Xander Demos is one of today’s premier shred metal guitarists. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, he currently fronts his own band, XDB and has performed as a member of national tribute act, James Rivera’s Sabbath Judas Sabbath, as well as playing in Rivera’s solo band and Raxus Prme. Xander performs in excess of 100 times a year, and he is active in recording collaborations with artists all over the world.
Check out brand new music and a quick interview about “Dancing Through Daggers”.
Why did you select this song as your current single?
It was the first track completed for the next album, which was essentially going to be the first album we were recording as a “band.” My first album was a solo project, and after performing live with the same band for the better part of 2 years, we morphed into a band project. This track is also being featured on the Guitar Wizards Vol 3 and 4 compilation, coming out this fall on Versailles Records.
How does this single relate to the rest of the Album, EP or Mix-tape?
Well, the band album is on hold for now, so I may be using this single, or a different version of it, for my 2nd “solo” album. We’re about 3 or 4 songs into it, already. I’ve got some great guest players on this new album, as well as some surprises along the way. So, this single will probably show up, in some form or another, on the new solo album. We may re-record some parts. As far as style goes: This one is a bit heavier and darker than some of the stuff on the new record. It’s a vocal track, which I think 80% will be, on this record..vs. 80% instrumental on the first one.
What was the writing process for the song?
I came up with the main riff/chord progressions, and the rest of the band (which was then, XDB and now Raxus Prime) added their own stamps on it. Mario, the lead singer came up with the lyrics.
What does this song’s lyric mean to you?
Again, Mario Brescia wrote the lyrics, so you would have to ask him. haha. No, I can relate to the lyrics. It’s basically about feeling extremely beat down and burdened by the world around you, and just finding a way to survive and rise above it. Meanwhile, the rest of the world sees you as having it all…it’s a song of quiet despair.
What would it be like to see you in person performing this song?
We’ve performed it many times, from Philly to Baltimore, to Cleveland, to Nebraska! We throw our all into it, and always deliver 100%. Mario is a tremendous live performer, and the musicians in the band are at the top of their crafts. The fans always seem to give it all right back to us. So, I think this track has alot of live energy to it. Nothing like seeing the crowd singing the chorus back to us.
Could your fans summarize who you are as an artist by this song?
Not really. Sure, there are alot of influences in it: Dio, Whitesnake, Dokken, Maiden, Yngwie, but with the vocals being in the forefront on this one, it’s a bit different than most of the first album. But, I suppose, they could get a feel for what style of music they will get from me: melodic, classic rock-influenced, metal with attitude and shredding solos.
Is there a video planned and or completed and if so, what was the idea behind the video?
No video to speak of. We have it on youtube, just for the song’s sake. It has around 80,000 views I think.
One last question, what is your motivation behind your music?
Sharks, space, movies and melodies…and of course, the fans. Without them, what is the point? Thanks for having me!
Social media:
www.xanderdemos.com
www.facebook.com/xanderdemosmusic
www.twitter.com/xanderdemos
www.youtube.com/xanderdemos
Upcoming shows:
October 13th – Pittsburgh, PA Opening for Tony MacAlpine at Hard Rock Cafe
November 11th – Pittsburgh, PA Opening for Richie Kotzen at Altar Bar
November 15th – Pekin, IL Rock N Skull