20Q With Chosen...

Formed in Ireland 2005, Chosen released three EP's in their first year, titled "Fragment (Piece I, II & III)" which recived great reviews all-round. In September 2006 they entered the studio to record three tracks that were released the very next year under the title "Promo 2007". Nowadays, the bands signature mix of extreme metal and 'wall of sound' has proved them to be a solid, and energetic metal band with high promise of bigger things. If you like metal, they should be in your playlist right now!




1) Hi folks, give us all an introduction on yourselves and the band?
Chosen are a four-piece Irish/Canadian metal band. We formed in Ireland in 2005, and then in 2008, relocated to Vancouver, Canada. We’ve just gotten back from a successful Canada-wide tour and are about to record our debut album here in Ireland.

2) Who would you say your main influences are?
All of us have very different tastes in music. We're actually not the same type of music fans at all and only share a common interest in a handful of bands.

3) Would you class your music as any genre?
Not particularly. We consider our music a fusion of different metal elements so when people ask, we just say we’re a metal band.

4) How long have you known each other and how did you form the band?
Myself and guitarist Paul have known each other for ten years and were in a few previous bands together. We set out to start an original band and to ensure that we would take the time and effort in finding the perfect members. We met our bassist Matt in a rehearsal room a few years later. I guess you could say the formation of Chosen came into existence at the beginning of 2005. Then in 2008 after some demos and line-up changes in Ireland, the three of us relocated to Vancouver, Canada which is when we came into contact with our vocalist John.

5) What inspires you?
Anything really, to be honest. Music is of course the obvious influence when you’re in a band but one should never forget that inspiration can come from anything in life, not just from music.

6) Where would you like to see yourselves in five years time?
In a position where we are still able to write, record and play our music live.

7) What has been your biggest/most enjoyable gig to date?
We’ve had many of those in the last year but I think our tribute gig to Chuck Schuldiner, where we performed the entire Symbolic album in full, was one of the most enjoyable gigs for the band.

8) Any plans for recording new material?
We’ll be recording our debut album at Komodo Studios with producer Alwyn Walker this summer, which we‘re looking forward to very much. It’s been a long time coming if you know what I mean!

9) Can you give potential new fans a reason to check you out?
If you are always searching for something new and different in metal, something that isn’t the epitome of mediocrity, then you should definitely give our songs a listen.

10) Who is the main songwriter in the band, or do you all collaborate together?
Paul writes the music but we all collaborate evenly on the song arrangements too.

11) What's the origin of the band’s name?
Back when we had our first demo ready to release, we had yet to decide on a name. So, we just locked ourselves in a room one evening and agreed that we weren’t leaving until the band had "chosen" a name.

12) What equipment do you use, and any reason for your choices?
We all have our favourite brands which we’ve used for years and are very happy with. For me, I use a combination of Pearl, Zildjian, Remo, Vic Firth, Axis, Alesis, Tdrum and Roland.

13) Any advice for people wanting to form their own bands?
Whether it’s a band for just having some fun at the weekend or something a little more serious, you will certainly need adequate amounts of patience, drive and direction. It doesn’t hurt if you know how to play your instrument either!

14) What is the ultimate direction for your band?
To get our music in the hands of as many people possible.

15) What's the most rock'n'roll thing you've ever done?
Our vocalist John would be more apt at answering that question. I can tell you he’s sustained quite a few gig injuries being the wild performer that he is.

16) Any pre-gig rituals?
Downing a bottle of water and a chocolate bar usually.

17) What are your songs about?
Lots of different topics. John writes about a lot of real life situations and dispositions.

18) How would you define the word 'success'?
Some bands think getting signed means success, or that it’s playing to thousands of people and being featured in every music magazine on the planet. To me, success is what you make of it. In coming to Canada for a year, playing locally, touring the country and now recording this album back in Ireland, we have accomplished more than we could have ever hoped for when we first took up our instruments years ago. To have achieved all of this to date and for it to have turned out GREAT has been a triumph that each of us is very proud of.

19) Anywhere in particular you'd love to play/support?
I think any of those big European festivals would be a treat to play.

20) Any final words?
Thank you for reading and for more information about us check out our website at www.chosen.ie


www.myspace.com/chosenmetal