Frequently Asked Questions
All of these questions were the most popular ones from our myspace page. If you have a new questions then please visit myspace.com/asilaydying . Thanks for supporting us! – tim
How do you guys write your songs?
The writing process has changed throughout our band’s history because of technology changes as well as new members joining the lineup. We talk about this a little in our DVD, but here’s a quick rundown. When the band first started, I (Tim) would usually work out a bunch of riffs and then head over to Jordan’s house where his input would help refine and give the songs more direction. By the time we started working on “Shadows Are Security” Phil had joined the band and digital recording devices had become pretty inexpensive. Phil and I would work out a lot of ideas with a drum program before heading over to Jordan’s where we’d expand upon the basic structure bringing it to life with better drum ideas from Jordan. Phil started writing a lot instrumentally from that point forward. On the last couple albums we all individually would record our ideas and send them to each other before getting together in a traditional rehearsal setting. Lastly, I (Tim) have always written the lyrics and have usually done so after the music is done since my mind is typically forced on the instrumental direction before moving on the vocal ideas.
You guys have had a lot of member changes. Do you guys think that this is the final lineup?
Every person who is now in the band contributes greatly in his own way and enjoys what he does. Jordan and I started the band with that foundation and it just took a long time to fill in the rest of the lineup with other people who felt the same while being able to aid in the songwriting process as well. There is no longer a reason to change members and we’re confident that the last two albums are proof that we’re stronger than ever.
How can I get you guys to come to my city?
Most often we’re limited by time and can only make so many stops on a tour. Because of that, our booking agent creates a routing for us usually based on time available in our schedule keeping in mind getting us to places we have not played yet with the release of each album. It’s our goal to play most major cities one time with the release of each new album. However, if we have for some reason skipped your city, of if you live in a city that our band has never played, then please leave a comment on one of our sites if you know a promoter who has a plan to bring us there.
Would you guys rather be in the studio or on the road?
Sometimes we get burnt out from touring too much and start to look forward to creating new songs we can add to our set. However, when we’ve been home for a long time writing and recording, then we start to miss playing shows and the feel of live music. I know that seems like I’m dodging the question by answering “both”, but that’s my honest answer.
I’m a huge fan of AILD’s music, so I have some merchandise as well. A lot of people ask me how I (as a Christian) can wear this, with all the skulls on it. Can you explain to me why you use the skulls as your ‘logo’?
I believe that death is a natural part of life, so there is nothing inherently wrong about a skull. For Christians, the theme of death should even be more important and is often overlooked as useful imagery. Dying to one’s self is a clear theme within the Gospels.
Any words of advice for a band that is just starting out?
There isn’t just one thing you have to do right to get people interested in the music you’re playing. Some bands work really hard by playing shows and touring to spread the word, but if the music itself isn’t great then the hard work won’t pay off. I think it’s a combination of always writing new music that’s shows you’re growing and staying active.
What are the favorite tattoos that you have? Do they all have meaning?
All of my (Tim) tattoos have meaning, but I have too many to describe them all without writing a novel. One of my favorites is a coy fish scene that I have on one of my arms. The fish is trying to jump up a waterfall where at the top it is believed he will find fulfillment and become a dragon. That is an impossible task and therefore ultimately meaningless, which reminds me of all the things in life that I have a tendency to chase after even though I know their emptiness.
Can I download graphics and/or photographs from this site to use for my own site?
Yes, just make sure to give credit to where you took them from (band, photographer, and/or designer).
Can I record concerts?
Most of the time the venue we play have restrictions, but that obviously doesn’t seem to stop most people from putting phone footage up on YouTube or something like that. That type of stuff doesn’t really both us. All of the nicer camera shoots need to be approved with the venue, promoter, and touring crew though.
Can I post Lyrics and Sheet Music on my website?
We don’t mind as long as you list the credits (lyricist, band, etc.).
If I have more questions, who should I contact?
That depends on what the topic is I guess. The most full list of contacts information split up into categories is listed at asilaydying.com in the contact section.
Are you guys Christians in a band or a Christian band?
I’m not sure what the difference is between five Christians playing in a band and a Christian band. If you truly believe something, then it should affect every area of your life. All five of us are Christians. I believe that change should start with me first, and as a result, our lyrics do not come across very “preachy.” Many of our songs are about life, struggles, mistakes, relationships and other issues that don’t fit entirely in the spiritual category. However, all of these topics are written about through my perspective as a christian.
What did you do to get labels to notice As I Lay Dying?
We got signed the old fashion way. After funding a few of our own recordings, we sent out our best and newest songs to about 25 record labels. A few of them were interested and we eventually found Metal Blade to be the best home for us.
What is your favorite song from your own cds?
