Interviews: Apex Fallen

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Metalcore/Nu-Metal band Apex Fallen from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name; did you plan it or come out just like that?

Well, the way it came together is kind of funny. The first part that sounded really cool to use was Fallen. It was a good jumping-off point but needed something to go with it. After bouncing around a few ideas on what to pair it with, Daniel latched onto using the word Apex because at that time, and even today, he is a huge fan of the game Apex Legends. It may not be the “coolest” story behind a band name, but it’s what we have. It also makes sense for us because we’re all video game nerds in general.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

In our minds, metal just makes sense for us to play. The heavy riffs and fast tempos not only entertain us on a “listener” level and get our adrenaline pumping but are also cathartic and calming in a way. Listening to a heavy, fast-paced metal song can sometimes help relax an anxious and fast-paced mind. Metal music can also be really heavy and dark sounding, but at the same time can carry a meaningful or uplifting message.

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

Daniel and Erik had actually grown up together and started playing music as teenagers in their first band during high school. Jeremy was from one town over and at that same time doing vocals for his high school band, but the two groups frequently played shows together so yes we did know each other. This is just the first time that we have been under the same banner. Reis had come along a couple years after Apex Fallen had started when he answered a Craigslist ad that Daniel had posted.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Daniel – Deftones

Erik – Meshuggah or Gojira

Reis – Spiritbox

Jeremy - Pantera

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

As far as the instrumentals go, if we hear a new song from someone and they use a riff pattern or time signature that we haven’t heard before, we try to incorporate something similar and make our own twist. If nothing else, we at least use it to try and challenge ourselves to be better in our craft. As for lyrics, Jeremy typically writes from darker places of personal experiences. Such as heartbreak, betrayals, etc. Erik and Daniel on the other hand, usually find inspiration from observations of the world around us, whether it’s societal issues cultural phenomena, or things of that nature.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at The Railyard in San Marcos, Texas for the Frights & Sounds Festival.

7. Where would you like to act?

There are definitely some good large-capacity venues in Houston that we would love to play at some point. As far as venues with more history behind them, we’d love to play at the Whiskey a Go Go or somewhere like CBGB OMFUG if it was still open. Also, Red Rocks in Colorado would be amazing too.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

ERRA, Wage War, or Spiritbox would be incredible in this modern metal era. If it’s a band that we grew up listening to then it would be either Lamb Of God or Killswitch Engage.

9. Whom not?

Simple Plan

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Years ago while still teenager, Erik did for a bit, but it actually wasn’t too difficult to get passed. It’s usually based on not wanting to look dumb in front of a crowd or have the crowd totally not be into your music. All you have to do is kind of “trick” your mind into thinking that this is just another typical day at work and that you’ve been here tons of times already. It also happened again as an adult after joining Apex Fallen and using the same trick but was slightly different. This time was more about being able to remember the setlist after only two months, and not at all about worrying over other people’s opinions. I guess that’s the benefit of being older now.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Probably the same bands we listed a few questions ago. However, also take bits and pieces from others as well like Periphery for their technique and things like that.

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

Daniel had a gay stalker on Instagram who once asked him if he wanted to see the stalker “destroy his butthole” because he thought Daniel was muscular and beautiful.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We absolutely love and appreciate The Fallen. If our music connects to someone either through the sound or the emotions of the lyrics and makes their day better then we feel like we really accomplished something.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s well put together and very easy to navigate. There’s definitely no shortage of ads on the site, but we get that you have to make money somehow with a free website. Hahaha, it’s all good, no worries.

15. Something to add?

To anyone reading this who is thinking about starting a band, or playing live music in general, just go for it. Do not let anyone bring you down or make you think that you can’t do it. If writing music and/or performing on stage is what brings you joy, or it’s what you need as an outlet to feel better and express yourself then go for it. Do not let anyone stop you. Maybe there’s someone out there who feels the same way and needs your music to know that they aren’t alone in their emotions or thoughts and it helps them get through their own struggles. If Andy Warhol can still be considered an artist with a picture of a can of Campbell’s Soup, then you can be a songwriter and a musician!

As far as Apex Fallen goes, we just released our first full-length album titled Sum Of It All on October 15th, 2024. You can hear our music on all streaming platforms. We also have two music videos for this new album at the time of writing this on our YouTube channel. Find us on our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and message us because we’re always down to talk. Also, be sure to head over to our website at https://apexfallen.com/ so you can be up to date on when and where we’re playing next. And don’t forget to join our mailing list! Keep rockin' out and we hope we see you at the show!