Can you start by saying your name, and role in Black Dali
and Sins of Calvary?
Adam Stoner, vocals and guitar.
Awesome dude. So, so we were talking a little bit
before this about how Black Dali broke up and a few of you guys formed a new
band? Can you tell me about what led to the break-up?
Oh! You want the tea huh?
Welp. Short story, my drummer Jason
Dinwiddie is a sexy dude apparently, and he banged all our spouses.
No, I'm kidding, it's a hard thing
to pinpoint honestly
Oh wow.
I started BD (Black Dali) in 2008
and we ran for a good 10 years. That's a lot of time and soul.
A lot of different members through
the years.
In the end I'd say it was about
musical differences. When members start pulling in different directions it
causes pain for the project. Eventually the pain takes over and you stop and
think. So much about this is business.
Yeah definitely, and line-up changes can be pretty
rough for a lot of bands too
That's a loaded question. Obviously
Jason and I are in SINS (Sins Of Calvary), and Dustin Webster one of my best
friends isn't, but he's recording our first ep, so in a way it's awesome to
still have his finger on the vein.
So, you and Jason went on to form Sins of Calvary, how
did that start, and would you say this is a kind of rebirthing for Black Dali?
So, during the last few months
before Black Dali decided to take a break, We added a 5th member. The idea was
to free me to just sing. I'm a Tattoo artist and through the last decade my
hands have started to take a hit so playing guitar and singing is a challenge
sometimes. Of course when you add any
new ingredient even its the same ingredient just a different brand, it changes
the dynamic.
Without having to play and sing I
could create as well as the others more, "complicated" riff e.t.c. In
this process, the less I had with guitars the more I had the need to create. So,
I started a solo project on the side of black Dali. No shows e.t.c just to make music without
compromise.
I wanted it to be darker when it
wanted to be, lighter when it felt and
so on. I wanted it to not care if it had edges, all these things I had in mind
in the first place. So if there is any compassion
between BD and SINS, it's that I started them both with a very specific vision
in mind. A purpose. SINS is a more
mature harder vision.
So, I wouldn't say rebirthing more
of a tearing down a kingdom to build a stronger one. of course, remember this was a solo project.
And I wanted it to be more acoustic... but that quickly changed so I asked
Jason If he'd play drums with me on it as well.
After we decided to stop BD it was clear. We had a few songs ready and
we tried out bassist Kyle Meiser. His hard edge and love for metal and quality
built it up and solidified that this was the way now and there wasn't any
stopping.
So it was kind of a natural process that happened
slowly?
Yea I guess so. When force meets a
movable object.
Speaking of, I've noticed in some of your songs a lot
of subtle religious, and even philosophical themes. Was that intentional or was
it something that just kinda happened?
Well, that's part of the edge on
the side I didn't care to Smooth anymore.
Everything I write lyrically has a
purpose and intention. That's the one
thing I do this for over anything.
And as for the name sins of Calvary, was there
anything in particular that went into that name?
Yes, the world lives on the thread
of hope. And when you manipulate that hope and use fear to control... and use
that control to take advantage and in most cases self-serve… it's wrong. Period.
Sins of Calvary. The name itself
means the lies of Jesus. Let me explain. Calvary was the hill jesus was
crucified upon. No matter where you stand on the subject. The majority of the world believes that this
event occurred. My issue isn't with believers,
or non. It's against organized religion, using this story to control
thru fear.
Now. Obviously, I don't care if you
worship a shoe. Just don't go murdering over the shoes glory Haha
Can you tell me about the story behind your song ‘Mad King’?
Sorry, if I'm going to fast.
No you're good. Nothing is simple
here. And I'm not trying to force
anything down throats. Even with the strong opinions and direction of my
symbols, I'm not trying to convince anyone.
That's actually what I feel mad
king is about. I don't like to explain
true meanings much ‘cause that steals from your interpretation. But...
You asked so, mad king is about the
oppressed being beat down, finally rising up to conquer. But hard decisions
have to be made so at the top you may realize that you are the mad king as
well. Now that's a bet generic
description of something very personal that happened in my life, but the
analogy is a strong one.
Was there any life experience or story that went into
color theory that you'd like to share? Personally, that song really reached out
to me.
Well, what did it mean to you?
