Interview w/ Lee & Dan via email. Done by DJ.
Q:So who's all in the band?
A:Dan, Scott, Lee, Neal, and Damian
Q:How and when did CS come together?
Lee:Just over a year ago I asked Damian if he wanted to just mess around with some grind stuff for fun, neither of us were doing anything at the time. Scott was always around hanging out, and Neal was rehearsing down the hall with another band. He walked in to see who was playing one day. Eventually we asked him to join in for fun. When the music started snowballing we called Dan to fill in the bass.
Q:Who came up with the name "Commit Suicide" and why did you choose that name for your music?
Lee:I had been throwing names around once we realized we actually needed one (people started asking us). That name just happen to pop in my head one night for no reason. Everyone got silent for a few seconds when I suggested it, we knew then. It could have been gastric dialatation volvulous (heh), but that didn't fly.
Q:So what's new with the band, any touring plans? How's the response been with the new cd?
Lee:I certainly hope to get out by summer, but we'll see. To be completely honest with you the response has been kind of a shock to me. It's been pretty positive.
Q:How did you get hooked up with Willowtip, and will you be releasing future releases with them?
Lee: Jason approached us about releasing an album on Willowtip right after our first show, literally. He's the man. We'll be doing another ful length too.
Dan: Yea, Jason has been really great to work with and we like what he's been doing for us thus far. As far as future releases go, we're doing a split mcd/7" with Misery Index in the next couple of months.
Q:Who are some of your major influences?
Lee:Dave Weckl, Sean Reinhart, Tim Alexander, Steve Shelton, and of course Mike Patton.
Dan: Steve Harris, Steve Digorgio, and Geezer Butler.
Q:What are the majority of your lyrics about?
Lee:Hah! Ya know I've read most of them and I still can't tell you. Scott's mainly responsible.
Q:CS consists of former members of Allan,Gutrench, and Jumbo, do you think fans of these bands will be into CS? do you see them at shows?
Lee:I can't say for sure, this band is way different than all of those. Perhaps.
Dan: I think that those bands had a lot of the same fans. The positive feedback makes me believe that they like what we're doing.
Q:When you guys first came out, some people accused you of jumping on the "grind bandwagon" what are your thoughts on that?
Lee:I really don't have any. I've been into deathmetal, noise, and grind for a very long time. I didn't learn about Nuclear death, AC, and Terrorizer yesterday thats for sure. Just listen to what we're doing, the proof is in the pudding.
Dan: People can jump to their own conclusions, but to the people that have known us for a long time know how long we've been doing this and know our credibility.
Q:Do you have a favorite or most memorable show that you've played?
Lee:Definately our first show, with BBTS. We were all pretty nervous, but playing in front of Dave Witte was over the top.
Dan: Our first show at the Upstage was really good. The night wasn't going along that well and when we played, it ended up being a really good set. It made our experience that much better considering the circumstances.
Q:Where is your favorite place to play in pittsburgh?
Lee:If I had to chose a venue, I really like how the Upstage is setup now. Roboto's is really raw and fun too.
Dan: The Upstage.
Q:What was the first concert you attended? Who played?
Lee:Metallica and Queensryche
Dan: Iron Maiden & Yngwie Malmsteen
Q:Top 5 movies?
Lee:The Time machine, DeadAlive, Evildead II, Stand by me, Phantasm II.
Dan: Battle Royale, Godfather II, Scarface, From Dusk til Dawn, Conan the Barbarian.
Q:Top 5 cds?
Lee:Death "Human", Cynic "focus", Confessor "Condemned", Watchtower "Control and Resistance", Faith no more "King for a day..."
Dan: Suffocation "Pierced from Within", Gorguts "Considered Dead", Pig Destroyer "Prowler in the Yard", Dropkick Murphys "Do or Die", Candlemass "Epicus Doomicus Metalicus"
Q:Favorite TV show?
Lee:Right now it's Tidus
Dan: OZ
Q:Best band of all time?
Lee:Probably Black Sabbath.
Dan: I agree.
Q:Describe Commit Suicide in 3 words or less
Lee:Intense, Natural, Fast.
Q:Are there any bands you really enjoy that you just found out about?
Lee:Opeth and Katatonia
Dan: Keelhaul
Q:What are your thoughts on the internet and underground music?
Lee:I think the internet is a great tool for the underground.
Dan: It's an incredible resource. I don't know how many people remember 10-15 years ago, doing mail by hand and spending $30 on stamps every month.
Q:What are you thoughts on the way we live in society? if you could change one thing what would it be and why?
Lee:I'm not very political.
Dan: I couldn't care less.
Q:Anything you'd like to add or close with?
Dan: Thanks for the interview and the support from the beginning. Check out our full length Human Larvae[earthly cleansing] from Willowtip Records and watch for the upcoming split with Misery Index. Thanks DJ!
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