Articles by "Black Tide"
Black Tide's Gabriel Chases the Shadows
Heavy metalheads Black Tide have been a band for the past 10 years, played a ton of shows, gone on countless tours, now they have signed onto a new label and have their third album under their belts, with so much more ahead of them, there is no turning back now.... The main man Gabriel Garcia, lead vocalist, lead guitarist/bassist discusses their time together and latest release "Chasing Shadows".
1. Let's talk a little about the history of the band. When did you originally form and is this the original line-up?
Gabriel: Well, I started playing guitar when I was around eight years old and started forming groups here in Miami with my older brother. This particular group came together in 2004 and from there we hit it hard just played as many shows here in Miami as possible.
2. Do you remember how the idea of forming the band first came up?
Gabriel: The idea of forming this band came about when I started listening to bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, GnR, etc. I was truly inspired to make metal music for a living.
3. How long after you formed was it until you played your first live show?
Gabriel: We played our first show after coming together as a band maybe two weeks into it. We always stayed active playing battle of the bands or local shows here in Miami.
4. What are your memories of the performance?
Gabriel: I remember winning our first battle of the bands at our local high school Felix Varela high and it was just a tremendous experience. That feeling of being rewarded for something you love to do is amazing & that was one of the first times we had felt that early on.
5. You guys were once called Radio then decided to switch out that name and instead use Black Tide, so where does the name come from and does it mean what it says, Black Tide, it sounds like a ocean reference.
Gabriel: The name black Tide came about because we were all skateboarders when we started as teenagers and so the surfers have their blue tide, the ocean & we had our black Tide, the asphalt.6. Would you mind explaining as to what happened with your relationship with Interscope Records?
Gabriel: We had a two album deal with Interscope records & towards the end of 2011 we kind of fell apart as a band, as a group the friendships were no longer there. We all started our own little side projects and lost sight of the black tide dream but now we are back and stronger than ever!
7. How did you and Pavement Entertainment come together? Are you pleased with what they have been doing for you thus far?
Gabriel: Pavement Entertainment came into the picture about a year ago & they have been amazing so far. They have nothing but faith in the band and in our vision. We really couldn't be more excited about this coming album cycle for "chasing shadows". Our whole team is incredible. Our management Rebellion Noise (escape the fate | architects) is such a key part for this journey as well. I'm feeling very excited about this go around with Black Tide!
8. What is it about this album that people should know and why should they buy it?
Gabriel: I think the reason people should be excited about this album is the fact that we're bringing back that old-school guitar solo sound of early Megadeth records & the music that really inspired us metal guitar players to pick up our instrument.
9. Tell us about your experience in the studio recording the new record?
Gabriel: Recording this album "chasing shadows" was a long and tedious process but nonetheless it was an amazing experience to be back in the studio making metal music. We recorded over at Live House Studios here in Miami, Fl with producer Mariano Aponte & we poured our blood, sweat and tears into this thing!
10. What was the recording process like compared to your past releases?
Gabriel: The recording process for this was definitely a little different than our last recordings merely based on the fact is that we hadn't played together in so long so we all kind of felt like boxers in training as far as practicing our instruments and honing our skills to make the best album possible.
11. How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
Gabriel: I think the lyrical content is my favorite part of any album and so I really focused on the lyrical side of this record so much and made sure that it told stories of our history & the ups and downs that we've been through as a band but at the same time I made sure that these words could relate to anyone out there going through a number of things. All about interpretation!
12. How do you feel the band has evolved musically and personally since your formation?Gabriel: I think that we have evolved so much as people over the last couple years in the sense that we are so much more mature now, we know exactly what we want to say with our music and we know exactly what made us fall in love with making metal records & so I think that we've kind of finally found the perfect balance of what we want our sound to be and what we can execute every night on stage.
Black Tide To Release New Album "Chasing Shadows" October 16th; Cover Art and Track Listing Revealed
Florida based metal outfit Black Tide will release their 3rd full length album entitled "Chasing Shadows" on October 16, 2015 through Pavement Entertainment. The follow up to the bands acclaimed "Post Mortem" album, "Chasing Shadows" has the classic Back Tide sound that critics and fans alike have hailed as "Old school metal with a new school sound".