Well, it seems to be a call, and ‘knots’ Seems to be a
response to that call. ‘Color Theory’ is someone admitting how they feel on a
deep emotional level, there's a bit of shame, looking on the world. Almost like
someone who's hit rock bottom. And ‘knots’ is someone who's seen something like
that happen to someone else, or who has been there themselves, and is saying
how selfish those thoughts can be, and to hold on.
That's about as good as any
explanation I can come up with
Was there a life experience that inspired the song?
Yes, Of course, but I'm not ready
to rip that open today my friend 🙂
No problem. So you guys did a few singles, two of
which (‘Radio Silence’ and ‘Miles’) were acoustic. Can we expect more acoustics
like that from SINS?
Well yea! Sins is generally a
harder project now but not confined so yes! I plan on releasing some songs as
well. So, you'll be getting that style from me as long as I play music. 🙂
Awesome. And those radio bits of radio silence. How
did those come about?
That's all Dustin Webster and me
man! That song. Man.
I really loved that song, and those bits sounded like
something straight out of a movie. That's awesome
That tune will always be a special
place and time.
Do you wanna talk about what went into that one?
Well, it was a strange thing. There was an article I was reading one day,
and it was about the massacre at the night club in Florida. The article was
explaining how the detectives were having to work in a lit up quite nightclub covered
with dead people.... with no other sound than their cellphones going off with
hope on the other side that the person they were calling was ok. Obviously not
being able to answer.
That vivid picture in my mind still
haunts. Dustin had on his own read the same article. It's a horrible thing
man. Hate that is.
To anyone suffering from depression, or from hating
someone. Do you have any advise you would give?
Reach out. The worst thing you can
do to a prisoner is put them in isolation. You're not alone. It's ok to fear what you don't know. It's ok to be sad about things. It's ok.
No one can sit on the throne of your happiness, but you. Reach out. Even
if you do and fail... keep trying cause there is always someone, somewhere that
will grab your hand.
On a separate note. What artists or bands do you think
have most affected your musical style?
Oh man. A ton! Haha
Jim Morrison, Gavin Rossdale, Mark
Tremonti, Metallica, Hurt... the list can go on forever. I mention members here cause it's sometimes
narrowed down to a member rather than the entire band.
Lately this week I've really been
digging the new As I Lay Dying record.
Their killer man, you have a pretty varied musical
taste then.
I listen to everything, even if
it's just ONE TIME Haha
So, a lot of people find that joining a band isn't
quite what they expected. Is there anything about being in a band that was like
that for you?
Oh yes. Just know that when you're
in a band, it's a BAND. If you want
dudes to take orders, go solo and pay for that shit.
But when you have a vision surround
yourself with more talented people.
Everyone in my band is better than me. Also, honesty. That goes for
life, but you're married to these dudes.
Be honest. A band is a glorified
merch company with a soundtrack. And in order for a business to prosper, it
needs communication and honesty.
What's it like playing a show for you, and how does
the crowd usually react, and what goes into show prep?
Well practice makes perfect right?
So when preparing for a gig I like to perform when we practice. Shows, man. Its work.
Professional is a term used loosely by a ton of locals. Have a plan, execute said plan and adapt when
needed. Simple things, like who’s helping who on. What's the game plan for when you load off.
Much like a family with a plan to leave the house when on fire.
As far as the crowds go. I always play as if there are thousands. Yea it's discouraging when there are 8. But
I've opened for nationals where the crowds leave before they play. I give them my all. If that's not good
enough, I'm not the band for them.
And that's awesome about the shows, a lot of bands get
really discouraged by the numbers, and it really makes for a bad show
It's easy to. But truly.
Practice like you play! Then it doesn't feel awkward. You normally
"play" to no one anyway. You
never know who's in the crowd. It only
takes the right "1"
And with SINS, are you guys planning any livestream
shows?
We have been working on it. We are trying to be safe. Some of us in the
pandemic have to be out in it. So it's
challenging to risk our families to get together. But be on the look-out for
one if we can get it figured out.
Awesome, and do you guys have and planned releases,
and any dates for those?
-yes! We actually have a first
single well in the works coming out soon! This stay at home order has halted
all progress! But as soon as we're able we're gonna finish it up and release
it!
We have a series of eps that are in
the works.
Do you have any plans for a full length?
yes. I don't want to give it
away. But it all leads to a full length.
The industry is changing. Sadly. The
world wants less full lengths and more eps and singles. But we have a plan in the works that unfolds
to the same on all ends.
