Ever popular than ever I’m proud to bring you another in my series of “Who’s the Band” and this time I bring you an interview with Downfire, so I’m going to stop rambling on and get on with the interview..
Q: So how did you come upon the name of your band? Is it the first name you chose?
A: Wish I had a great story for the name but was just a random thing we decided on.
Q: Introduce each member and instrument played or role in the band?
A: David Diaz – Vocals / Guitar
Carlos Vega – Guitars
Ignacio – Drums
Ronnie Bucker – Bass
Q: So what genre of music would you say you are in and who are your major influences?
A: Best genre is Rock/Metal. We have such diverse influences and you hear it in our songs from bands like Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Metallica, Black Label Society, Judas Priest, Dream Theater and more.
Q: How long have you known each other? Where did you first meet up?
A: Dave and myself (Carlos) have known each other for 12 years. We meet when I was the house band at a bar and he came in to jam. He ended up dating and marrying one of my friends and we stayed in touch. So when my former band was done he was starting a cover band and asked me to join. From there It progressed into Downfire.
Ignacio came into the picture around 3 years ago. He came to see us perform after we placed an ad for new drummer as our old one was doing his last show with us. He rehearsed with us 2 days later and did a show that following weekend.
Ronnie is the newest member he joined a few months ago and we’ve all been working really well together.
Q: How long have you band been performing/producing music?
A: Individually 20 years or so. As Downfire 7 years.
Q: What inspired to to produce your style of music?
A: We’re all diverse people and so are our musical tastes outside of the rock and metal genre. So collectively we write stronger and with more dynamics that we did when we wrote individually. We write whatever feels right there isn’t a
goal of staying to a certain style. On our first record Redemption there is a song that is very different from the rest of the record “Yesterday” but it’s one of the most requested songs.
Dave brings a sense of progressive style to our songs, I (carlos) bring more of the anthem and funk portions, Ignacio has brought a heavier edge to our writing.
Ronnie we’re seeing his influence slowly but you’ll have to wait for the next album to hear his influence fully.
Q: Are you signed to a record label (Indie or major)?
A: Labels aren’t what they use to be. Now a days production and distribution is easier and more cost effective to do on your own. We’ve considered labels and are open to the idea but the biggest benefit a label would bring us is booking/tour support. For now our albums “Redemption” & “Damnation” have been selling very well world wide.
Q: Where can people find your music? Do you have an official website?
A: Our music is available on itunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, Digmetalworld.com and every major venue for music distribution. We do offer deals for both albums and sometimes merchandise on www.Downfire.net so look for those!
Q: Have your ever performed live? If so where and to how many?
A: We lost count a few years ago. We’ve been very lucky to be able to perform as often as we do and share the stage with such diverse acts such as Testament, W.A.S.P, Overkill, Metal Church, Kings X, The Misfits, Extreme, Bret Michaels and more. It’s a big compliment form their fans that we can open for a band like Metal Church and the next night for Bret Michaels and be excepted musically by both diverse audiences.
Q: Who writes/produces the music and/or lyrics to your tracks?
A: We all write the music it usually starts with a riff from Dave or myself and then the entire band shapes it into a song. Lyrics can come from all of us as well it depends on the track as to who if not all of us have a hand in it.
Q: How would you describe your music-making process?
A: Fun and Detailed. We write from playing live together and we continually work the songs even if it’s just one section until it feels good to all of us. And as we grow as musicians we have been known to revamp older songs. So it’s always an on-going process. But it’s a labor of love.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome
that challenge? If so, how?
A: The biggest challenge that faces all bands is staying together and keeping it fresh. Bands are no different than a marriage you have to keep the love alive! We’ve watched several bands and friends over the years just give up or move past it.
We make sure everyone has a voice and we try any idea instead of just saying no to it. We don’t let personal bullshit build up that is usually the nail in the coffin for most bands, they hold in something bothering them till it builds up to a point of no return and then things just go bad. All of this has kept us going strong over the years and made us better musically. When you get your voice heard and try everything no matter how odd it may seem to one or more members it makes you grow and go in directions that surprise you.
Q: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
A: We’re seeking experiences. When all is said and done we want to say I played these shows, played with these bands, recorded these albums and saw these places and it’s because we had this band Downfire. No Regrets is our goal and however
far that takes us is alright with us.
Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: Do it no matter what level you’re at musically and don’t over think it just play and perform what comes naturally. It’s surprising what will happen. And or those that think using 50 effects in 50 songs to get diversity you’re just hurting yourself. Effects are meant for flavour not as a tool to replace effort or developing talent.
Q: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
A: They can see and hear us on www.Downfire.net, myspace.com/downfire and they can listen to tracks on iTunes.
Q: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
A: Our family, friends and fans have been all the support we can ask for. Thank you all for being there and continuing to be there. Same to all future fans!
Q: Any last words?
A: Yes Support Music Local and National bands!
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Thank you to Carlos from Downfire for the awesome interview, don’t forget to check them out 
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