The album containing 11 new tracks is currently available as a special pre-order bundle pack that includes an autographed CD, limited edition album cover shirt, and a VIP meet and greet laminate for the show of the purchaser's choosing for the upcoming touring cycle. The bundle will be available for a limited time and can be ordered HERE. The first single "Angel In The Dark" with be unleashed in September along with a heavy touring cycle to be announced. The album cover and track listing are as follows:
TRACKLISTING:
1. Intro
2. Guidelines
3. Angel In The Dark
4. Predator (Animal)
5. Burn
6. Chasing Shadows
7. Before We Form
8. Sex Is Angry
9. Welcome To Misery
10. Heaven
11. Promised Land
Black Tide's "Walking Dead Man" Video Released
"Walking Dead Man" will appear on BLACK TIDE's sophomore album, "Post Mortem", which is scheduled for release on August 23 via DGC/Interscope Records.
"[This song is] inspired by all the negativity we've experienced; the negativity we try to cut out of our lives every day," said BLACK TIDE guitarist/vocalist Gabriel Garcia. "It is a dope song to listen to if you're feeling fired up about something. We hope you dig it! We're so pumped about this upcoming record, and hope you all are, too."
"Post Mortem" was written and recorded in the summer of 2010, and is the follow-up to 2008's "Light From Above", which garnered instant critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Spin, Revolver and more.
The band followed the release of "Light From Above" with an appearance on the inaugural Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, performed on the main stage of Download 2008 and capped it off by playing the entire 2009 Vans Warped Tour.
In April 2011 BLACK TIDE was added as support for the only two announced U.S. dates of IRON MAIDEN's "The Final Frontier" world tour, which took place in BLACK TIDE's home state of Florida.
BLACK TIDE will hit the road later this year as part of the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. The trek will run from August 26 through October 15, conquering North America with a massive active rock lineup which features veteran acts AVENGED SEVENFOLD, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, SEVENDUST and more.
Commented Garcia: "August 23rd 2011 will be huge step in our lives. Not only as a band, but as people. This record means everything to us. We poured our heart and soul into this and have been waiting for it to come out like the rest of you.
"'Post Mortem' is the name of the record. It means 'after death.' The reason we love this title is because we feel that we are so lucky to be able to be doing this, and having an opportunity to put our music out there is honestly the closest thing to heaven we have on this earth. It's a like a dream.
"We love all our fans and hope to see you all at the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival this summer! This is the beginning of a long, crazy and yet beautiful ride."
Black Tide Release Making Of Video for "Walking Dead Man"
Black Tide will join the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival starting August 26th through October 15th featuring Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days, Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine, and more. For more information on the tour including tour dates, visit the Festival's official website.
For more information on Black Tide and their upcoming release, check into their official website, as well as their Facebook and Twitter. Look for Post Mortem in stores everywhere August 23rd!
Black Tide posts new track "Walking Dead Man" on iTunes
"We are excited to present to you our new single 'Walking Dead Man',” said guitarist/vocalist Gabriel Garcia. “It's inspired by all the negativity we've experienced; the negativity we try to cut out of our lives everyday. It is a dope song to listen to if you're feeling fired up about something. We hope you dig it! We're so pumped about this upcoming record, and hope you all are too."
Black Tide will hit the road in support of the long awaited Post Mortem as part of the Best Buy Music Gear Stage on the second annual Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival later this year. UPROAR will run from August 26th through October 15th, conquering North America with a massive active rock lineup, featuring veteran acts Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, Sevendust and more.
Post Mortem was written and recorded in the summer of 2010, and is the follow-up to 2008’s Light From Above, which garnered instant critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Spin, Revolver and more. The band followed the release of Light From Above with an appearance on the inaugural Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, performed on the main stage of Download 2008 and capped it off by playing the entire ‘09 Vans Warped Tour.
In April 2011 Black Tide was added as support for the only two announced U.S. dates of Iron Maiden’s Final Frontier World Tour, which took place in the band’s home state of Florida.
Stay tuned for more info on Black Tide, Post Mortem, and the Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival.
