Interview with Jim DeMaria from Generation Kill

Generation Kill is a Thrash Metal Band that made an impression on us here at Sludgelord HQ with their new album - We're All Gonna Die. Richard Maw reviewed the album here:

Jim DeMaria, drummer for Generation Kill has taken the time out to talk to Aaron recently and this is what they discussed.

Welcome to the Sludgelord, pleased to talk to you guys and welcome.

(SL) Who are you, state your name (s) and purpose?

Jim DeMaria, drummer for Generation Kill. Here to talk about the band and our new album “We’re All Gonna Die”.

(SL) Summarise your musical journey (s) this point?

As far as Generation Kill is concerned, I joined the band just prior to the release of our debut album “Red, White and Blood” in 2011, but was filling in as far back as the summer of 2010.

(SL) What can fans look forward to from you in 2014? How is your schedule shaping up?

Our fans can look forward to our new album “We’re All Gonna Die” out on Nuclear Blast Records. It’s currently available wordwide and we are planning on touring as much as we can in support of it.

SL) What springs to mind when you think about the completion of your new/current record?

We did this new record on our own, so it was really gratifying to have it come out so good. We had gotten out of our contract with our former label and weren’t sure how we would pay for it, but we made a commitment to it and in the end Nuclear Blast picked it up. We worked extremely hard on it, dug down deep, and wrote some great songs. It was an amazing experience working with Zeuss as well.

(SL) Who handles song writing duties?

It used to be mainly Rob Moschetti with Dukes handling the lyrics, but it has become much more of a group effort. Especially with the new album. We did a lot of pre production musically for this record. Any ideas that were thrown around in the rehearsal room, Moschetti would go home and track them to keep the ideas moving forward. He’s a machine that way…

(SL) How long was the gestation of your new/current opus from conception to delivery?

The album was basically written in December and January of 2012/2013. We started recording on February 1^st 2013 and it took about a month to track. Then we went on tour in Europe with Heathen and came back and di some final tweaks before the final mix and master. It came out on November 26, 2013. So, almost a year from concept to shelf..

(SL) Reflecting on your new/current record, was your artwork designed with a particular physical format in mind? Who designed it? What are your thoughts the finished physical product? What format is/will be available?

The album cover and artwork is something Dukes designed around the lyrical content of the record. It shows just how hopeless mankind is. I like it a lot. I think it really reflects the overall feel of the record thematically.

(SL) The best and worst things about being in a band?

The best thing about being in a band is creating something out of nothing with the other members. Playing those songs live, and just enjoying each others company. The worst part is you can’t guarantee your success no matter how hard you work. You may think you have “great songs” and work really hard to make a name for yourself, but in the end nothing is guaranteed.

(SL) Influences and heroes, what are turn offs and turn on’s?

So many to list, but I grew up on Sabbath, KISS, Priest , Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Cro Mags, plus music of the 70’s. Heroes include Dave Lombardo, Metallica, Les Claypool, Tom Hunting, Gary Holt.

Turn offs…people bing dicks for no reason..turn ons..playing a great show, writing a new song, meeting new people and travelling to new places, and obviously METAL!!!!

SL) Any record from the past or present that springs to mind?

Too many records from the past come to mind, but this year I have been going crazy for Clutch! Earth Rocker is the album of the year for me…right after ours that is….also love the new Death Angel, and Carcass records..

(SL) The last album that kicked your arse?

Clutch: Earth Rocker

(SL) What was your first instrument or musical experience and what do you use today?

Started out as a guitar player, but switched to drums at 18. My equipment has evolved quite a bit since then…

(SL) One item, gear or otherwise that characterises your band and one item from your set up you cannot live without?

Our current intro I believe truly characterises our band, and I can’t live without my beloved 7x14 GMS American Maple Snare drum..

(SL) Pro-tools versus old school?

Not much of a studio junkie, but pro tools…old school is way to costly..

SL) Blogs and social media vs. getting on the road and touring?

I would say both, as they are a symbiotic relationship. Blogs and social media are a great way to promote a band who is already out on the road touring and supporting their material.

(SL) What are your survival tips for the road, any rider requests?

Interesting. I would say keep it simple. If you don’t “need” anything “special” when you play a show 5 minutes from your house, why then, should you need that special thing when you are on tour? Keep it all simple.

(SL) Have you ever been starstruck and what have been your band highlight (s) thus far

Other than drumming for Generation Kill, I have been a drum tech for the legendary Tom Hunting of Exodus. That has afforded me the opportunity to meet many of my “idols” growing up. I have been “starstruck” by Les Claypool, Lars and James from Metallica, Dave and Tom from Slayer.

(SL) Vinyl Junkie or Ipod flunky? Discuss  

I grew up on vinyl so I still love it and listen to it, but nothing beats the fact that I can take my entire music catalog with me in my pocket wherever I go.

(SL) Indiegogo or creative no no?

I have no problem with bands using any fund raising site to help them meet their goals. This business of breaking a band is not cheap or easy, so any way you can secure funds to further your band or project…I’m all for it.

(SL) Finally, do you have any final comments/word of wisdom you’d like to bestow upon us?

Thanks Sludgelord for taking the time out to listen to and review our record!!! See you all out on tour in 2014!!! Peace! \m/\m/

Thanks to Jim for taking the time to talk to us here at Sludgelord HQ.

For more information:

www.facebook.com/generationkillofficial
www.generationkillband.com
www.nuclearblast.de/generationkill

Written by Aaron Pickford