This is Side Stage Magazine and I am Evan J. Thomas and tonight I have the pleasure to be speaking with James Cassells of Asking Alexandria
Side Stage Magazine: How much do you like doing interviews?
James Cassells: (Laughs) I actually don’t mind doing interviews. I’m usually the one that if we were partying the night before, I’ll end up doing the interviews the next day because everyone isn’t, like, feeling it and that is the case today since it is Sam’s birthday.
What did you do today here in Chicago?
I haven’t done anything yet, I woke up really late and then I’ve been pretty much doing this. I do intend on doing stuff after the show because it’s an earlier show tonight since we go on stage around 7:45, so when we get off we will have some food and get some drinks. There are a few family style restaurants that I like, there is a place called the Publican that I enjoy.
After Danny left, were auditions held to find a new lead singer or was Denis your #1 guy?
No, we actually didn’t audition anyone. Denis sort of just fit the part so well, he was a fan of the band before he joined, he was familiar with all of our songs, and he has the same taste in music, the same look. Everything just fit so well, so he just replaced him very nicely and he is doing a stellar job. The transition was so smooth and better than we could have thought.
Your new album The Black comes out next month, what type of feedback have you received so far on the album?
Everyone has just been so stoked about the music we have released so far. The music video “The Black” has blown all of our minds with how many views it’s gotten. It has like, millions and millions of views in just a few weeks. It’s really awesome and I am just really stoked on how people are taking it and the album with how it’s written we have so much more to give and I can’t wait for it and everyone to hear it.
Asking Alexandria is playing the Loudest Month Festivals this summer, what are you most excited about when it comes to these mega festivals?
I feel that me and the guys, we see festivals as like, this isn’t our show this is a festival and it’s a proving ground. It’s like, we are out here and there are so many other awesome bands out here, all playing, all performing. It makes us feel like that we want to go out there and kick ass and I want to have a great time on the show and put on THE show and it gets us going.
What are your thoughts on how large the festivals are getting I heard that Carolina Rebellion for example is enormous now?
I’m so stoked. We played it a few years back and that was already sick and the fact that it is bigger and better now is epic.
Who are some of the bands you are looking forward to seeing this year during the World’s Loudest Month Festivals?
Shit, it’s a lot of bands that we have watched on tour before. I’m trying to think of who is on the festivals… I am down to watch that old school shit like the Scorpions and ZZ Top. Since the Scorpions are playing I’ll be down on that for sure.
Do you have a preference playing at a Festival or a Theater venue?
That is a difficult question because I love them in different ways, like tonight it’s a small little theater, bad ass you know because on the floor the people can see from different angles whereas at a festival there is just like a big sea of people, its impressive you know but shows like this are intimate, I feel like you can connect with the fans a little bit more.
What was the scariest moment you ever experienced while on stage and how did you react to it?
There was one scary moment on tour last year where Cameron actually passed out on stage that was pretty scary. We had to stop the show and he was like super fucking dehydrated. That was one of the scariest moments for sure.
Outside of music, what other things are you passionate about?
(laughs) I’m quite a gamer; I like to play Xbox a lot so I do that. I go to the gym 5 days a week, I play with my dogs, that is pretty much all I do.
Does commercial success matter to you?
We started off this band because we love this music and we just wanted to write and perform the music that we loved. The commercial success comes hand in hand with that which is awesome you know. It’s one of those things where you start it because of a love for it and it just becomes your job, so yeah, I like having commercial success for sure but it definitely wasn’t the reason why we started this band. But now you know, I’m 27 years old and I’ve got bills to pay so yeah, I’m happy to get paid to do my music.
Kanye West said that he is the “Greatest Living Rock star of All Time”, What do you think of his statement?
I just think it is retarded, it’s ridiculous. He literally thinks he is just better than anything or anyone, you know. There is a funny meme where there is one of his lines like “Only god can judge me” and then there is the little picture of god looking down on him saying “you’re an asshole”. (laughs) I just think like, come on, get your head out of your ass man.
Do you think Keith Richards will live another 5 years?
(laughs) I hope so, he’s a fucking legend, you know. A lot of greats have been passing away now; it’s a scary time you know.
Thank you again for your time today James and I’ll be catching you tonight on stage. This is Side Stage Magazine and I am Evan J. Thomas.
