Established in 1988, Age of Fire has forged a distinctive style of Heavy Metal, hailing from Charlottesville, Virginia. Their music seamlessly blends elements of thrash, progressive, and symphonic metal. Initially disbanded in 1991, the band was resurrected by founding member Greg Brown in 2018, currently accompanied by Rick “Dynamic” Brown on bass and Bill Rad Morris on drums. Here's an Indie Talk Interview with the band, providing deeper insights into Age of Fire's journey and creative process.
Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing or performing music? Tell us about it:
Bill - I can't pinpoint one specific event. I took piano lessons when I was much younger and knew I wanted to play in school band when I was old enough. For band, I picked percussion and have just never looked back, I guess.
Rick - The first band I ever saw play live. They played at the youth center on Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, Ohio. The guitar played a beautiful early 60's Cherry Red Gibson SG Standard. The song that stood out was "Bitch" by the Rolling Stones.
Greg - "Back in Black" was the album that made me want to play the guitar. I've always sang for as long as I can remember. Music just connected at a deeper level and resonated more than anything else.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the CRAZIEST thing that has ever happened to you in your music career?
Bill - Hard to say for sure what the craziest is. I think the most unusual and fun was going out to LA last year to open for Burning Witches at Whisky A-Go-Go in LA. Not your typical gig, for sure
Rick - Being in a band as a fill-in guitarist. Leaving that band to start band with the same guitarist, I was filling in for.
Greg - I'll keep this PG so I'll go with having disagreement with venue management who were changing terms of contract right before our set and made me sing pretty much feedback all night. I can't tolerate people being unprofessional. Show biz has a rep but you gotta take care of biz.
What has been the high point of your music path? Bill - I'm very excited about this new album AOF is working on now. I'm very proud of all the tracks we've recorded for it. I have feeling that will be the high point, so far, once it's finished. Rick - Joining Age of Fire. Greg - That's a tough one. I've been doing this for a long time and have had tons of ups and downs. I agree with Bill and Rick, the new album "From the Forge" that we are in the process of recording is light years ahead of what we've done before sonically. It is sounded really good. We've been together now for awhile and know what we are looking for in tone and overall project. It's tedious and no street date yet but we can't wait to share this with everyone.
So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like? Greg - So far, I've been coming up with the lyrics and riffs for everyone to put their stamp on and make it an Age of Fire tune. Everyone works well together to make the best tunes we can and ones we want to share and perform.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?
Bill - I think the hardest thing for indie artists today is being able to dedicate the time necessary to achieve their visions for their music. It's definitely hard to make it these days. I would definitely like to see artists get more of a cut of gigs, recordings, streams, etc. I know very few people, now, who can afford to do this full-time.
Rick - Artists getting paid for their art.
Greg - There are a few things, the streaming thing is not really lucrative and Spotify is worth $15 billion while artists get paid 1/3 of a cent, they aren't the only ones doing this. Monopolies between venues and ticket sellers, I think you know what I'm talking about. There is just a huge disparity now between the Taylor Swifts/Metallicas who are making a decent living touring versus the rest of the pack. Show biz is a unique biz, it can be tough to navigate and the climate is ever changing. People are trying to figure it all out.
If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?
Bill - Would love to open for Armored Saint on their American tour this year. Rick- Burning Witches, again! They're professional, fun and sound great. One of the best bands I've ever seen!
Greg- Too many. Overkill would be a blast. Such a great consistent band. I've been a fan since the beginning.
Pick one song that was your greatest challenge to write. Tell us about it!
Greg - every song has it's own challenges and I love time changes and non traditional accents but groove. It's gotta groove. The great thing about being in this band is I'll present something and they put their stamp on it and make it even better.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it? If three words just aren't enough..then tell us more!
Bill - Composed Progressive Thrash Rick- Trashy, heavy, groovy and progressive.
Greg - Groovy, melodic and heavy.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else? Tell us why:
Bill - Recording and performing, in that order. Performing is great and I believe live music is the soul of music and the art in it's most important form. But, there's no feeling like having an album in your hands that you made and are proud of.
Rick - Being in a " Band", Playing music as a "Band", Writing and recording as a "Band", Being in a "Band" with people you love being with. Greg- all of it. The creativity. Playing with musicians that share similar outlook and vision. Meeting people on the road. Connecting with people in person on the road, social media and to think it all started with a riff or lyrical concept.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing? Bill - Well, I make my living as a scientist, so that takes up a lot of my time outside of music. I enjoy reading, gaming (video and table top), spending quality time with loved ones, and taking care of my cats and dog. Rick - Setting up guitars/bass guitars, maintaining a home, hanging with friends and family, catching up on the ton of books I need to read. Greg - I'm a huge astronomy/space exploration nerd. I'm either reading articles, using telescopes remotely or under the stars myself. The vastness of space is very humbling. Puts daily stress in perspective.
What's coming up in the future for you? Bill - Working on writing and recording the new AOF album. Touring the new music for AOF. I'm also going to start teaching drum lessons on the side soon. Rick- Working on the new album, touring the new album, having fun doing all of it! Greg - The focus this winter is working on the new album "From the Forge" and back on stage in the Spring throughout the rest of the year. Please follow us on social media for dates and events near you. Calendar is already filling up which is a wonderful feeling. We hope to see everyone on the road or give a shout online.
More about Age of Fire Since their revival, Age of Fire's music has resonated on traditional and satellite radio stations globally. In 2023, they embarked on a successful tour along the East Coast, California, and the Gulf, resulting in the release of their live album, "Live from the Tempest." Presently, they are diligently crafting their upcoming full-length studio album, "From the Forge," slated for release in 2024.
The band enjoys international media coverage, featuring in prominent outlets such as Metal Hammer (Portugal), The Metal Mag (Europe), Fireworks (UK), Hard Music Base (Slovakia), Permafrost (Norway), Dead Rhetoric (USA/Sweden), Bunker (Russia), Iron Backstage (USA), Battlehelm (USA/UK/Sweden), High Speed Hangover (UK), Encyclopaedia Metallum (Canada), Decibel (USA), and Megadeth’s Megacruise, among others.
Highlight performances include a December 6, 2023 show at the iconic Whisky a Go-Go in support of Burning Witches’ World Tour. The band proudly boasts endorsements from Solar guitars, Scorpion drumsticks, and Dirtbag clothing, with a record deal under Sliptrick Records
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