cringe really. If they’re a successful band then I’ll take that comparison. Haha

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

The people I meet on the way. I’ve met so many fans that I would call family now. The SAUL EQUAL RISING Facebook page will embrace anyone. It’s incredible.

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?

That would be me on both of those. I learned a lot of random hip hop songs on acoustic. It’s pretty funny to bust out some vulgar lyrics with a soft voice.

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

We wrote a song on the upcoming record with Morgan Rose from Sevendust. It only took a minute for that to go away because he was so down to earth.

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

Stay at home dad… by far.

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?

Not really. Every decision I’ve made has led me here. I’ve learned a lot from the other bands I was in. I’ve learned what NOT to do. Haha

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?

I would love to go back to 2003 for the writing of Absolution by Muse. From the videos I’ve seen of them playing drums in swimming pools and stomping in concrete rooms. It just seems like a fun way to record a record.

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Category: Interviews