In this interview, I was able to catch up with Andrew Gazaway of the U.S. based Hard Rock band 'Darkhorse Hero' to ask them a few questions about their album 'Mixtape Vol2 Living for a Bigger Kingdom'.
(Jacob) It's so good to finally be having this interview with your band:
(Andrew) Thanks for having me, brother!
(Jacob) So, can you give us some insight into what got you involved in the music industry and what is the ultimate purpose of the band?
(Andrew) Umm well I come from a musical family. My parents and my brother and sister all play instruments and sing, along with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many cousins...music runs in the blood. So I picked up guitar pretty early in life and it just kind of stuck. As for the industry, I'm not really involved. I'm independent and just play for the passion and write about my faith in Jesus. And well, my hope is to encourage fellow believers to stand firm in their faith and take up the cross everyday.
(Jacob) Who was the founding member(s) and when did the band officially form?
(Andrew) I formed Darkhorse Hero in 2019 as a solo project after a few attempts to establish a band. I had written a few songs and decided to hit up a local studio to record the self-titled debut album with session players on bass and drums. Since that release I've played a few venues and have kept busy as one of the guitarist at my church and have now written a new album.
(Jacob) Can you shed some light on where your band's name came from and what is the meaning behind it?
(Andrew) Yes, well the name...it's kind of hard to come up with a unique name anymore as there are so many great names taken. So, I liked the phrase 'dark horse' meaning an 'unexpected champion'. You know, when I read about the life of Jesus I envision him as an underdog who everyone thought was beaten but he came back to life and won against hell, and one day he will return to reign over all. He's the unexpected champion. Plus I think the name sounds cool. And I've had people ask if its a play off of some comic books and the answer is no, I don't read comics, I watched The Avengers, but I don't know about Darkhorse comics.
(Jacob) What brand of instruments do you all use and why do you prefer that specific brand over another?
(Andrew) Nearly the entire project was recorded on a neon yellow Charvel So Cal with Floyd Rose. They are the sickest guitars, very sleek with a fast fretboard and in my opinion really sounded great. I'm a huge fan of Tommy Johansson (Reinxeed/Majestica, Golden Resurrection, Sabaton) he's one of the best in the world and plays Charvel. As well as Val Woods former guitarist of Theocracy who is also one of the best in the world and plays Charvel. I took some lessons from Val back in 2019 and decided I too needed one. The one exception is the song 'Fire of God' which was recorded exclusively on a Gibson Les Paul studio that I purchased last year from Bob Hartman (Petra). The Les Paul is definitely a different animal than a strat and that song is noticeably different than the others. All guitars and bass were tracked line in through a Fractal Ax8 pedal board. These pedals sound great anywhere I've played.
(Jacob) Do you have any hobbies outside of music that help to rejuvenate or inspire creativity within your music?
(Andrew) Uh well I have kids so I do a lot of dad stuff. Having kids, it changes you man! We spend a lot of time outdoors and playing video games. And so I think I learn a lot about life and my role from spending time with them. They love jamming to Darkhorse Hero. My other passion is my wife which inspired the song 'Written in the Stars' on the upcoming album, my first love ballad. She is an incredible person and really keeps the dream going.
(Jacob) Are there any artists that have played a part in influencing you and your band's sound?
(Andrew) Oh man, YES...ever since I can remember music was very important to me and drew me in. My dad gave me a Keith Green album when I was about 8yrs old and I just loved it. So much passion flowing from his voice and fingers and the message is still with me today. It was then that I decided I was going to write songs for Jesus. Dad also got me hooked on Petra, DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys...he was a youth pastor in the 90's. Since then I've really dug into Christian music from the 70's up until recently, if its Christian Rock I've probably heard it. In recent years I've been drawn to what's happening in Europe as they have some of the best musicians in the world there and I love the retro sound where they still use six string guitars, soaring vocals, and synthesizers. Christian Liljegren(Narnia, Golden Resurrection) and Henrik Båth(Darkwater, Harmony) are a couple singers I really enjoy. And on guitar I listen to CJ Grimmark(Narnia), Markus Sigfridsson(Harmony, 7days), Val Woods(Theocracy), and Tommy Johansson(Reinxeed/Majestica, Sabaton). Plus I really dig Malmsteen and the guys at Twilight Force. Yes, a lot of epic music to listen to and amazing musicians today, definitely pushes you to aim higher.