I personally like the way “94 Hours” has such abrupt tempo and mood changes but I also like the lyrical honesty of “Behind Me Lies Another Fallen Soldier.”
How can you be a Christian band and go on tour with bands who represent themselves as evil, satan worshipers?
We hope to intelligently represent a faith that has been very misrepresented in the entertainment industry. There isn’t much diversity of thought within metal music and I believe it is important for people to understand opposing views before drawing conclusions. I hope other bands and their fans have an open mind and respect for what we are saying, so it’s fair for them to expect the same from us. If truth is the basis of our belief, then the questions other bands/fans have are an important way to understanding what/why we believe. Most of the bands we tour with would never hear a well represented explanation of Christianity if we just stayed home.
Where/who does your tattoos?
Some of my tattoos are old and you wouldn’t care to know. Now I go to 454 Tattoo in Encinitas, CA (Brad Schneider). Some of my older work that I really like was done at Ace Tattoo in Ocean Beach, CA (Steve Smith).
Who are your musical influences?
Everyone in the band listens to totally different stuff. Anywhere from Disney tunes to brutal grinding metal. I’d say the few bands we all agree on in the classic metal genre. For one, Iron Maiden introduced a unique style of guitar melody. Bands like Living Sacrifice are less “classic” but I can safely say that we’ve all been influenced by their brutally mechanic sense of rhythm.
I am trying to form a band but I’m haunted by stage fright. Do you have any advice for me?
Try moving around so much that you’re never still enough to feel stupid.
Is there any correlation between your lyrics and the book As I Lay Dying?
Not at all.
Have any of you gone to college if so what did you major in?
Nick was one semester away from graduating with a degree in Literature, but our touring schedule became full time. I was three semesters away from a Philosophy degree.
How does Jordon tune his drums?
With his fingers, a drum key, and his ears.
Does Jordan use triggers?
No. If you come see us live, you will notice that we use two mics in each kick drum. If you take those and use a standard compressor, then you should be able to get a trigger consistency with a natural drum sound.
Clint, Nick, Phil – What kind of guitar/bass equipment do you use? Guitars/basses? Amps, heads? Cables? Pedals? Strings? How can I get your guitar tone?
Clint and Nick both have their gear listed in the Members section under the Band menu. Phil basically uses the same thing as Nick.
Phil and Nick, what tuning do you play in?
from low to high strings… C-G-C-F-A-D
Tim, what kind of PA do you use?
At practice and rehearsal I use a Carvin PA system. When we go on tour I use whatever PA the venue has.
How can I learn how to scream like Tim? Does Tim use any kind of vocal effects pedal?
Everyone’s voice sounds best when they find the strong point of their range. Most of the guys I respect and look up to sound totally different from me and they are usually much quieter than me when it comes to a recording/live situation. I’m not sure why that is. I’ve learned to use my diaphragm and not lungs to breath, which also helps me make sure I’m not using my throat. As long as you aren’t going to hurt yourself, I would just say go let loose and go all out. I don’t use vocal effects or distortion but on a recording you might need some reverb to give the same feeling a big open venue might naturally have.
Does it get hot in San Diego?
San Diego is pretty close to perfect all year long if you live within 15 minutes of the beach. Inland it is a desert.
In the clean vocals in Distance is Darkness, what the heck are you singing? It sounds like something about an eggroll.
The singing part should repeat the two phrases “there is life” & “there is love”, but I think it really ended up being “there is love” over and over. In the original lyrics the last two lines of the song were…
“underneath it all there is still life
despite it all there is still love”
Last minute in the studio we decided that simple was better.
Will you marry me? Anyone?
I can’t speak for everyone so you’ll have to ask each guy. I’m already.
What do you guys drink?
Spicy V-8 juice. (tim)
Can I be in your band?
Probably not.
Did you flip over Rob Zombie’s golf cart in Pittsburgh?
Blasko from Rob Zombie would always drive by me and smile on his way to catering, so I wanted to flip his cart over for not giving me a ride. But the truth is, it wasn’t us and I had a great summer with Blasko.
Do you play Halo2 on X Box live?
Phil does.
Why do you wear your shirts inside out?
Sometimes I get free shirts but the logo is really poorly done. I don”t want to waste the whole shirt.
Tim, are you Greek?
Yes, as my last name suggests. Not 100% though.
Do you like Nirvana?
They were pretty good. I appreciate that they made all of the metal bands work harder because some of them were just getting lazy when it came to songwriting.
May I have your babies?
No, but adopting is a great idea. There are tons of babies that are in need of a loving family.
What’s up?
Not much today. I’m at home with my little puppy named Billy. I’ve been thinking about food for about 1/2 an hour but I’m too lazy to get up and make something.
