Getting to Know: Aussie Metalheads, Saints Alight
In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Saints Alight, an Aussie metal band that prefers the amazing experiences that go with being in a band over fame. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: Saints Alight
Band Members: Scott Willis (vocals), Damon Koolstra (bass, vocals), Michael Kancelarczyk (guitar), Red Ryan (guitar), and Cameron Davies (drums).
Years Active: 6
City of Origin: Brisbane, Australia
Who are you and what do you do?
“I’m Damon Koolstra, I play bass and provide vocals.”
In 100 words or less, tell us how your band has gotten to this point.
“We were all best mates before the band started and continue to be even throughout the struggles. We feel keeping that friendship strong spills into our music. Our drummer (Cameron) and I grew up together and began playing music together at 12, and kept producing music until we found friends who had that same passion as us. In a pretty heavy dominated music scene in Brisbane, I think we got to where we are now by having elements in our music that appeal to more people. I guess it worked, because we got to #3 on the metal charts [in Australia].”
What is your latest release and how would you best describe it to someone who hasn’t heard your band?
“Our debut album Perceptions has melodically unique sound, the perfect mix of crushing hardcore riffs, and abstract ambient soundscape.”
When making an album, which aspect of the process do you put the most time into and why?
“A healthy mix of them all, but with emphasis on the song writing. You have to be as prepared as you can coming into the studio, but it’s still nice to have sections you can work on in the studio. Then rehearse the songs to the point where you know them in your sleep.”
What is the best part about your band and why?
“We are five best mates who get to do something we love and see the world together.”
What makes your band unique from the rest?
“We try and play to all our strengths and backgrounds in music. Red, our guitarist, grew up with blues. Cameron listened to many technical drummers growing up. My father brought me up on ‘80s heavy metal music and that taught me the value of catchy choruses. Our guitarist Michael brings that heavy side to our band that we lacked – or didn’t do as well without him – and our frontman Scott draws inspiration from some of the heaviest bands, as well as ambient music.”
How does your band survive the challenges of touring/gigging?
“By being best mates and bringing friends along to help. We usually gang up on one person for a tour and they just have to deal with it.”
Would you rather be critically-acclaimed; rich and famous; or an under-the-radar band with a dedicated fan base?
“I think anyone who says ‘critically-acclaimed’ and ‘famous’ would automatically be branded as doing it for the wrong reasons. I would like to have recognition for the hard work we put in and be able to support music full-time, but also have a fan base that lets us travel and see the world and share our music with them. Money comes and goes, but you can always have the memories of that one fan who came to your show and gave you a cool present, or a fan in a non-English speaking country singing your lyrics. No one can take that from you.”
If you’d have to compare your band to another one out there, living or dead, who would it be and why?
“At this point I am happy to say I feel we have a unique sound, but if I had to, most likely The Amity Affliction sound wise, but with Motley Crue’s passion for fun and longevity.”
Which band/musician would you like to share many drinks with? What would you talk about?
“Motley Crue: We’d discuss everything, including how Ozzy Osbourne snorted ants.”
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