That's awesome, and we were talking before the
interview a bit on the music videos for Judas and feast, do you wanna talk a
little bit about the production of those?
Ok! Yea we recorded Judas with a
cellphone and used final cut. And with feast we used a imovie I think
that's insane the quality you guys got with a
cellphone man
Don't be afraid to experiment!
Gotta give props to my wife for recording the majority of both
Thats awesome, usually when you hear something was
recorded with a cellphone, the quality is something totally different. and with
both videos, what was it like doing that.
Rewarding! Obviously we want the
best! But man you have to work within your means.
I loved the video. I had no idea until today it wasn’t
professionally shot. and I think your hit count agrees
I appreciate that man! That and the
fact that Judas is on the video game WreckFest.
Once it hit X-box/PlayStation it
got some attention. Unfortunately, after we let the band go to sleep.
Ok so, with the SINS if fans could only take one thing
from the band, what would you want them to take.
I would say that there is no one
thing. But if I had one, I think it would be this. It's ok to not let others
crucify you. It’s time to rise, for we are all sinners.
Are there any over-used or really fun inside jokes you
guys have between the band?
Haha yes! Other than my ridiculous
hand motions I can't quite explain. We were recording a little video talking
about the release of the single art for feast... in which our amazing lead
guitarist Kevin Richmann said "Turn it up to 11!" Being it is a photo
we all died! To this day and everyday after this he'll be known as 11!
Speaking of album art. that is one of the first things
I noticed about you guys, even back with dirty things, you guys go all out on
your art.
Thanks man that's one thing I hold
close to my chest! It's awesome someone out there has noticed all my hard art
for so long Haha
The dirty things lips are my wife's!
Took that with my cell phone too.
you did all the art yourself?
yes sir!
Wow. And mad king, was that a computer design, or was
it drawn, or a photo or...
I used a photo someone took at a
museum and the rest I used photoshop to manipulate.
And you said you’re a tattoo artist?
Yep! I own a studio in Franklin
Indiana.
is it ever difficult juggling being in a band and running
a business?
I also own a gothic museum inside it and an oddity store/custom t shirt company. So yes.
Haha but you only live once! If you
want something bad enough you'll make time.
I agree 100% so many people complain that they can’t
reach their dreams because of work, school, or a million other things, you’re
an amazing example of making life fit your desires
Here is some of my work:
So, what made you get into tattooing, and the museum?
Hell man, tattooing was always
there. It just kinda found me. And my
tour started because I own tons of crazy shit and I wanted to make an official
history tour of gothic history
so you've got to be pretty well read then? for all the
history
On what I have yes! For all
things. No lol. But we're always
learning!
I might have to come see you one day to get a tattoo!
Hell yea man
have you tattooed any of your band mates?
-yes! All but 11! But he wants
plenty! I have 2 sleeves in progress on the other 2
Awesome! Do you still remember your first show?
Dude, honestly... no. Haha that's horrible. I was like 10 years old though. I remember we
were horrible, and it was like 10 neighbors.
But I grew up putting on shows my whole life for family or who ever
wanted to watch Haha
That's insane, how many bands have you been in then?
Dozens. Nothing serious till like
17
Oh wow. That's a lot lol. Besides BD and SINS were any
of them really serious?
Nothing you can find nowadays. My fondest one was with a band called ARDEN
Have you always been a vocalist?
Yea pretty much, I've been a
bassist before too. But I suck at it all I just pride itself in being a song
writer
That's awesome dude, and I just got a fan question, They
wanna know if you have any unreleased Black Dali songs that we can expect to be
done one with Sins of Calvary.
Well the way I look at that is
anything I wrote that was never released can be rewritten to SINS.
Awesome! If you had to switch roles with one person on
the band, who would you switch with?
Jason on drums. But this scenario
being that I could actually play them Haha
so we found your weakness then!
Oh dude I'm God awful on them
Well, 3/4 positions isn't bad lmao
Good point but still. Drummers are truly amazing. My favorite thing to watch live
And to close, is there anything you wanna tell the
fans, or anything they should be watching out for?
Na man! Other than watch out for
new music from 11, Kyle, Jason and
myself. We all bleed Sins of Calvary and
can't wait to get you music soon! Check out FEAST https://youtu.be/_oReEQAtbFs
in the meantime and follow us on Facebook and Instagram! We appreciate all the
Sinners we have gained along the way and we're only started!