Echoseven- Heavy Alt Metal Rap Group from New Brunswick,
Interview conducted on Aug. 14, 2020
By Dan Locke
Formed in 2016 as a “project” with Allon McCall (Drums) and Justin Larracey (Guitar). Fast forward to 2019, Justin and Allon decides to try again. Allon approached Darrell Vautour (Rap) to join. Darrell then approached Stefanie Roy (Lead Singer). Stefanie approached her friend Andre LeBlanc (Guitar). Andre joined in early 2020. Andre then approached his friend Jamie Warren (Bass).
ECHOSEVEN are:
Stefanie Roy-Vocals/Guitar
Darrell Vautour-Rapper
Justin Edgar Larracey-Guitar
Andre Leblanc-Guitar
Jamie Warren- Bass
Allon McCall- Drums
What is your upbringing?
Allon McCall: I was born in the states in New Jersey and moved to NYC when I was 14. My parents were both musicians – my dad was a singer / songwriter and played guitar and my mother was a poet and singer/songwriter as well so my sister and I were always around music.
How did you discover music?
My parents for sure were a heavy influence. There was always music in the house.
First and last concert?
Fist concert was a radio promo show my dad did when I was like 5… but my first concert that I went to voluntarily lol was Silverchair at Virgin Mega Store in Timwa Square- they were promoting the release of “Freakshow” my last concert was Big Wreck at the Casino here in Moncton NB Canada
How did you start to write music?
I was writing songs from a young age – I’d say around 8-9. Started to get serious when I was in high school
What was your first performance at like?
Shaky lol very nervous. It’s one thing to practice in your home by yourself – another when you get around musicians
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My first original song was called “watch out” lol and no I did not record it thank goodness
How did you go from a project to a full band?
The full band came about when I decided that I wasn’t going to wait for the “perfect storm” to happen. Meaning I was sick of placing ads for musicians and getting clowns and half asses people who were flakes it had issues. So, I decided to use the resources I had – being musicians that I already knew and approach them for the project. So, I approached Darrel and it went from there. One person knew someone else who knew someone else. Which is ideal because their already vetted in a way.
Why did you decide to do metal rap?
That happened just from the fact that Darrel is a rapper who I’ve known since 2015. So that decision was made instantly but I also knew I didn’t want to sound like all the rest of the metal rap bands or Linkin park so that was the and is the challenge.
How is metal rap in Canada?
In our area of Canada, we are the only band that I know of that is doing what we do. Out west there are a few bands. Honestly, we know that we aren’t going to reinvent the wheel with this music. All we can hope for is that we always come across the original.
Who is the king or queen of metal rap?
Honestly I’m not sure- Linkin park is what everyone says when it comes to the authors of the genre but I feel Body Count with Ice T were pioneers of the genre as well as the Run DMC / Aerosmith collaboration long before Chester and Mike- nothing against them but I don’t see them as the creators of this genre.
How the band did get its name?
We got our name from a combination of a name I’ve always wanted to have for a band “ECHO” and the time we had our first rehearsal which was at 7pm this _ECHOSEVEN
Tell me about your latest single “Gunnin”? In addition, the making of the video?
Gunnin is a song about fighting for what you believe in or for whatever you want in life. It’s about people telling you no- discouraging you- doing things to keep you down or hold you back and you fighting your way to victory- Let the haters fuel your grind. We have a lyric video for this song which was put together and edited by our lead singer Stefanie Roy.
What is your favorite track on the album?
There’s no album yet. The EP will be out hopefully in spring of 2021 and an album later that year. To date my favorite song is our first single “Everything “but “Gunnin” has elements that I really like as well.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
We haven’t had a chance to tour so far.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Streaming is robbing artists blind! 0.003 cents a stream!?!?! While these companies – all of them- Spotify, tidal, Apple Music make BILLIONS – it’s not right!! And for the industry to push so hard for artists to have high “streaming numbers” it’s forcing you as an artist to focus on basically giving your music away in order to be taken seriously. So, I’m not a fan lol
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both have their pros and cons but Vinyl all day!
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
It’s about time! Change is desperately needed and we are at a crossroads. Racism is systemic and it need to be dealt with head-on like it is now so we can truly move on to better days.
What song from the past is in your mind right now?
I was listening to Tonic the other day- Lemon Parade is a really solid album- Soldiers Daughter is one of my favs in that project
And what is the meaning that song means to you?
Nothing deep lol it’s just a well written and arranged song.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
It’s going to make things interesting for sure. But honestly now is the time for musicians to demand more money in the digital realm if the ability to do live shows and get show money is going to continue to be hampered.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Still working the day job. And recording when we can all get together
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Don’t think so lol
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
Not sure. We may start looking into that as we release more music.
Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
Honestly no. There’s a lot to be said for being physically at a show- meeting fans- the energy- the vibe of the show. It makes fans want to buy music and merch which is needed for a band to continue. You just can’t replicate that online.
Since you are from Canada, are you willing to come to the United States to do a show? Remember at the present time to go back into Canada you have to self-quarantine for 14 days?
We would have to vote as a band but I know I’m down for whatever.
Live Nation is starting to do the first ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — This will bring fans a live music tailgating experience unlike any other, kicking off July 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, Nashville, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Brad Paisley will headline performances in all three cities, marking the start of a much anticipated return to in person live events. Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also headline the series. Is this something you would be willing to do?
Absolutely
For smaller bands who do not play large crowds, this is not really an issue. How do you see bands going back to smaller venues and doing things like play for the door, with no guarantees?
That’s basically how it works here in Atlantic Canada for the most part I’d you’re starting out. But I do see smaller venues making a comeback with the restrictions of Covid.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of music fest for the next couple of years?
Unfortunately, yes. Festivals are going to be gone for a while.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Not too sure about that one lol
What would be your dream tour?
A festival world tour would be awesome.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Hopefully on that dream tour you asked about lol
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thanks so much for the opportunity to share a bit about myself and my bands music with your readers. They can do us on IG, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, iTunes and all digital spreading platform as well as www.echosevenband.com
