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IGNITE THE FIRE INTERVIEW

Bootleg Metal Interview
        


Ignite The Fire is:
Jack Gurecki - Vocals
Mark Quinn - Guitar
Michael Nelson - Guitar
Caelan Gregory - Drums


BOOTLEG METAL: So let’s get things started with the name. Who came up with the name and what’s behind it?
IGNITE THE FIRE: Many people think we chose the name Ignite The Fire because it conveys a particular meaning. The truth is, our guitarist Mark created a list of names and Ignite The Fire happened to be the only name that wasn’t already a band. So, we claimed it and rolled with it.

BOOTLEG METAL:  Where is the band from?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  We are based out of Taneytown, MD.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is this the original line up and how did you guys find yourselves in the same band ?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  The band was formed by Mark and myself (Caelan) while in high school. As we got more serious about creating music we eventually added our singer Jack and our second guitarist Mike.

BOOTLEG METAL: How long has (the band) been around and how long after your first rehearsal was it before the first show?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  We often consider when we cut our first demo CD as when the band was officially formed which was in January of 2011. Our first show was an open mic at Mark and my high school when the only two current members were us. Our first show as our current lineup was a battle of the bands below an arcade. We spent a few weeks rehearsing original and cover songs. The show was cold (it was during winter with no heating system) and I was sick to the point where I had trouble sitting up behind my drum kit. All in all it was a good show… for a first show as our current lineup.
BOOTLEG METAL: Does everyone contribute to the writing process or does someone generally write the lyrics and/or music?
 IGNITE THE FIRE: We each contribute in the songwriting process. Typically, someone will come forward with a guitar riff and if we all like it we get to work. Jack and I split lyrical duties with me writing much of the lyrics. Thankfully, Jack has this uncanny ability (because I can’t sing) to figure out the melody I’m trying to convey and knock it out of the park. We all have different interests and tastes in music so every idea adds flavor to the songwriting process.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your songs about? Fact?  Fiction? Personal experiences?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  Our songs typically deal with personal experiences or the experiences of others. Themes include loss, addiction, abuse, ect. and often times our songs are directed at coming to terms with what makes us all human and ultimately overcoming the obstacles that face us.

BOOTLEG METAL: What genre do you feel (the band) fit’s in the best and what influenced your writing to get you there?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  We’ve always been called a metal band though we’ve never really felt we fit the genre. If you could put a label on Ignite The Fire it would be Hard Rock/ Alt. Metal in the style of bands like Breaking Benjamin, Alter Bridge and Red. Naturally, our writing is influenced by the different bands we like to listen to and, of course, what we observe in terms of the outside world and ourselves.
BOOTLEG METAL: What was your latest gig? 
IGNITE THE FIRE: Our latest gig was at the Blue Fox in Winchester, VA with our very good friends in Shallow Side and our new friends in Bridge To Grace and Rachel Lorin.

9.BOOTLEG METAL: Where have you played live this year?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  We’ve been traveling, playing shows in West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and recently in Maryland with our friends in Like A Storm, Citizen Zero, Righteous Vendetta and Will Sims.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a favorite cover that always finds it’s way on your set list and is there a story behind it?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  A favorite with both the crowd and ourselves is Down With The Sickness by Disturbed. When we first toyed around with the idea of covering the song, we weren’t sure how it was going to turn out; after all, it’s a song you don’t want to have the embarrassment of messing up. But, when Jack showed us he could do the bridge part flawlessly we knew it would become a staple of our setlist.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a past show that stands out from the rest?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  We had the opportunity of playing a festival called Operation Rock Fest which featured Pop Evil, Nonpoint, Saving Abel, Gemini Syndrome and others. We spent the weekend camping, got drenched overnight from the rain, played to an amazing crowd and met so many awesome people.

BOOTLEG METAL: So what’s in the works for (the band)?
IGNITE THE FIRE: We recently released our new single “Breathe” and are currently in the studio working on completing a new EP which we plan to have available by early next year.

BOOTLEG METAL: What are your thoughts on your local music scene?
IGNITE THE FIRE: We’re thankful for all of the bands we can call friends and how supportive both the bands and the fans are.

BOOTLEG METAL: Is there a recent album/EP release you’d like to tell us about and where can we get it?
IGNITE THE FIRE: We recently released two new singles “Over It” and “Breathe” both of which are available to download and stream on all digital platforms.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have merchandise for sale?
IGNITE THE FIRE: Best place to get merchandise is at a show, but you can also buy merch from our online store: CLICK HERE
BOOTLEG METAL: Where can you be found online?
IGNITE THE FIRE:  Follow us on:

BOOTLEG METAL: As far as videos, sites, merch, ect. Are you guys more of a DIY band or do you hire out?
IGNITE THE FIRE: Definitely both. We’ve made many great relationships that we can rely on but we also handle many things ourselves. The artwork for “Over It” and “Breathe” were actually done by Jack.

BOOTLEG METAL: Do you have or are you looking for a label/manager?
IGNITE THE FIRE: Ultimately, we’re looking for the right fit no matter who or what it is.

BOOTLEG METAL: How do you think downloading music whether legal or illegal affected the music community?
IGNITE THE FIRE: The music industry is trying to play catch up with an evolving music scene. The music industries resistance to change allowed for illegally downloaded music to become so popular. The focus for today for any artist that isn’t owned by the industry should be to try to get the music out to as many people as possible no matter what. Chances are if the people like your music they will come out to a show and support you in the future.

BOOTLEG METAL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and answering the questions. Is there anything you’d like to add?
IGNITE THE FIRE: Thank you so much for what you do for bands and artists in the music scene today and for asking us to be a part of this interview! We would also like to thank our growing and supportive fan base for helping us every step of our music career. Keep Rockin’!

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