Dead Rhetoric: Are there hopes for a follow up album fairly quick – or will it be a situation where things have to line up with schedules to get another Final Sign record out a few years down the line?
Pelata: I would go back into the studio tomorrow if we could. I love making records. It’s one of my favorite parts of this whole music thing. We are working on material for another album. But at this point I am not sure when we’d start recording it. I’d hope within the next 2 years. Schedules would have to line up, obviously. We’d also have to feel really good about what we had written. But, yeah, hopefully sooner than later we can get another album done.
Williams: Well musically I’m two songs into the next album now, so I would like to be in the studio by the end of 2016.
Dead Rhetoric: What are your feelings on the heavy metal scene domestically in comparison to the international level of respect and support? Who would you consider a couple of the most underrated bands that deserve more respect and support?
Pelata: The metal scene here in the US, from my perspective, is small but fiercely loyal. Every scene has its downers and detractors. But for the most part, what I see is unwavering dedication to not only a style of music, but to the bands and to the lifestyle. They want the 7″ vinyl, they want the patches and the shirts and the CDs. They want to support the bands. I can’t speak to the European audience specifically since, sadly, I have not yet managed to play there. But based on my friends in the scene who have toured Europe or played one of the many festivals, the European crowds are larger and louder. What I see with the European fans, from my perspective, is a sense of history and roots. They know the history of Metal and respect it. By respecting that history, it transfers to the bands who are true to that history. There are several bands that, in my opinion, NEED to be heard by the metal masses: Walpyrgus, Reverence, Wülfhook, Mindmaze, Colossus, Suppressive Fire…so many great bands putting out great Metal! That is the reason Metal continues to translate to new generations. New bands ‘holding the flame high’ for Metal (pun intended, haha)! We don’t care what’s on TV, we don’t care who or what is on the top of any sales chart. We persevere because we do what we love.
Williams: Metal people are like brothers and sisters…the support is there.
Dead Rhetoric: How do you handle the fast paced world that we seem to live in with instant communication, social media, cell phones, etc. – do you find that you have to balance out real time, face to face interaction with all of that activity?
Pelata: I’m sure for most people, it’s become second nature at this point. There was a time when I said “I don’t need a smartphone.” Now, I can’t imagine not having my phone. It’s a fantastic tool for staying in touch with friends, fans and music. I can’t imagine how it would have been as a kid to have one of my musical heroes reply to a message within hours or say they “Like” one of my photos. Haha! At the same time, it’s easy to get pulled down the rabbit hole of the internet. I think it’s important to turn off the phone and the computer now and then and just hang with people…family, friends, etc.
Williams: Advertising is the key with downloads and such. Friends and fans will keep you moving forward.
Dead Rhetoric: Considering stylistically a lot of your influences hone in from the roots of heavy metal, can you tell us five of your favorite albums from the 1980’s – as well as one of the most memorable shows you witnessed in your teens or early 20’s?
Pelata: I grew up in a strict, religious household so I was not permitted to attend shows as a teenager. I was in my early 20s before I saw my first arena concert. As far as favorite 80s albums, I have a huge list. I grew up in the glory days of early MTV and Metal magazines so even though I was not permitted to go to shows, I definitely had my favorite music. I would stay glued to videos and those late night concerts they used to show. A few of my favorite 80s albums would be Heaven And Hell, Pyromania, Screaming For Vengeance, Holy Diver, Rage For Order, Piece Of Mind, 1984, Creatures Of The Night, Balls To The Wall, Trilogy, Love At First Sting…I could list so many.
Williams: Here you go…Metal Church – The Dark, Vicious Rumors – S/T, Black Sabbath – Mob Rules, Slayer – Reign In Blood, Riot – Fire Down Under, Dio – Holy Diver. Sorry had add one more.
Dead Rhetoric: What’s the best piece of advice you ever received regarding the music business – and do musicians often come to you asking for tips and advice? If so, what do you talk to them about?
Pelata: The best piece of advice I ever received, and the one I usually dole out when asked, is to have fun. Take what you do seriously, be the best you can be, but remember to have fun and/or find the fun in any musical situation. If you’re having fun and enjoying what you do, that will translate into your music, into your live performance, and onto your albums. With the musical world and the industry in the state it’s in now, just try to have fun. If it’s not fun, what’s the point?
Williams: Always love your music first because if you don’t, how will anybody else? Yes, young guys come up to me all the time and I always say “Be there for your fans no matter what…”. Fans make you what you are. I have some of the best fans in the world and I always have time for them!
Dead Rhetoric: How do you see the next 12 months playing out for Final Sign as far as activities: shows, videos, promotional work, recordings? Or will the members participate in outside band endeavors?
Pelata: We will absolutely get out and play some shows. We are really excited about taking this music live. Also, we’ve already started putting together material for a second album, so we’re looking to the future as well. We all believe in Final Sign and I really feel like we’re all on the same page as far as what we want to put into it and what we want to get out of it. So, yeah…live shows are definitely happening! I am also part of a band called Livesay based out of NY, so I’ll have some things to do with them as well. So, we will definitely stay busy.
Williams: I see us doing shows to support the album. I would love to do a video. I plan on promoting the Final Sign CD at October 31 shows and Hellstorm’s Hell On Earth shows as well. Come find me, and I’ll have copies!