Ladies and Gentlemen.This edition of Fistful of Questions goes to New Jersey melodic metallers Dying Light. Jim Haldenwang
None
If you had an alias what might it be?
Slim Jim
What bands are you actively involved with?
We've played with every local act in the area,
The Horse You Rode In On
Triumph and Tragedy
Figured Out
Useless
Purgatory
Fire Fly
Jimmy Brogan Band
Moonlight Mile
Simply 3
And more......
What was the first instrument that you played?
First instrument I ever played was a little handheld keyboard
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
I grew up listening to Ac/Dc, Kiss, Queen, Rush, Led Zeppelin and of course all the radio friendly rock that would come on the radio. My uncle was about 8 years older than me and he got me started listening to rock that wasnt 3 minute radio friendly music. I always got caught up in the feeling of the music and listened intently to the lyrics. When I was 13 and found Pink Floyd I dove into their entire library. I got lost in that music for years. I didn't care what was relevant or what was modern. For me Pink Floyd had a special message for me and me alone.That lasted a few years and I finally began listening to bands like the Black Crows and Tesla. Motley Crue, Def Leppard, and of course Metallica. When grunge broke Alice in Chains and Soundgarden became my go to bands.
What was the name of the first band you were in?
My first band was a Chicago based band called Mudface.
Tell me about the genesis of Dying Light.
Dying Light began as a basement project. It was my re-entry back into music after a hiatus. I needed a break, family and career took the front seat for a few years. Then the itch came back and I felt there was more to say. I purchased home studio equipment and began making some music. Jeff Ross, our vocalist, got involved and we began picking out the best songs for the project. Then we met Shaun Dilliplane, the drummer, at a godsmack concert and he quickly got involved. Chris Fritz, Bass, and Doug Edwards, Guitar, jumped in to round out the music and we released a basement demo called Shallow Grave. The music onthe new release is the same songs but redone in a professional studio with a bonus track. After playing the songs out for a couple of years they changed into what they are now. We felt it was vitally important to re-record them and give our fans exactly what they hear live at shows.
What inspired the name Dying Light?
We kicked around a bunch of names and landed on Dying Light. Chris Fritz suggested it inspired by the Alter Bridge song.
How long did it take you to write and record Shallow Grave?
That's a complex question. Some of the songs are five years old. Just A Little More is the very first song I penned after buying a Gibson 61 re-issue. It had been a few years since I had played guitar much less written anything and the riff just fell off the fretboard. The lyrics changed drastically from the inception to now. The other songs were played live by the band for two years before we hit the studio to re-record them. In between we wrote an album called Far From Life. When we sat down at Charlie Berezansky's Rival Sound Studio to begin recording Shallow Grave it was hot out, by the time we finished it was cold. Most of the reason it took a while to finish was because of scheduling. In all it was about 6 months start to finish. It was roughly only 80 hours of studio time.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
I would love to play Tambourine in the Beatles. Because they're the Beatles.
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it?If so... What was the song and artist?
Man in the Box by Alice In Chains because it changed everything. The entire music scene was knocked on its heels by a basic grunge riff. It left popular hard rock and metal artists stunned. In that moment everything shifted. It was revolutionary.
Do you have any non-metal musical inspirations?
Pink Floyd, Simon and Garfunkel, the Stones, Queen (my mother had them on heavy rotation as a kid) Kenny Rogers, The Talking Heads, Tori Amos, 38 Special, Billy Joel, Billy Squier, Elton John, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Joan Jett, Journey, Night Ranger, Tears for Fears
What's a non-metal song that you'd like to do a cover of?
Hey You by Pink Floyd
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
The Horse You Rode In On
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
Anyplace that has metal fans.
We love playing a local brewery called Manfirken
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
We show up, set up, and play
What is your favorite thing about touring?
Anytime we can play our music it gives us a sense of freedom.
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
I'd love to play Chicago again. I'd love to play my old town and see old friends.
The year is 1995.Where are you at and what are you listening to?
I'm in Addison Illinois listening to Alice in Chains and Soundgarden sprinkled in with Nirvana and Candlebox, A little Bush and a lot of War Society.
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
Do it for love and passion. If you find success you'll be one in a million. It's not always about talent but talent helps.
What is an absolute killer band?
Farmikos, they are monsters. New album coming soon!
Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn't like, but somebody else in the band really did?
Yup, but it's a compromise.
If you were to start your own music festival what would be the name of that festival and who would be the three headlining bands?
Dead on the road tour. Alice In Chains, Ozzy and Farmikos.
What's the longest time you've gone without bathing?
Two days, because I was camping. I don't not shower. My skin crawls and I feel disgusting if I don't take one on the daily.
What's one thing that most people don't know about you?
I spent a summer on Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota during the Sundance Festival.
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
Right under Joe Rogan
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
Unicorns like sharks don't sleep and eat raw meat. Their horns are meant for piercing flesh. They have vampire fangs and look beautiful to entice prey.
You're driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time.What album will it be?
The Wall
You are writing a book about your life thus far.What is the title of that book?
All these broken pieces scattered on the floor.
What is your favorite song by Styx?
Best of Times
Iron Maiden or Megadeth (if you had to choose)?
Iron Maiden hands down.
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
Boobies every time. Who doesn't like boobs?! Even chicks appreciate boobs.
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Waffles
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Star Wars always
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
The Black Crowes
Rib Eye Roast
The Grapes of Wrath
Star Wars episode 4
The Wall
BioShock
Favorite Professional Wrestler?
The Hulkster
Big old thanks to Jim for taking the time to answer my questions.I appreciate it.Be sure to wrap your ears around Dying Light's re-recording of Shallow Grave.Which will be available for your listening pleasure on January 20th, 2023.~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
