A Lost Asylum- a day to remember, blessthefall, escape the fate, in this moment, pierce the veil, get scare
Interview conduct on March 12, 2020
by Dan Locke
A Lost Asylum was formed in November of 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The band consists of Holly Watson (Lead Vocals), Gil Menchaca (Guitar), Dante Long (Guitar/Unclean Vocals), Justin Bell (Drums/Unclean Vocals), and James Roake (Bass).
This female fronted force of power started touring the West Coast within a year of forming and have built up quite a loyal fan base. They are able to overcome any obstacle in their path in order to keep creating music. A Lost Asylum brings hard hitting, dark gothcore through melodic guitar riffs, rhythmic bass, energetic drums, brutal screams, and beautifully dark lead vocals.
Dan Locke: What was your upbringing?
All of us grew up with highly religious backgrounds. However, as we got older, we all pulled away from that and went our own way. -Justin
How did you discover music?
It has always been a dream of each of ours to be a musician at a young age. Each one of us has always loved music and wanted to share our own creativity to others. – James
What are your musical roots?
I have always loved music since I was a kid. I used to make my parents watch me “put on performances” for them. I started out playing the piano at age 7, then I tried my hand at the violin, then I played the trumpet for a while, then I moved onto learning the guitar as a teenager. I got into church choir at a young age and also took choir classes in school. During that time, I also took private voice lessons. Altogether, I have had about 12 years of vocal training. After all the instruments I tried my hands at, singing was the one thing that I have stuck with. It is my passion. I am so grateful to be a part of what we are creating together. -Holly
How did your band form?
Three of us were all in a band together. Justin and Holly started a side project because they wanted to focus on a different type of music and explore some other things. They brought James in. Shortly after forming, this band became their main focus instead of a side project and our other band went by the wayside. After a year or so, they had some members quit. I was invited to join the band and then Dante followed shortly after. -Gil
How is Salt Lake UT for live music?
Our current city is great for certain genres and horrible for others. -Dante
How was your first show on Aug. 20, 2016, at Club X?
We all got way too drunk that night so the details escape us but we do remember that it was a blast. -Holly
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Blessthefall, Polaris, A Day to Remember, and Wage War. – James
You are still a very young band. What knowledge would you like to pass on to other bands?
Give it all you got. Don’t let anything or anyone deter you. When things get hard, just remember why you decided to be a musician in the first place because that is what matters. Also, be careful about people promising you the world. There are a lot of people out there who like to take advantage of musicians who are first starting out. -Holly
Tell me about the making of your latest video “Safe in Pieces”
My favorite was watching Dante talk a big game and then run away when I tried to “fight” him. Also, hiding around the corner and drinking vodka when no one was looking. -Justin
How did the pre-order go for your new cd?
It went well, considering this is the first major release we did better than any of us anticipated -Gil
How do you see yourself in five years?
We see ourselves touring worldwide and having 2 to 3 more albums out. -Dante
Anything you like to close with?
Thanks so much for taking the time to get to know us a little better. We are so excited to be breaking into the music scene. We are ready to share our creativity. Our album is available to stream and purchase. Go check it out! -James
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