Online Interview with Phear
Q: Who were your music influences?
Tyson: Iron Maiden got me into guitar and then a list too huge to list followed.
Patrick: Judas Priest, Beatles, David Bowie, Iron Maiden, Rush, Queen, Styx, Van Halen, Montrose, Kiss, Megadeth, Dream Theater, King Diamond, Kamelot….the list is endless!!!!
Bosh: My major influences came from the 80’s thrash scene…bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Iron Maiden (not thrash but still a big influence). In terms of individual players, my top 4 would be Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted (Metallica), David Ellefson (Megadeth) and Steve Harris (Iron Maiden).
Chris: There have been many along the way. When I was very young, it all started with KISS. After that, everyone from RUSH to Aerosmith to Queen to Triumph to Journey. Van Halen and Iron Maiden also had an impact on me when they hit the scene. Over the years, the list of musical influences continued to grow to the point now that naming them all would take way too much time. But KING’S X and MR. BIG top the list of the most notable and impactful bands later in my life.
Q: What motivates you to record and release your music?
Tyson: World domination, unimaginable wealth and the need to create art.
Bosh: When I listen to an album like Master of Puppets (Metallica) – which is now 30 years old – it immediately brings back memories and feelings of how much this piece of music has impacted the course of my life, and it has always been my dream to be able to create music that has this sort of impact on future generations.
Chris: I am involved with music because it makes me happy. Drums and music bring out my passion. My band-mates inspire me to make music. Creating with them is what makes it all so much fun.
Patrick: I love the creative process. Writing the song, melody, lyrics, fine-tuning the song, recording the song (I love being in studio), rehearsing the song, and then playing it live. That’s what it’s all about!!!
Q: How would you describe your music to people that have never heard your music?
Patrick: Heavy Metal with melody and groove. Lots of layers.
Bosh: I would say it is a great blend of thrash, prog, and classic metal. Very heavy, but still with lots of melody and groove.
Tyson: A sledgehammer to the side of the head utilizing groove, melody and plutonium.
Q: What bands do you listen to?
Tyson: Everything.
Patrick: Currently, Rammstein, in this Moment, Slipknot, Iron Maiden.
Bosh: Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Testament, Pantera, Down, Machine Head, Tool, Gwar, Disturbed, Mudvayne, Pantera, In Flames … these are just my favourites.
Chris: I still listen to a lot of older stuff, including melodic hard rock, metal, R&B, soul, and funk. But the artists that I still listen to a lot are KING’S X, Talisman, Richie Kotzen, MR.BIG, Devin Townsend Project, The Winery Dogs, Enuff Z’Nuff, Extreme, and The Galactic Cowboys.
Q: How did you all meet to form this band?
Tyson: The stars in the 7th quadrant aligned during a particularly heavy rainfall at which point we made eye contact and boom!
Chris: Actually, PHEAR has been in the making ever since our previous band RAMPAGE dissolved many years back. From the remaining burning embers that was RAMPAGE, PHEAR arose. Mind you, it took many years for PHEAR to actually come together. It all started a number of years back with Tyson & Pat keeping in touch and expressing the desire to start another band together. I was the next one on board and then we added Graham and lastly Bosh.
Bosh: I’m the new guy. I placed an ad on Craigslist in September 2015 as a bass player looking for a band, and Tyson contacted me with some links to the PHEAR videos on YouTube. Within 30 seconds of viewing the first video I knew I wanted to be a part of this band. During the 2nd audition I told the guys I was their new bass player!
Chris: That’s true! Bosh did tell us that he was in the band before the four of us decided this for ourselves! He’s been a great addition though….
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Tyson: No, math was never my forte.
Chris: We would just like to thank all of the friends & fans of PHEAR for the support thus far. This ride is just beginning!
Bosh: Yes — SPREAD THE PHEAR!!!!
The Phear is spreading at https://www.facebook.com/phearband