03/22/09
Text: Adam Indrisek
“The more, the merrier” is the creed of this face-melting metal group hailing from Savannah, Georgia. If you think three different vocalists gives Kylesa some distinction amongst the monotone barking of the metal masses, wait till you get a load of the dueling drummers; the band’s percussion section is like a pissed-off Octopus attacking the skins, creating a syncopated thunder that's riot-worthy. Combine that with colossal riffs, dirty southern grooves and a serrated punk edge—and then behold the restless beast that is Kylesa.
Vocalist and lead guitarist Phillip Cope gave us the band's Vital Stats. Catch Klyesa in April on the road with Mastodon, and pick up Static Tensions, out now.
BAND NAME: Kylesa
HOMETOWN: Savannah, Georgia.
DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN TWO SENTENCES: I wish I could think of something really awesome to say, but right now I am really tired. So I think I will just go with really heavy.
FAVORITE NIGHTSPOT IN THE CITY YOU CALL HOME: The Jinx. It's where I work from time to time, and it is generally the funniest bar to hang out at. Plus we wrote "static tensions" in the basement.
THREE BANDS OTHER THAN YOUR OWN THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Fugazi, Black Sabbath, Flaming Lips.
YOUR MOST HORRIFIC CONCERT ACCIDENT: When I was in Damad, I accidentally smoked what I think was angel dust, right before we played. I thought everything was cool but after about two songs I could no longer keep up with the music and I started to panic. I didn't know what to do so I just went into what felt like a guitar solo. The next thing I knew everyone in the band was yelling at me, while the crowd stared silently. I continued to stand with my guitar in hand as the band gave up and got their equipment off of the stage. Since that day I have never smoked a joint before a show with someone I didn't know well.
YOUR NERDIEST EQUIPMENT FETISH: I am not too nerdy about equipment; I'm just happy to have whatever I can get.
BEST THING ABOUT HAVING MULTIPLE DRUMMERS:The other day they were working on double blast beats for our new set. For me it's seeing shit like that and just thinking damn!!!
HOTTEST DEAD ROCKER: That's a gross question.
FAVORITE NOW DEFUNCT RECORD LABEL: Man's Ruin.
MOST INTERESTING ARTICLE OF CLOTHING IN YOUR WARDROBE: Unfortunately I have gained some weight over the years and can no longer wear this, but at one time I was the proud owner of some white bell bottoms with blue whales embroidered all over them.
FAVORITE PIECE OF FURNITURE: The couch.
SOMETHING THAT'S ALWAYS IN YOUR POCKET OR WALLET: Lint.
LYRIC YOU'RE MOST PROUD OF: The Kylesa song "Phantoms," which is on To Walk a Middle Course.
YOUR PREVIOUS DAY JOBS BEFORE BEING IN A BAND: Handyman, cook, bouncer, etc. ,etc., etc...
BEST WAY TO SPEND $20 ON TOUR:Going to a casino and playing video poker while getting free beers and switching machines every time you're a couple of dollars ahead, wasting a lot of time, getting drunk and walking out with double your money , then going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and getting stuffed.
MOST DEPENDABLE PRE-SHOW RITUAL: Taking a piss.
KYLESA WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT:Some sort of insanity.
