Interviews: Alter The Sky

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock band Alter The Sky from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea of the band name?

The band name evolved from a suggestions put forward by all the band members. A few names had been thrown into the mix and after a process of elimination the band name ‘After the Sky’ was the most favorable. Bass Player Matt Scott suggested that ‘After’ should be replaced with ‘Alter’ and the rest is history.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We have all been involved in the genre of rock in some guise or another. From death metal, classic rock and modern metal, the band have always had a passion for playing within this genre. We are influenced by a wide range of different artists so we try to combine these within our own sound.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

The band members have known each other for different durations. Kevin Baker and Gary Herrington first met back in 2004 when Gary had moved to Cambridge. At this time, Kev was playing in a metal band called Anachoic Reflection, a band that Gary liked and went out to watch a number of times. Kev and Gary got talking at gigs and later on formed the hard rock band ‘Federal Black 40’ together. At the same time, Matt Scott had played a number of gigs alongside Kev’s band Anachoic Reflection in his band ‘Once Forgotten’. They got to know each other better the more shows they played together.

Kev and Matt first met Hels Johnson when they had seen her perform in her other band Powderhead. Alter the Sky and Powderhead had played a number of gigs alongside each other back in 2017 and this was the year she was approached to join the band after the departure of lead vocalist Kirsten Roche due to her relocation to America.

Gary and Hels first met each other back in 2013 as a result of working at the same place. Hels had met Michael O’Neill through playing on the local metal scene for many years.

Kev, Matt, and Gary first Met Michael O’Neill in 2019 when he put himself forward to audition to be the bands new drummer. Although the band have only known Michael for a short period of time, we all instantly gelled together

4. Each band member favorite band?

Hels – Audioslave

Gary – The Devil’s Blood

Kev – The Wildhearts

Matt – Lamb of God

Michael – Status Quo

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Life experiences and the passion that we all have for music. I think we have all gone through our fair share of bad times and having music in our lives has helped us to turn these into something positive. Our songs are not all just about our own lives, they also tell stories, some intending to purposely be inspirational.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last gig we played was at The Blue Moon in Cambridge, on the leap day itself, because what better way to use an extra 24 hours in the year than by getting up on stage.

7. Where would you like to play?

There are so many places but I guess the bucket list stage would be Download Festival!

8. Who would you like to support?

This question could go on and on and on as there are sooooooooo many bands I think we would all want a piece of, however, bands such as Alter Bridge would be an absolute dream come true! 9Who not? With the varied influences in this band there wouldn’t be anyone we wouldn’t support. Even if Justin Bieber came calling, we’d make sure he had a performance that gave him a run for his money.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat the nerves?

At the beginning it would be weird not to get stage fright, but within a show or two it does quickly change to only excitement. Being a band it probably helps that there’s a tribe of us getting up on the stage together and having each other’s back, that’ll always help calm the nerves. The only other time I (Kev) has had stage fright is when going for a piss stood next to someone else in the pub toilets… Does this count??

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The Wildhearts, Black Stone Cherry and Alter Bridge

12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

The weirdest thing our drummer’s been asked is ‘how do you know the band?’ Apparently, the back of the stage is so dark he can’t be seen, so you’ll now find him making faces in the hopes of getting your attention so that he isn’t forgotten.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We love and value each and every fan we have. We’re very fortunate to have a loyal following that love to sing along to our songs when we play live.

14. What do you think of our site?

We think it great! There’s so much content on there and so many sub-genres covered that there is definitely something for every rock lover! The interviews with the bands are always an interesting read and well put together. The layout of the site is nice and easy to navigate and its easy to discover new artists!

15. Something to add?

Just a big thank you to everyone at Breathing the Core for featuring us and for the support. We’ve got a lot of exiting things lined up for 2020 and we cant wait to share this with our fans and supporters. Please make sure you check out our socials for regular updates and live show announcements!