For more information:
www.blacktidemusic.com
www.facebook.com/blacktide
www.myspace.com/blacktide
www.umgdb2b.com
Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival Set For August 26-October 15 Featuring Triumphant Return Of Avenged Sevenfold, Along With Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine & More
AVENGED SEVENFOLD will headline the second annual Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival, set to kick off August 26 and run through October 15. Also scheduled to appear are THREE DAYS GRACE, SEETHER, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and ESCAPE THE FATE on the main stage. SEVENDUST, BLACK TIDE, ART OF DYING and THE BLACK CLOUD COLLECTIVE will perform on the Best Buy Music Gear stage.
"When we started hearing from our fans they wanted to see us back on Uproar this year, we thought, last year was a blast so let's do it again. The fans are crazy and the bands kick ass," says AVENGED SEVENFOLD's frontman M. Shadows. "We're spending the first half of summer playing some big European festivals so we're going to be ready to get back home and play America's top rock festival."
"We're thrilled to have AVENGED SEVENFOLD back as headliners," adds tour producers John Reese and John Oakes. "Their epic stage show helped elevate Uproar 2010 far beyond the standard outdoor festival. The fans wanted more, and we listened."
The Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival will entertain fans with a full afternoon and evening of great rock bands and will also include a concourse midway featuring band autograph signings, vendors and other activities. The festival is being produced by John Reese, John Oakes and CAA in conjunction with Live Nation. Look for tour dates, cities and venues to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival is proud to continue their alliance with Child Find of America, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and resolution of child abduction. In addition, the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival has joined forces with the Road 2 Recovery Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing AMA licensed professional motocross and supercross riders with financial assistance if they sustain career-ending injuries. The organization also provides motivational, emotional and spiritual support to these individuals and their families.
A portion of the proceeds of each Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival ticket sold will benefit Child Find of America and the Road 2 Recovery Foundation.
"We’re excited to work with the Road 2 Recovery Foundation, since so many of the Uproar crew are fans of Motocross or just love to ride," says Mike Kelso, Marketing Director for Rockstar Energy Drink.
Main Stage:
AVENGED SEVENFOLD
THREE DAYS GRACE
SEETHER
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
ESCAPE THE FATE
Best Buy Music Gear Stage:
SEVENDUST
BLACK TIDE
ART OF DYING
THE BLACK CLOUD COLLECTIVE
Stay Connected With UPROAR!
www.RockstarUPROAR.com
www.facebook.com/RockstarUPROAR
http://twitter.com/#!/rockstaruproar
www.youtube.com/user/RockstarUPROAR
Black Tide Interview
Black Tide formed in 2004 in Miami, Florida known before as Radio later changed their name to Black Tide and unleashed upon the masses their debut efforts "Light from Above," and have embarked on countless tours spreading their musical skills around the world.
1. Could you give me a brief summary of the bands origins?
Steven: Briefly summary of the band Ok, well Black Tide with four members Gabriel Garcia, Steven Spence Zach Sandler and Austin Diaz, that’s Black Tide today and it’s been a while. We've had member switches just different things that’s how we are today we’re stronger than ever. Gabriel originally formed the band with his older brother who was the original drummer. He left on his own and his choice. There was no rough falling out between Gabriel and his brother it was his choice and after that I joined and we went and recoded the album and we’ve been touring for 2 years now and here we are. Austin is our newest addition and joined the band this past summer in 2008. And I just love everything about Black Tide it’s a high energy hard rock heavy metal that’s just kicking ass!
2. How did Interscope Records approach you prior to the signing, what was your reaction?
Steven: Well we found Interscope through a publishing deal and we flew out to Los Angeles played in front of the President of Interscope Records Jimmy and we went out for a few months and made the album it was insane.
3. How is the current tour going, what’s it like performing alongside Escape the Fate, are you good friends with the guys, how did the whole set up of this line-up come about?
Steven: We had offered to do a different tour with Disturbed that’s going on. W e weren’t able to do both of them. So we choice Escape the Fate, and the other one is a much bigger tour but we love that we picked this tour and everyone on this tour is getting along and everyone on this tour is going to be on the Warped Tour later this summer. And this is a mini Warped Tour like a little preview so we’re all going to have fun out there.
