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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