(Jacob) What is the biggest problem that you have had to overcome as a band?
(Andrew) I guess it was finding my place in music. I tried unsuccessfully to put bands together and always ran into the roadblocks of time and musical direction. I've played a lot of festivals and shows as well, which occupies a lot of weekends. But I've found what I really enjoy doing the most is hitting my basement, kicking up a beat on EZ Drummer, and creating songs. Its the best to come up with cool riffs, melodies, and grooves and then drop some lyrics and try to bring everything together. Its really a great study into how music works. Other than that, my next challenge is getting people to listen. Distrokid is a fantastic tool that submits my songs to virtually every streaming platform in a matter of minutes. But getting it in front of people and landing on the right playlists is definitely a challenge.
(Jacob) Can you go into some detail about the musical direction on your latest release 'Mixtape Vol2 Living for a Bigger Kingdom'?
(Andrew) Yes, so the theme of the album is 'Living for a Bigger Kingdom'. I wrote the title track and instantly knew it was special. So, I sent it to Christian Liljegren and said brother, this song is missing one thing, you. He agreed and now we have the most epic thing in Christian rock, Liljegren uniting with the Darkhorse on a melodic metal song! The song is about a story you will be familiar with, Shadrack Meshach and Abednego facing the fiery furnace because they were unwavering in their faith. Not much has changed, as many Christians are persecuted around the globe today. Their commitment inspires me to live better and keep my eyes on Jesus. So I knew the album should be named after this song and you will find this call to put the Kingdom of God first to be the driving message throughout all of the songs. Stylistically I've been studying the band Sabaton pretty heavily the past couple years, they have a sound that really gets my attention and the way they theme songs around battles and wars throughout history is a cool concept. One thing that I've really taken note of is their ability to make history come alive and dance in your ears...My goal with this second Darkhorse Hero release is to make some of my favorite Bible stories come alive for the listeners. I would like to play a small part in bringing remembrance to Scripture and I think music is a fun way to do just that.
(Jacob) Do you feel like you achieved what you set out to accomplish on your latest project?
(Andrew) I think it got pretty close to the mark. This is for sure the greatest Darkhorse Hero release to date and if you're into Christian rock you will enjoy it!
(Jacob) What is your favorite song to perform, whether live or in studio, and why?
(Andrew) Hmm...I would say that before the pandemic hit I played my first gig at a bar, which was unique for me. There was probably a hundred people packed into that little room as I rocked out to the songs on my debut album. One song in particular stood out that night called 'First Love', its more somber and stripped down, just a simple explanation of why I love Jesus. And it was a very powerful moment, one that I'll never forget as I shared with all who came that Jesus is the answer.
(Jacob) Were there any special or funny moments during the recording process of the album?
(Andrew) If you isolate vocals you might hear some funny things like the kids playing and running through the house, but I wouldn't have it any other way haha...I was very fortunate to record this album at home. I've recorded in studios on other projects and for me the comfort of recording at home without the stress of time and money really opened up creativity. Reaper software shows I've put in about 400 hours on this project and I couldn't imagine being able to do that in someone else's studio. So, I spent a lot of time going over stuff until I got it how I wanted it. And the tracks have loads of guitar, so I'm very pleased with that because it is the greatest instrument in the history of mankind! I worked a lot on guitar harmonies this album, probably the biggest improvement from the first album.
(Jacob) At this time, are you planning to keep moving forward as a band and are there any plans for future projects in the works?
(Andrew) That is the plan. Working on new material even now. There were also around 7 songs that did not make the cut, I'm kicking around an idea of releasing them as kind of a "B side" of sorts...but yes, if you like this keep an eye out for new stuff. Add me on Facebook if you want @ Andrew Gazaway, I post stuff up I'm working on from time to time.
(Jacob) Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses to each and every question. I am excited about your latest release and am looking forward to hearing more from the band in the future.