4. Could you briefly describe the time you spent in the studio recording your debut record?
Steven: We got to the studio in there and whipped out some songs, first started with the drums and built up with the songs, and then put the guitars on them and vocals last and we used that method one by one until we finally came out with the ending product “Light from Above.”
5. You guys played last years Mayhem Festival, and had a chance to perform on Jimmy Kimmel what were those experiences like?
Steven: Jimmy Kimmel was bad-ass it was our first network television appearance it was a little nerve reacting I don’t normally get nervous we’re going live, and you’re gonna be on Jimmy Kimmel so just play and do it, no rehearsal or anything. And Mayhem this summer was awesome it was a metal Warped Tour I never did Warped Tour but will let you know this summer, but it was fun just out in the sun everyday it was just awesome. It defiantly felt like a metal summer camp. People camping out bon fires, people grilling out night it was really awesome.
6. What was it like playing with Airbourne? Any possibilities of seeing you two guys headline on a tour in the future, I think it would be a cool combo.
Steven: Airbourne are great guys its funny you mention that, Airborne are great guys and we should each other a great time and would love to tour with Airbourne we played a few shows with them.
7. Are there any 2009 plans you want fans to know about?
Steven: Definitely we’re going to be doing some European Festivals and then come back for the Warped Tour, and then more importantly be back in our studio later on this year and record our new album that should be out shortly after that so watch out for it.
8. What are the largest and smallest crowds you've played in front of?
Steven: Smallest probably played in front of one person going in and out of the bathroom, and 0-1 person and largest crowd was Download Festival last year by the time went on probably 30-40, 000 people regardless though every time we go out and play we play our hearts out whether its 0-1 person in a bar at Janet’s Landing in Florida an outdoor venue. Janet’s Landing we played there with Avenged Sevenfold, it was sold-out and we heard we were going to play at Janet’s Landing and they pointed us at the spot and it was a bar and a bathroom and this is where you’re playing.
9. What was the first concert you attended as a fan?
Steven: I’m not gonna lie my mom took me to Rod Steward when I was like 8 years old. Then after that it was pretty cool I saw Black Sabbath, Slipknot at Ozzfest.
10. Do you remember the first show Black Tide ever played?
Steven: First show I played as Black Tide yes definitely we use to be called Radio but as Black Tide today since we changed our name and got out of the studio and became more professional and played in Tallesshelle at a Bada Bar which is a 300 something room; with a band called Trivium who are really good friends of ours; I’m sure you’ve heard of them, and Trivium oh my god you guys having us out. It was very overwhelming at the time. So we had two shows one was July 17th 2007 which was at Tallesshelle and the next show was in Nashville.
11. What were you like as a kid?
Steven: I was always kinda be the entertainer make people laugh and be the life of the party but I’ve grown out of that sometimes it comes back but I just try to relax and have fun and play, just put on a show.
12. How did you get started in music?
Steven: I’ve always been interested in music, it’s always been a part of my life the drums being my main craft and started in middle school in the 6th grade it was a 6th grade band or whatever and I started playing the stare drums and bugged my mom every day to get me a drum set. I will love you forever if you buy me a drum set and she was like sure you want a drum set one week and ironically the one thing I really wanted I made it my craft and practiced it every day to the day so in middle school and then played every day I played as much as I could.
13. What's the best thing and worse thing about being in a band?
Steven: *Laughs* I remember I had an answer to this question. The universal answer I could just throw out I think it was Gabriel Garcia, parties so hard he pisses his pants! That’s definitely the best and worst part of being in a band. And it doesn’t happen often just on certain occasions.
14. What do you think about this recession we're currently dealing with?
Steven: It happens, it’s just a cycle I’m really not worried about it it’s just a cycle we have to do and it’s a shame we’re one of the ones that have to suffer through it. That we can’t get things and it affects everyone we just have to live through it and I know we’re going to come out of it.
15. Any other thoughts or comments?
Steven: If you haven’t checked it out already “Light from Above,” it’s been a year to this day that it’s been out, and it’s not too late go get it online check out the MySpace www.myspace.com/blacktide if not then keep your eyes peeled for the new one and bye.
