A Dirty Dozen with NATE GARRISON from PREACHER – November 2022

According to a recent press release: “Metalcore band Preacher released their new single “Live Laugh Lobotomy” to all major platforms via Daeth Records/TLG/INgrooves. The single is from their forthcoming EP, Blur. Preacher is a metalcore band from Reno, Nevada. In a short 5 years, 3 EPs and 5 singles later, they have managed to tour from coast to coast all on their own. The largest show of these tours included their festival debut at Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2022, one of the largest rock festivals in the United States. Preacher has never been afraid to dive into new genres and explore every avenue of what they can achieve. Their entire discography thus far including their 2022 EP Dream State was entirely self-produced, which showcases exactly why they are a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore genre.” We get singer Nate to discuss new music, influences, and 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?

“Live Laugh Lobotomy” is probably the most ambitious song we have ever released as a band. If the intro doesn’t hook you then there is a strong possibility that you may be dead inside (or you just need a lobotomy xD) The story behind this song is as deep as it is gruesome and may be our first successful attempt at writing an actual story with music. Lots of cool instruments in this one too: strings, choir, piano, synths, etc. Give it a spin! What have you got to lose eh??

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

Going to our first live shows was what really pulled us in. Nothing can really come close to capturing the energy and intensity of live music, especially within the genre that we fall under (metalcore) It was love at first listen.

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

Nate – AFI – basically the entire inspiration to everything I’ve ever done musically up until now; Stan: Periphery – became an obsession that leveled up my playing and my vocals purely because of the raw talent this band contains; Chris: Thrice – the emotion in their music inspired me to write music with feeling to be able to connect with my instrument at more than face value; and Alan: Green Day – the upbeat energy and good vibes this band brings to the table is above all.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Collectively: Architects, The Ghost Inside, Polaris, Underoath, and Heart in Hand.

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

Doja Cat because she has brought so many elements to her music from outside of her genre. We think the rock and metal world could really benefit from someone with her creative mind and talent.

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?

Imagine 2009, but new and fresh. You’ve got singing, you’ve got screaming, you’ve got catchy music behind it. It contains all of the magical ingredients! We pretty much cringe when anyone throws out a comparison relative to a Dad rock band (FFDP, Disturbed, etc.) No disrespect to these bands whatsoever, it’s just not our thing.

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

The sense of freedom that comes along with it. When you are out on the road, it’s almost as if the normal rules of reality don’t really apply anymore. The feeling is so unique and special that it leaves it almost impossible to describe. If we had to try, the closest word would be blissful. Nothing beats being able to do what you love the most and do it exactly the way you want to.

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?

I am the guy who really brings us together. The rest of us are homebodies and he does his very best to get us out of the house, or invite us over, or call to check in or say hi. He’ll be the first one to offer to get drinks and he’ll even cook for you. Stan and Chris will be the ones to bust out the guitars and Alan will get us together doing Dad stuff.

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

Probably when we were teenagers. I think at this point in our career, it’s almost more impressive if you are just a nice person. There is nothing worse than meeting someone you looked up to and finding out that their character isn’t quite what you thought it was. Knowing that celebrities are just people too and deal with their own challenges is important, but when they can do all that and still be respectful when you meet them, those are the real ones right there!

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

Nate – Business Consultation; Chris – Professional Racer; Alan – Audio Engineer; and Stan – Regional Sales Manager.

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?

Everything that has happened has got us to where we are now. I think we will have those feelings often, not matter how good we are doing. The most important thing for us is not to dwell on the “what could have been” moments and view them as growth opportunities. The biggest regret we have would be taking the ability to do this for granted. After the Covid years, that period of time was a major wake up call to not just us, but many others to realize just how special this is.

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?

Queen – A Night at the Opera. I think we can all agree (whether you are a fan or not) that this band and album is timeless. Would be absolutely wild to experience the recording process and witness the raw talent that these lads possessed to be able to create something like this between the 4 of them. This album was a pinnacle of that time for music as a whole and something that people to this day still try to recreate (unsuccessfully).

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Category: Interviews