| INTERVIEW WITH JASON CUDDY GUITARIST OF TORONTO'S REDEEMER JUNE 19, 2007 |
| Mike: "Hey there! How's it going? I'm glad you could take time out to do this interview. Can you tell me how things all came together for Redeemer and how long ago things started for the band? I know that you were in Monster Voodoo Machine, a very famous Toronto band, but they broke up a while ago with Adam Sewell forming Damn 13 as the rest went on to other projects as well. Did you do anything else music related between MVM & Redeemer?" Jason: "Hey Mike. Things are good, thanks. We've just started writing a new batch of songs and things are progressing well.....heavy stuff! Basically we've all got similar musical tastes and experiences that we decided to utilize to make up our own ultimate metal band that we always wished we could see and hear. We've known each other for years so it was just a matter of putting this idea into motion, writing the songs and blasting them at anyone who will listen. Since MVM broke up I joined an industrial/doom band called Soulstorm then I played with a classic/southern rock influenced band called Scuzzy." Mike: "When Redeemer finally had it's members in place, what was the style or sound you were looking for overall? It seems like a no nonsense heavy metal band just looking to play what they love, Heavy Music." Jason: "This is just us and the way we sound. There are just a few key elements that we're always looking for in a song.......heaviness, groove, intensity......but in the end it's gotta seriously rage!" Mike: "When I've been to your Myspace site I notice you have 3 songs from what must be a previous album but only 1 song from your most recent work, a 4 song demo, how come only 1 song from this cool sounding demo are posted?" Jason: "We've actually got one song posted from a 2005 demo titled 'A Single Grain of Sand' and the 3 others are from an upcoming EP that we're planning to release by late summer." Mike: "From listening to your latest 4 song demo, You can hear a mix of Corrosion Of Conformity, Down, and Pantera. It really seems though that you've created a Redeemer sound of your own. How important was that for the band?" Jason: "Creating a sound of our own is very important to us. Nothing gets shot down faster than a riff that sounds too similar to another band's riff or idea. At the same time though, the metal genre has been around for more than 35 years so obviously there is alot of common ground out there. I'm glad that you can hear a distinct 'Redeemer sound' in what we're doing as we definitely don't want to clone anything out there." Mike: " Where did the band name come from? Was there no doubt that this was the name you wanted to use or were there other band names being considered instead?" Jason: "Redeemer is basically about believing in yourself and living in the mindset that the highest power is one's self . No use for religions, cults, etc.... Everyone has the power within to be their own Redeemer. It's just a matter of acknowledging and utilizing one's own personal strengths." Mike: " Who does the writing in the band? Do you all take part in what each song should sound like when you sit down to write/Record?" Jason: "We write all the songs in the room together. Darren and I come up with the guitar riffs, Shane writes all his lyrics, and the drum and bass parts are worked out as we arrange the songs. At the end of the day, everyone adds there own input and style to the songs and that's what gives us the sound we're after." Mike: "Do you all feel that mabye you really have something special here in Redeemer? Could this be the chance you've all been waiting for if you finally get signed? I think that there is some awesome talent here overall which is why I became a fan from my first live show." Jason: "I think what we have here is amazing! This music is exactly what we would like to be hearing/seeing out there. We're getting a very strong, positive reaction to our songs online and in reviews and also to our live show. We're working hard at this and things are definitely starting to look up right now on all levels." Mike: "Has Redeemer been involved in any major shows yet? What huge acts have you played with so far if any?" Jason: "We've been playing clubs in the southern Ontario region for the last year and plan on doing alot more shows as soon as we're finished recording. No major shows yet, but bring'em on.....bigger the better!" Mike: "I'm not sure how long the 4 song Demo has been out now but is there plans to release a full length CD anytime this year? Can we expect that killer heavy groove to still be there?" Jason: "We're planning on an EP release for late summer '07. Lots of killer heavy groove.....and more!!!" Mike: "Does Redeemer play any covers live? Any Favourite original songs that you like to play live?" Jason: "We've jammed on a few covers, but none have ever made it in to a live show. Usually we're playing a 30 - 40 minute set so we stick to our own stuff for now." Mike: "What can we expect the rest of 2007 from Redeemer?" Jason: "Like I mentioned earlier, an EP out later this summer and lots of shows/touring following." Mike: "Go ahead and give out the bands website & Myspace site and any other contact information for all to see." Jason: "The easiest way to get in touch with us or see what we're up to is through Myspace: www.myspace.com/redeemer." Mike: "Thanks very much Jason for being part of this interview. Go ahead and say whatever else you like right now." Jason: "I just want to give a big Thanks to you Mike for supporting us on our mission to bring our metal to the masses! Hails to you and all the best with Hard Beyond Driven!!" |