City of Ashes… Shadowhunters
Showcase: City of Ashes
Published on November 17th, 2012 | Jonny Abrams
Eastbourne rockers City of Ashes are set to release their new five-track EP Then there was a hand in the darkness in January, so Rocksucker fired them over some questions to find out a little bit more about them…
What ‘s the line-up of the band? How did you all meet, and how long has the band been going for?
The band consists of:
Vocalist: Orion Powell
Guitarist: James Macdonald
Bassist: Dan Frederick
Drummer: Daniel Russell
We’ve been going for about three and a half years now. There have been a couple of line up changes but Orion, and both Dans have been there throughout with James joining more recently in time to record our new EP. The short version is that Orion was playing some acoustic sets around the town and they got pretty popular. Both the Dans had come to shows and eventually talks started about whether we’d ever like to start playing with a full line up. Three and a half years down the line we’re pretty happy we did.
How would you describe your music, if pushed?
It’s rock music really. There are nuances of various different sub-genres in there, some tracks are more metal whilst some are more ambient etc etc but we never liked to box ourselves into too specific a category. If there is an over-riding characteristic it’s probably that the songs are pretty brutally honest. Whether the subject is politics or relationships we try to write songs in a heartfelt way. I think that makes it more engaging for an audience beyond just the sound of the song.
Where are you based, and what do you use to record with?
We’re based in a small town called Eastbourne in Sussex although we produced our new EP with the delightful Mr. Matthew O’Grady in Surrey. We’re really pretty excited for everyone to hear it.
Are you signed to a label? If so, how did you come to their attention?
No, we’re not currently signed to anyone. We have been approached by a couple of small labels but if we’re going to sign we want it to be at the right place with the right people.
Is there a full album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it? (Feel free to be as abstract as
you like…)
Our next offering is a 5 track EP which comes out on January 21st. It’s entitled ‘Then there was a hand in the darkness’ and is varied from pop-rock to pretty heavy stuff. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Where can we hear your music online?
You’ll have to wait until January but then it will be all over the place. Itunes, Amazon mp3 and Spotify will all have it. There will also be a video released for the lead single.
Which have been your most exciting gigs and/or overall moments so far?
So many with so many great bands! A couple of the highlights would have to be this year’s Guilfest with great band like Young Guns, Skindred and Polar. Also, the Relentless Garage in London with Silent Decent, The Dead Lay Waiting and Attica Rage. Both were dreams come true.
Got any more coming up? (Gigs, that is…)
We’re doing a few over the next month or so and then writing new material heavily over the Christmas period. Check out www.facebook.com/cityofashesband for the dates and venues.
Are there any obscure and/or up-and-coming acts that you ‘d like to recommend or give a shout-out to?
There are loads that blow our minds around the country at various shows. Some of the best we’ve played with and had the honour of making good friends with are:
Hildamay – facebook.com/hildamay
The Effect – facebook.com/theeffectuk
Cities – facebook.com/citiesuk
But there are endless other great bands I’m not thinking of right now. Sorry to those I forgot.
Finally, if you were forced to spend the rest of your days in solitary confinement, but were allowed to bring the entire works of five different artists along to tide you over, whose would you choose?
Incubus, Alkaline Trio, La Dispute, Thursday, 30 Seconds to Mars of course there are so many more but five artists ain’t a hell of a lot!
City of Ashes, thank you.
About the Author
Jonny Abrams Editor of Rocksucker and the website's founder, Jonny is passionate about the music he listens to, both good and bad, as well as interviewing his favourite musicians.
