Close 2 Death Interview

CLOSE 2 DEATH IS:

Dee Dial (Lead Vocals)

BriQan Cue Jimenez (Vocals) 

Hale Tomasson (Drums) 

Matt Bariexca (Bass) 
Colin Sinn (Rhythm/Lead Guitar                                      

Buy their music here

BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up with the name and what’s behind it?

C2D: Chad and Mikey came up with the name. They were both in a bad place when first starting the band, so the name fit the mood. But I think Close2Death represents everyone’s own unique personal experience with what’s happened in their life. Like saying what you think but not feeling comfortable saying it out loud.

BOOTLEG METAL:  Where is the band from?

C2D: Dial’s from Austin and the rest of us are from NY/NJ

BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band?

C2D: Ha! Nooooo C2D has a very long story line of members. Some have joked and compared us to Spinaltap and not just with drummers, but with bass players and even singers. In that order. Hale is our 6^th drummer. We hope he’s here to stay lol.

BOOTLEG METAL: How long has Close 2 Death been around and how long after your first rehearsal was it before the first show?

C2D: About 11 years – We started playing in 2005 and the first show was about 6 months after our first rehearsal.

BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics and/or music?

C2D: Everyone contributes. Chad, Q and Dial write lyrics mainly and Blood has written as well. It’s def a teamwork process.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your songs about? Fact? Fiction? Personal experiences? I listened to your songs and a couple stood out for me. First is Still. For me it wat the eerie vibe that sucked me in. And then there's Wet Dream. Is it as simple as the name of the song or is there more behind it?

C2D: Mostly personal experiences but a few have been written about fact. Fiction? Ya, very little.


BOOTLEG METAL: I listened to your songs and a couple stood out for me. First is Still. For me it wat the eerie vibe that sucked me in. And then there's Wet Dream. Is it as simple as the name of the song or is there more behind it?
C2D: Still is sexy. Love that one because it starts out eerie and then goes into punk mode (laughs) after some porn samples... As for your question about  Wet Dream, yes there is a story behind it. I can only give up a small amount of info though. I wrote that song about a certain guitarist. (Laughs) not going to say whom, but I was in love, just leave it at that.

BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do you feel Close 2 Death fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get you there?

C2D: Rock and metal with a little punk/pop influence. We’re versatile in that way. Chad’s writing is influenced from personal experience. Whatever fits the vibe and style of the song.

BOOTLEG METAL: What was your latest gig? 

C2D: EJ’s at the Jersey Shore Festival

BOOTLEG METAL: Where have you played live this year?

C2D: EJ’s at the Jersey Shore Festival

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a favorite cover that always finds it’s way on your set list and is there a story behind it?

C2D: Nah, we never do covers, we can but it’s only happened once. Rolling in the Deep.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a past show that stands out from the rest?

C2D:Our very first 6 Flags gig. We played 3 full sets throughout the day giving us exposure and establishing a relationship with new fans. It was a great day. 

BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in the works for Close 2 Death?

C2D: Just waiting to find the right show. We like playing at festivals a lot, because it’s more about a group of bands coming together to rock, rather than having to sell a bunch of tickets to make some club a bunch of money off of your hard work. Benefit shows and such.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your thoughts on your local music scene?

C2D: We’ve been out of the scene for a while, so I am not quite sure lol. But have fun.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it?

C2D: Not yet, but once we can record, it will be one of our best EP’s, because of the chemistry we have with our current group. Heavy, hard, fun and real.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise for sale?

C2D: We are out of merch. The items that remain we give out for free to spread the word.

BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you be found online?

C2D: Close2Death.com – it has all of our social media links.

BOOTLEG METAL: As far as videos, sites, merch, ect. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out?

C2D: We do it all ourselves.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or are you looking for a label/manager?

C2D: Yes, but I think we are more focused on writing at the moment. Once we record a new EP, things will fall into place.

BOOTLEG METAL: One question I like to ask. What song (if any) by another artist do you wish you wrote?

C2D: We generally like writing my own stuff. But there are some great songs out there. I’m sure we will all have different answers for this question.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there another artist or band that is totally not your genre that you listen to?

C2D: Yes, too many haha. I listen to female fronted bands to get ideas and knowledge myself. But love rock bands with male vocalists as well. Right now, Gwen, Sia, Lacuna Coil, Hollywood Undead, Slipknot, good local acts

BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community?

C2D: It changed the entire music industry. Getting out and buying records, vinyl and experiencing the conversations was what made music concerts a special experience. It still happens, but it is very different in today’s times. Everything is at everyone’s fingertips and people get distracted so easily – it has its pros and cons.

BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything you’d like to add?

C2D: Thanks for having us. Keep you posted along the way!