(Andrew) Its been a pleasure, Jacob, appreciate your interest in this. Many blessings to Christian Molten Metal. Keep the faith, brother!
(Jacob) It's so good to finally be having this interview with your band:
(Andrew) Thanks for having me, brother!
(Jacob) So, can you give us some insight into what got you involved in the music industry and what is the ultimate purpose of the band?
(Andrew) Umm well I come from a musical family. My parents and my brother and sister all play instruments and sing, along with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many cousins...music runs in the blood. So I picked up guitar pretty early in life and it just kind of stuck. As for the industry, I'm not really involved. I'm independent and just play for the passion and write about my faith in Jesus. And well, my hope is to encourage fellow believers to stand firm in their faith and take up the cross everyday.
(Jacob) Who was the founding member(s) and when did the band officially form?
(Andrew) I formed Darkhorse Hero in 2019 as a solo project after a few attempts to establish a band. I had written a few songs and decided to hit up a local studio to record the self-titled debut album with session players on bass and drums. Since that release I've played a few venues and have kept busy as one of the guitarist at my church and have now written a new album.
(Jacob) Can you shed some light on where your band's name came from and what is the meaning behind it?
(Andrew) Yes, well the name...it's kind of hard to come up with a unique name anymore as there are so many great names taken. So, I liked the phrase 'dark horse' meaning an 'unexpected champion'. You know, when I read about the life of Jesus I envision him as an underdog who everyone thought was beaten but he came back to life and won against hell, and one day he will return to reign over all. He's the unexpected champion. Plus I think the name sounds cool. And I've had people ask if its a play off of some comic books and the answer is no, I don't read comics, I watched The Avengers, but I don't know about Darkhorse comics.
(Jacob) What brand of instruments do you all use and why do you prefer that specific brand over another?
(Andrew) Nearly the entire project was recorded on a neon yellow Charvel So Cal with Floyd Rose. They are the sickest guitars, very sleek with a fast fretboard and in my opinion really sounded great. I'm a huge fan of Tommy Johansson (Reinxeed/Majestica, Golden Resurrection, Sabaton) he's one of the best in the world and plays Charvel. As well as Val Woods former guitarist of Theocracy who is also one of the best in the world and plays Charvel. I took some lessons from Val back in 2019 and decided I too needed one. The one exception is the song 'Fire of God' which was recorded exclusively on a Gibson Les Paul studio that I purchased last year from Bob Hartman (Petra). The Les Paul is definitely a different animal than a strat and that song is noticeably different than the others. All guitars and bass were tracked line in through a Fractal Ax8 pedal board. These pedals sound great anywhere I've played.
(Jacob) Do you have any hobbies outside of music that help to rejuvenate or inspire creativity within your music?
(Andrew) Uh well I have kids so I do a lot of dad stuff. Having kids, it changes you man! We spend a lot of time outdoors and playing video games. And so I think I learn a lot about life and my role from spending time with them. They love jamming to Darkhorse Hero. My other passion is my wife which inspired the song 'Written in the Stars' on the upcoming album, my first love ballad. She is an incredible person and really keeps the dream going.
(Jacob) Are there any artists that have played a part in influencing you and your band's sound?
(Andrew) Oh man, YES...ever since I can remember music was very important to me and drew me in. My dad gave me a Keith Green album when I was about 8yrs old and I just loved it. So much passion flowing from his voice and fingers and the message is still with me today. It was then that I decided I was going to write songs for Jesus. Dad also got me hooked on Petra, DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys...he was a youth pastor in the 90's. Since then I've really dug into Christian music from the 70's up until recently, if its Christian Rock I've probably heard it. In recent years I've been drawn to what's happening in Europe as they have some of the best musicians in the world there and I love the retro sound where they still use six string guitars, soaring vocals, and synthesizers. Christian Liljegren(Narnia, Golden Resurrection) and Henrik Båth(Darkwater, Harmony) are a couple singers I really enjoy. And on guitar I listen to CJ Grimmark(Narnia), Markus Sigfridsson(Harmony, 7days), Val Woods(Theocracy), and Tommy Johansson(Reinxeed/Majestica, Sabaton). Plus I really dig Malmsteen and the guys at Twilight Force. Yes, a lot of epic music to listen to and amazing musicians today, definitely pushes you to aim higher.
