•Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
So a lot of people think the name October Noir is a direct rip from Type O Negative’s October Rust, but that’s not the case. When Tom named the band, he wanted to give it a name that was simple and really comprised the imagery of the music, thus, October Noir stuck.
This band has been through a few members in the past. Turmoil of clashing ideas saw a few come and go. The band is now myself on drums, Tom Noir on bass/vocals, and Doug Lane as the guitarist.
•Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
Tom and Doug are in Pensacola Florida and I myself reside in Mobile Alabama, about an hour from them.
I played a show where October Noir was on the same bill, when I was in another band. They were having issues with their drummer, issues we won’t discuss, but Tom took a shine to my style, as I was a huge fan of his work. When the time came, they cut ties with the former guy and I stepped in. Both Tom and I share the same vision, so it was a fresh start for the band.
•Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
My favorite artists are HIM/VV(Ville Valo), Type O Negative, Crowbar, Woods of Ypres, Swallow The Sun and Demon Hunter.
I’ve recently began loving everything that an off and on band mate of mine is doing, in his band Oracle.
All of the bands I mention have one thing in common: Emotion.
In all their albums, you’re forced to open up and feel the lyrics and melodies/slamming riffs. Those are the bands that have influenced me in the writing and live show of October Noir.
•Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
I still have a day job. It’s foolish to think that, in this day and age, you’ll pay the bills off of music solely.
But yes, I’ve always aspired to be a musician. I had a full scholarship out of high school playing in a performing band at the college I attended. But I also was in 5 or 6 bands, learning and writing music before I was 25. It’s always been the dream of mine, and that dream will never fade.
•What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
That feels like an impossible question to answer.
I’ve been really listening to the new singles Demon Hunter are dropping for their album Exile.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Love and Death (HEAD of Korn’s side project), as well as the new Korn Album.
My buddy Matt of the band Afterdusk, I’ve been deep diving into them.
The album Perseverance by Oracle.
A lot of HIM, Woods of Ypres, and Crowbar. Just saw Kirk and Tommy of Crowbar last weekend and we had a hell of a time.
•Do you sing in the shower?
I do not actually. Mostly in the truck driving around during a work day.
•Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
Absolutely. We are currently writing a new album. We have two songs ready for that, plus maybe a collaboration with Myke Hideous of the Misfits/Empire Hideous. We just dropped a single with Denis Pauna that was done a few months back. The former lead guitarists of Woods of Ypres, and good friend of mine, is very interested to jump on a song for this next album. The possibilities are endless. But we plan to keep writing and hopefully deliver an album for the ages.
•Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
We have 3 songs that are feeling done. But we like to keep things under wraps until it’s time. One will be released as a single in the coming month.
•If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Tavastia In Finland. That place is a national treasure of venues and it’s deeply enshrined with bands like HIM, The 69 Eyes, and so on.
•Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
Impossible. I’ll name a few.
Dark Light and Venus Doom by HIM
Woods 3,4,and 5 by Woods of Ypres.
October Rust and Life is Killing Me by Type O Negative
Wish, Bloodflowers, and Disintegration by The Cure
This could go on and on so I’ll stop it there.
•Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
Guilty Pleasures for me are everything William Control has ever done, mixed with Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division, and the entire Morrissey/The Smiths collection
•If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Open it up with old school CKY, followed by Crowbar, then have DOWN come out for a few songs. Next band is Demon Hunter, followed by Korn. After Korn, we get Seventh Void, then October Noir plays a set and Type O Negative finished out the night.
That’s just a dream of couirse.
•Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
First album I ever bought was probably A Better Life by 3 Doors Down, followed by Seether’s first album Disclaimer.
Funny story is 3DD are from my area. I got to spend many evenings with Matt Roberts, Lead guitarist of 3DD. He became a great friend. I drummed for a band that was led by his brother and his guitar tech. Memories that I will cherish forever. That band is still signed to Origin Records, here In Mobile Alabama. The band is called Even Still and we had a blast on stage.
•As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
The only thing I can say, is if you are a fan of mine, or October Noir, thank you so much. I receive messages all the time that are so positive and I build friendships with many people that are fans of ours. I’m truly grateful to be in this position. Making music that people care about and are touched by.
•Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/ subscribe.
https://www.facebook.com/thenoirhour/
https://youtube.com/channel/UCLnZGAcUad6ImhmLO3WJy-Q
https://www.facebook.com/OctoberNoirMusic
Instagram.com/tylerflemingdrums
https://www.perturbradio.com/thenoirhour.html
•We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
I’ve started a radio show. Fans of October Noir on PerturbRadio.com asked if I would like my own show, so I accepted the offer. I do a show every Wednesday night and it’s been amazing. I add interviews in there from top musicians and it’s been very fun and people have really enjoyed it. CHECK IT OUT!
Links are above for The Noir Hour radio and YouTube page.
This interview is purely the property of The Metal Asylum