Tag: Drummer

New Zealand Rockers, Like A Storm, continue to make their mark in the world of music through exploring thoughtful and interactive ways to meaningfully connect with their loyal global fanbase. Having released their third studio album, ‘Catacombs’, in 2018, the guys of Like A Storm are living out their dream and setting a positive example for all. I caught up with Drummer, Zach Wood, to discuss the success of ‘Catacombs’, choosing to do the right thing, being a huge car fan, exploring while on the road and more.

Congrats on the ongoing success that has come with Like A Storm. ‘Catacombs’ was one of the best albums of the year. Tell us about the creative and recording process behind the release.

Thank you so much! That means a lot. We definitely pushed ourselves musically very hard for this new album. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever done. It a lot heavier and musically challenging. The recording process for us is very interesting because all three brothers in the band  wright music. So the album is very evenly spread between who wrote what song. It’s not just all the singer all OR the guitar player. It’s basically every three songs on the album is done by someone else. They all play every instrument as well so the whole structure of every song is done by one of them.

How has the steady climb that has come with Like A Storm affected and enhanced your personal life and relationships?

I’m actually quite an introverted person. So I wouldn’t say it has enhanced my personal life very much. I know some people use the whole “I’m in a band” thing to their advantage but I don’t really go out much or do anything crazy to where I ever feel the need to do that. I actually met my girlfriend on tour at a show.  We’ve been dating for two years, so she knew what she was getting into, and she handles me being away very well and I admire her for that. Not many girls would be trusting or ok with someone being gone months at a time.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

I’m actually a really easy-going, laid-back, relaxed person. I don’t get stressed easily and I always do the right thing. So thankfully I haven’t had one of these issues in a really long time. It sounds stupid but I’d say the last thing I really felt challenged about was recording our album. It sounds so cliché but I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted people to listen to it and when they hear the drums they were impressed. It wasn’t just something typical that you’d hear on any song and we really strive to make it challenging and make it different.

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

I personally love it. I love social media. I love Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc; I grew up with it! I had Instagram and all those apps basically when they first came out. I’m only 23, so I imagine like most people my age I’m always on my phone and I’m always doing something on those apps. I’ve been lucky enough in life to have a job where people are really interested in what I do and I’m able to share really interesting things, so I think I enjoy it more than the average person because I’m able to share unique experiences with people.

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

I’m a huge car person! Doesn’t matter what make, what model, what year it is, I just love cars!  I go to car shows, rally’s, you name it ! I’m also a huge shoe guy I love shoes as well! I think I have 20-something pairs at the moment and I plan on it growing!!

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

It’s important to have days off on tour and luckily our crew are really keen on going out and doing stuff, we are huge explorers. Doesn’t matter what town or country you’re in, we will always go out of the bus walk around for hours and hours, go to popular restaurants, or see a movie or do something. It’s important to do this because otherwise you’re just always trapped in a venue or a bus and you do kind of get a little bit of cabin fever.

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.

I can’t remember who told me this but it’s so true. The people that came to see you and paid money to see you, believe in you and they want to see a rock show. So it doesn’t matter if there’s 10 people or 10,000 people you always give them the 10,000 people performance. People like to be entertained and that’s how you’re going to get ahead in this business. you have a really entertaining show whether that’s your production, or your performance. For us we try to make both of those as nuts as possible ! It’s all about entertainment ! And trust me we’ve played plenty of both shows for small amounts of people and huge amounts on our journey.

What are some necessities that you always have with you while on tour which make your life easier?

I’m simple. The one thing I need to make my day work is a Redbull. I need at least one can a day!

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

As always, without you guys we wouldn’t be able to do what we do and it honestly means the world to us. I know every band says this but it’s because it’s so true. Without people who are paying for your merchandise, your CD, or the ticket to see you play, there wouldn’t be this opportunity for us. Siri speaking for all four of us in Like A Storm; we want to thank you, each and all of you.

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