Heading over the Atlantic today to prove that nice things come out of the US, not just dreadful politics (I’m writing this on November 8th…). So ignore the screaming sock puppets and focus on the music. In their own words – Leaving Eden.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Hey Man, Eric here from Leaving Eden. good to see ya here! Leaving Eden is from Boston MA, USA baby!
How did you meet?
I was Looking for a singer, Eve auditioned and got the lead vocals slot, and Johnny on the bass came referred, and Ryan on Drums came through Johnny so ya, it all kind of flows…
How long have you been playing as a band?
Over 10 years.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
Ha, we see this Planet fishbowl called Earth Eden, so it would be nice to go somewhere else to visit right? Thus, “Leaving Eden”.
What are your influences?
Eve – Janis Joplin
Johnny – Kiss
Ryan – Suicidal Tendencies
Eric – Black Sabbath
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
An eclectic blend of metal, rock, hard rock, occasional acoustic fronted by a chick with an attitude!
We are typically not held captive in a box, therefore, we like to think we are unique in that way. The live show really captures the true essence of Leaving Eden because of the energy transference between the band and the crowd.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Yes we do, we write from experience, alluding to the struggle we all have in this life between good and evil.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
The live show is full of energy. Eve really connects with the crowd in this shared energy experience. We also like to co-connect with the crowd and the universe so to speak in terms of utilizing primitive drums, for instance. There’s always been something to these tribal beats ya know?
Leaving Eden has toured The USA, UK & Canada sharing the stage with hundreds of the biggest national bands in the world including:
Lacuna Coil, In This Moment, Black Sabbath (Heaven & Hell), Ronnie James Dio, Rob Zombie, 5 Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, Marilyn Manson, Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZTop, Puddle of Mudd, Korn, Killswitch Engage, BuckCherry (Jefferson Starship, Big Brother and The Holding Company, Country Joe, 10 Years After, 40th Anniversary Woodstock) Shinedown, Dropkick Murphys, Alice in Chains, Papa Roach, Bret Michaels, Halestorm, Theory of a Deadman, Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Hellyeah, Trapt, Dope, Soil, Fuel, Queensryche, Saving Abel, Hinder, Damage Plan, 7Dust, Sebastian Bach, SoulFly, Days of the New, NonPoint, Drowning Pool, The Misfits, The Butcher Babies, Collective Soul, Mushroomhead, Mudvayne, Chevelle, Godsmack, Powerman 5000, 10Years, Taproot, Gin Blossoms, Michael Schenker (UFO, MSG & The Scorpions), Herman Rarebell (The Scorpions), Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Kittie, One eyed doll, Uncle Kracker, Tremonti (Creed/Alterbridge), Lamb of God, Slayer, Stone Sour, Motorhead, Blackstone Cherry, Hookers & Blow (featuring members of G’n’R, Quiet Riot and W.A.S.P.), Steven Tyler, Ted Nugent, Lita Ford, LA Guns, Trixter, Warrant, Apocalyptic Review (featuring members of Godsmack) & many more!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Ha, well the wildest things, we can’t say!!! Ha, we’ve signed basically most body parts.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
Ryan uses DW for Drums, Ziljian Cymbals, and endorsed by Rich Sticks.
I use Gibson SG’s not just for a quality instrument but also for weight. When you’re jumping around playing 5 hour gigs or 3 gigs a day, a lightweight guitar is crucial. I have an endorsement with Line 6 and my choice is Line 6/Bogner (tube) technology.
Johnny on bass uses an array of Fender basses, SWR Amplification and we have an endorsement with Intune Guitar Pics.
What are your plans for the rest of 2016 / 2017?
We continue to tour the USA/Canada, then off to Europe! We have our next album release ready to go. We were also submitted to many categories for the Grammys for our latest album release Pinnacle through Rock Avenue Records USA, so Fingers crossed there!
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Well Metallica or Megadeth. Um, as far as local band, there’s so many to choose from! Helen Kella from Massachusetts is jumping on some of our tour dates.
Fun Times. It’s my pleasure chatting and hope ta catch ya on tour man! Peace!
Header image by Dagda Photography.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32z4AF4ph78