(Jacob) What is the biggest problem that you have had to overcome as a band?
(Andrew) I guess it was finding my place in music. I tried unsuccessfully to put bands together and always ran into the roadblocks of time and musical direction. I've played a lot of festivals and shows as well, which occupies a lot of weekends. But I've found what I really enjoy doing the most is hitting my basement, kicking up a beat on EZ Drummer, and creating songs. Its the best to come up with cool riffs, melodies, and grooves and then drop some lyrics and try to bring everything together. Its really a great study into how music works. Other than that, my next challenge is getting people to listen. Distrokid is a fantastic tool that submits my songs to virtually every streaming platform in a matter of minutes. But getting it in front of people and landing on the right playlists is definitely a challenge.
(Jacob) Can you go into some detail about the musical direction on your latest release 'Mixtape Vol2 Living for a Bigger Kingdom'?
(Andrew) Yes, so the theme of the album is 'Living for a Bigger Kingdom'. I wrote the title track and instantly knew it was special. So, I sent it to Christian Liljegren and said brother, this song is missing one thing, you. He agreed and now we have the most epic thing in Christian rock, Liljegren uniting with the Darkhorse on a melodic metal song! The song is about a story you will be familiar with, Shadrack Meshach and Abednego facing the fiery furnace because they were unwavering in their faith. Not much has changed, as many Christians are persecuted around the globe today. Their commitment inspires me to live better and keep my eyes on Jesus. So I knew the album should be named after this song and you will find this call to put the Kingdom of God first to be the driving message throughout all of the songs. Stylistically I've been studying the band Sabaton pretty heavily the past couple years, they have a sound that really gets my attention and the way they theme songs around battles and wars throughout history is a cool concept. One thing that I've really taken note of is their ability to make history come alive and dance in your ears...My goal with this second Darkhorse Hero release is to make some of my favorite Bible stories come alive for the listeners. I would like to play a small part in bringing remembrance to Scripture and I think music is a fun way to do just that.
(Jacob) Do you feel like you achieved what you set out to accomplish on your latest project?
(Andrew) I think it got pretty close to the mark. This is for sure the greatest Darkhorse Hero release to date and if you're into Christian rock you will enjoy it!
(Jacob) What is your favorite song to perform, whether live or in studio, and why?
(Andrew) Hmm...I would say that before the pandemic hit I played my first gig at a bar, which was unique for me. There was probably a hundred people packed into that little room as I rocked out to the songs on my debut album. One song in particular stood out that night called 'First Love', its more somber and stripped down, just a simple explanation of why I love Jesus. And it was a very powerful moment, one that I'll never forget as I shared with all who came that Jesus is the answer.
(Jacob) Were there any special or funny moments during the recording process of the album?
(Andrew) If you isolate vocals you might hear some funny things like the kids playing and running through the house, but I wouldn't have it any other way haha...I was very fortunate to record this album at home. I've recorded in studios on other projects and for me the comfort of recording at home without the stress of time and money really opened up creativity. Reaper software shows I've put in about 400 hours on this project and I couldn't imagine being able to do that in someone else's studio. So, I spent a lot of time going over stuff until I got it how I wanted it. And the tracks have loads of guitar, so I'm very pleased with that because it is the greatest instrument in the history of mankind! I worked a lot on guitar harmonies this album, probably the biggest improvement from the first album.
(Jacob) At this time, are you planning to keep moving forward as a band and are there any plans for future projects in the works?
(Andrew) That is the plan. Working on new material even now. There were also around 7 songs that did not make the cut, I'm kicking around an idea of releasing them as kind of a "B side" of sorts...but yes, if you like this keep an eye out for new stuff. Add me on Facebook if you want @ Andrew Gazaway, I post stuff up I'm working on from time to time.
(Jacob) Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses to each and every question. I am excited about your latest release and am looking forward to hearing more from the band in the future.
(Andrew) Its been a pleasure, Jacob, appreciate your interest in this. Many blessings to Christian Molten Metal. Keep the faith, brother!