Cessation of Life band Interview

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I N T E R V I E W
June 2004
Cessation of Life

Band email (2) _col @cessationoflife.com __
Band contact number: _ 661-242-4430 ______________

RCN: Hello, we are here with_Cessation Of Life a local band from _Camarillo , and they're taking southern CA by storm , so we're going to find out a little more about what makes them tick. . .

1. RCN: What type of band are you? (descriptive)

High velocity speed thrash tm

2. RCN: Tell us the brief history of your band.

Formed in 1996, Cessation Of Life has been bringing metal heads "High Velocity Speed Thrash"tm for 8 years. During that time we have released 3 full CD's "Aggressive By Nature... Destructive By Choice", "Kill You Again", and "Cessation Of Live" as well as appearing on numerous compilations world wide. During the early years we also received regular airtime on radio stations in New York, South Dakota, Germany, Romania, Belgium, France and Finland. This helped to grown the band tremendously. Cessation Of Life has also gotten air time on LA Metal TV which was a huge success and really grew the fan base locally.

In 1998 Cessation Of Life put together their first US tour starting in Los Angeles and taking us through the mid-west to headline the "Monsters Of Mosh" in South Dakota. From then on we have completed 5 US tours, (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, & 2003) and each time it has grown bigger and included major US festivals of 30,000 + people in attendance.

In 2002 Travis Anderberg got endorsed by ESP Guitars who have been a big supporter of the band. Through them we have been able to give away guitars. The endorsement was a big step for the band because it enabled us to move money into other areas. Naturally we promote the hell out of their guitars and truly believe it is the best tool for our trade. 2002 also brought endorsements from RotoSound strings which Justin Sane was able bring on board. Again, this endorsement has helped in a huge way and we are very appreciative of their support. It's fantastic to have a nice North American fan base but industry recognition has meant alot to this band as well.

In recent years we have been really trying to grow here in Southern California. We were honored to take home the "Best Metal Band" award at the Rock City News "Rockies" awards in the last quarter of 2003. We are currently planning another US tour for 2004 as well as keeping focus locally.

3. RCN: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Collectively our musical influences include Testament, Obituary, Napalm Death, Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Venom, Judas Priest and Slayer. Non musical influences include fast cars, adrenaline and pushing life to the edge.
4. RCN: What are your dreams and goals?

To continue to play speed metal to the masses as well as writing and recording to the best of our abilities.

5. RCN: Who writes the songs, what are they about?

The entire bands writes the music and songs. We generally write about what pisses us off in everyday life.

7. RCN: How do you promote your band and shows?

Strong internet presence, ads in papers (i.e. Rock City News), TV commercials, videos, radio, magazines, contests, T-shirts, guitar give aways and of course flyers.

8. RCN: Describe your show, visual and musically

We are a 4 piece power house that focuses on the speed and aggression of our music as well as putting on a good visual show. The talent in this band is unmistakable. You will always find Chris Violence in the pit during our shows slamming with the fans. We live what we preach!

9. RCN: What do you think about downloading music online?

It is what it is and nobody can control it at this stage of infancy.

10. RCN: What's your outlook on the record industry today?

It's less needed as time goes on. Cessation Of Life has turned out 3 CD's and 7 releases all without a bonafide record company.

11. RCN: What's your claim to fame? (What's unique about your band)

The velocity of our music, 5 U.S. tours, "Rockies" award, our musical talents, and getting to meet and party with our own personal musical heroes.

12. RCN: Tell us a story about a day in your life.

A typical day for Chris, Travis, Justin and Ron is filled with the hours of work it takes to keep this band running. There is alot of work that goes on behind the scenes that fans are probably unaware of. When the work is all done we all enjoy fast cars, family and music. What we truly live for is playing our music. To go out on tour is probably the best times we can have. It's hectic with a different city every night, but the people you play for and meet are always cool. This is what we live for and what we do best.

13. RCN: What inspires you to do what you do?

The rush, energy and challenge of the music. This is all any of us have ever known.

14. RCN: What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Keep playing, work hard and never quit.

15. RCN: What are some of your pet peeves?

Closed minded people who waste our time.

16. RCN: How does music affect you and the world around you?

We don't let the world around us be written, we surround ourselves with music to create our own world.

17. RCN: What's new in the recording of your music?

We are working with a producer for the next CD to come out with heavier, faster and more aggressive music.

18. RCN: What are the biggest obstacles for bands?
None, we overcome all that is thrown at us. That's the only way to handle situations.

19. RCN: What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?

It's a more personal environment. You can easily become part of the pit. The worst thing is when shows don't run on schedule for unforeseen reasons.

20. RCN: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.

L.A. Gates of Metal on June 6, 2004. It is a huge 2 day festival starting on June 5th just for metal heads and is an all age show with alcohol. It will be held at the Ibiza Theater in Whittier and will have 20+ of LA's best metal bands. Last year we had the biggest pit and the best crowd response, let's see if we can have an even better time this year.

RCN: Thank you for your insight and time. We'll look forward to hearing your music and seeing your next live show . . . Later gator.

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