Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
Daredevil Pilots came down to a band vote. Several names were obviously considered but this one felt right. Almost as if it was a license to take whatever influences inspired us to play whatever we wanted. I believe this shows on our debut album.
Who we are and how we came to be. If you ask each member I’m sure we’d each have a unique story. But for me, Tyler, I had a series of strokes in 2018 and got deeply depressed at the all-to-human feeling of not being invincible. Took 6 months to recover (thankfully) from the physical side, but I think I’m still grappling on the emotional/psychological end. I reached out to my friend, Matt-band leader, because I needed an outlet. Needed to play music. He went online and pulled guys (Dan& Trav) together. Called up Dave. Later, Adam (drummer) joined us and really set things off. Collaboration came easy. Covid was a nightmare, so we only managed about 12 practices in the last 2 years before making this album. Now that it’s out, we’re excited for more!
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
We all live within about an hour of each other. Not too bad.
We got together via internet and relationships. Amazing how pieces fell in place.
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
Again, I’m sure each of us has a unique answer. Lol! I grew up on Chevelle, Anberlin, Blindside and Underoath. Matt lives on Thrice. Adam swears by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Trav is a musical mystery. Dave loves so much it’s hard to pin down. And Dan… Metallica. There are so many influences. It’s extremely eclectic, but we love it.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
Even now it doesn’t really feel real. I’ve written lyrics since I was about 8 years old (absolutely terrible at the time, and sometimes still bad. Lol). Started playing guitar and writing song at 15. It’s just in my blood to get things off my chest in this form.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
La Dispute, Broods, Sweet Pill, Manchester Orchestra, Foxing, Visitor’s Tongue, Fuzzy Coleman, Foggieraw, Alt-J, Prof, Drop Dead Playboys, The Epidemic, Don Broco, Mastodon… I’m everywhere
Do you sing in the shower?
Absolutely
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
Play some shows and have fun. Patience for recording certainly isn’t my strong suit.
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
Easy now! Lol! Our debut album just dropped June 10th! But yes, we’ve already have eyes on a few singles.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Wherever people who love music are. I don’t care if it’s in a backyard. That being said, I have been fortunate enough to open for some idols of mine with previous projects. It’s a blast, that’s why we do it.
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
Anberlin’s Never Take Friendship Personal is my personal favorite album from start to finish. It just holds up. I wish they’d remaster it.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
Hell yeah, I’m crazy about Squad Goals by Prof. Such a fun song and incredibly catchy.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
I mean, I’ve been on a tear with concerts this year. Manchester Orchestra, Foxing, Straylight Run, Taking Back Sunday. The Gaslight Anthem, Sweet Pill, La Dispute, Incubus, Sublime… I’m even going to see Harry Styles and if I’m honest, I’m psyched about every single one of them.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
Well, it’s kinda embarrassing. I grew up in a strict Christian home. I’d have to give my first album credit to DC Talk. Toby Mac still puts on a banger show though. Hits me right in the nostalgia! Lol
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Don’t stop moving. I’m not qualified to say much more. But we have to keep going. Keep learning and be kind to each other.
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
We’re on the standard socials these days (ie. Twitter, IG, FB) but I like directing people to daredevilpilots.hearnow.com
It’s kinda our linktree site.
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Keep doing what you’re doing. I’m honored you’d spend this time on independent artists. I’m a fan of The Metal Asylum for sure.
This interview is solely the property of The Metal Asylum