Interviews: A World Worth Burning

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Instrumental Post-Metal band, A World Worth Burning, 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 came out just like that?

Craig: Being an instrumental band, there needs to be a nice descriptive name since we don’t have lyrics. I tend to like to make things negative and depressing, so I took the idea of “A world worth saving” and added the twist to the end. I was working out the story and themes for this new album, and they landed me right at all the problems this world has: between wars, violence, politics, religion, humans destroying the planet and its inhabitants. Then it made me question. Are we worth saving?

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Craig: I have always liked instrumental music and soundtracks. There were a few bands back in the 1990s that caught my ear. Bands like Zoar, Mogwai, Eand xplosions In The Sky. They really started to form the way I thought music could be created in a band environment. Then it was around 2010 that I finished playing through the game Dead Space 2, and during the ending credits was the song “Fathom” by Russian Circles. Then I was off finding all kinds of bands that sounded like that and were doing what I had learned was called Post Metal / Post Rock. I have been chasing this ever since.

Joe: Post/experimental music offers a much broader environment in which to create. You can take the arrangements in lots of different directions that are otherwise not possible w/in the confines of other genres.

Randy: This genre is a breath of fresh air when compared to mainstream/popular music. It is a different listening experience with more emphasis on melodic and ambient soundscapes. I also have a strong interest in instrumental music, as I am a big fan of video game soundtracks going back through the 80s.

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

Craig: Yes, we all knew each other before the band was formed. This is part of the reason I feel we get along so well in the band situation. A lot of band members become friends through being in a band together. And of course, not everyone will end up liking each other over time. We already did before adding the stress of creating and recording.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Craig: I would say that The Gathering, Ayreon, Devin Townsend, Opeth, Yanni, and Iron Maiden really make up my writing style and sensibilities.

Joe: Tool & Type O Negative

Derek: Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Megadeth

Randy: The Ocean, Between The Buried And Me, The Protomen

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Craig: Most of the time, our songs come out organically as improvised jams. We will bust into one during practice and record it. Then we go back and deconstruct it, taking out the good parts and reassembling it into a song. That way, the songs all feel “in the moment” since the riffs were born at the same point in time with the same feelings and emotions.

6. Where was your last gig?

Craig: We played a show in Manchester, New Hampshire at a place called “The Shaskeen”. There was a cancellation, and the promoter asked us if we could fill in and then the show got rebuilt. We had some other good friends of ours added to the bill and it ended up being a great show and very fun for all the bands.

7. Where would you like to act?

Craig: There are some great venues locally that we have yet to break into. The first one that comes to mind is Sonia in Cambridge Massachusetts. Then there is the Palladium in Worcester Mass, The Tupelo Music Hall in Derry New Hampshire, and The Hampton Beach Casino in NH.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Craig: There are some amazing local bands that we have yet to play with and we would love the chance to. We are going to try to build a Post Metal show next year. Our top choices locally are Glacier, Pray for Sound, Girih would round out that dream show. If you were to ask me about national acts that we would like to share a stage with I would say Russian Circles, Caspian, Mono, If These Trees Could Talk, My Sleeping Karma, Long Distance Calling. Maybe someday we will have the chance.

Joe: Russian Circles, Sumac, Cult of Luna, Isis if they were to reunite with a new bassist.

9. Whom not?

Craig: Honestly, it depends on the show. However, there are some local bands that we have decided that we are just not compatible with, but I am also not going to say who they are.

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

Craig: I don’t really get stage fright. I do get anxious on the day of the show however, but it’s more about the logistics of getting there, setting up, and being ready. As for being on stage, I personally love it and it’s really a calming place for me. I did learn that if I keep myself busy the day of a show, I am more relaxed. I will usually wake up, eat a good healthy breakfast and then spend time doing other things that are not band related. I will read, watch YouTube, if the day is nice, I will sit outside and enjoy the calm of the woods around my house, usually with a cigar and a drink. I try not to do too many things that could stress me out before a show.

Joe: I still do, but consistent playing has helped quite a bit. As does alcohol. 

Randy: In my experience, the stage fright never completely goes away. Instead, you just get more courageous and confident by doing it over and over again. 

Derek: When I first started in the early 90's, I had stage fright, but I stayed confident in my instrument and I just leave it all on stage now.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Craig: I would say it has to be the band The Gathering or Ayreon. The organic guitar tones and the synth work are very influential to me. I have a thing for old analog synth sounds and both bands have those elements.

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

Craig: I really wish I had a fun or cool answer for this. But I have never been asked for anything out of the ordinary.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Craig: I love the fact that they come out and support us. They all seem to really have a great time. Playing at the club level allows us to spend time with them at the shows. We have seen and know a lot of the regulars now and look forward to seeing them.

Randy: I think that they appreciate the niche that we operate in. Many of them understand the unconventional style we have, while some just like the sounds we make.

14. What do you think of our site?

Craig: I really like the “Behind The Artwork” and “Track By Track” sections. Album artwork is something that is very important. Having a section that pays respect to the artists that make them is really cool. We would LOVE it if you guys did a track by track of our album once it is released.

15. Something to add?

Craig: We want to thank Gero over at Argonauta Records for helping make this album make it into the light. It is hard to find partners in today’s market, especially as a fringe band playing instrumental metal. Argonauta really tries to help and does a good job at getting bands like ours in front of the right people. Thank you as well for allowing us the time to talk to you and your followers. It’s sites like yours that help the underground. Like a modern-day fanzine from the old days. And lastly, we would like to thank anyone that gives our new single a listen and pre-orders the album when it’s ready. This is why we do what we do. Eliciting emotions and thoughts in people is our goal.

Randy: 1+1

Derek: Support local music. Go out to a show.