Southern California hard rockers Them Evils are in the spotlight for this week’s Meet The Band. They just released the EP Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free. Drummer David Delaney II introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Them Evils.
David Delaney II: Jake and Jordan had been playing music for quite some time, much longer than the existence of the band. After leaving the Vegas music scene and moving to Huntington Beach is when it became Them Evils. After going through a bunch of drummers, I got introduced to Jordan through a mutual friend. We jammed some Alice In Chains and Metallica and it just clicked. As Them Evils we started writing songs, booking tours, and the rest is history.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free.
This time around was much different than how we recorded our previous EPs. We’ve been super busy touring for the last year, so when we had down time available we would write as much as we could. When we got into the studio with Kato Khandwala (The Pretty Reckless, Pop Evil), there was a whole new energy. He really knew how to push us to get the best songs out. It was a learning process for us too, being with someone with a resume like his. His recent tragic death has hit us hard and we’re still trying to process it. He was a friend, a mentor, and a truly amazing person. We will miss him greatly.
How has your sound progressed from your previous EPs/releases?
There was more focus on the lyrics, and more mature on our writing and playing than our previous releases. Same balls out attitude, but we paid more attention to certain details like guitar tones, groovy drum beats, lyrical concepts and painting a picture with the songs.
What led you to do a PledgeMusic campaign, and how has the response been?
Being an independent band is hard on all our pockets. We’ve heard of other sites like GoFundMe and Indiegogo, but we all thought that PledgeMusic had more to offer. For example, you get a free digital copy of Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free with any purchase along with access to exclusive studio and tour footage. It allows more interaction with fans and they get to be a part of the album. We have a ways to go, but overall we’ve been pleased with the campaign. Our fans are the best and we are truly grateful for their support!
What have been some of the highlights of your recent tour with Red Sun Rising and others?
The whole Red Sun Rising tour was exciting, because I personally hadn’t heard their music prior to touring with them. Since then I’ve purchased both their albums and now the songs have more meaning to me after seeing it live night after night. They’re a great band, we can’t wait to run into them again at all the Danny Wimmer Festivals we’re doing together (Welcome to Rockville, Carolina Rebellion, Rock On The Range).
You have dates on the calendar through early June. What else is in the pipeline for the rest of the year?
We’re gonna continue to tour, write some more music, and then we’re going to do it all over again. We’ll be announcing more dates soon, so follow us on social media and track us on BandsInTown.
What has been your most memorable Them Evils live show to date?
My most memorable show was in Destin, FL. It was the final night of our tour with Zakk Sabbath and his crew decided to pull a prank on me. We were in middle of the set and the stage crew started taking random pieces of my drum kit away. As I was getting used to the new setup, Joey Castillo came on stage with my missing pieces of the kit and put them back. He threw up the rock horns at me and then left the stage. Joey is a huge influence on mine, so I thought that was pretty cool!
What’s your favorite way to kill time on the road?
I’ll read a book, or try writing. If the weather’s right I go skate around the city.
How did you get started in music?
I’ve always been around music. My parents usually had music playing in the house and I have an uncle that was a musician. I developed a habit of tapping on stuff and it drove my family crazy, so a drum set was the solution. (laughs)
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
Dave Grohl is my biggest influence. He’s got it all: skill, stage presence, personality, and success.
What was the first rock/metal concert you attended?
My first rock show was Los Angeles punk legends, X. It was also my first mosh pit!
Seen any good movies/DVDs lately?
Jake and I are anxiously waiting to see Avengers: Infinity War. We geek out on comic book films and tend to use days off to go see them. I recently played the movie The Professional with Jean Reno and Gary Oldman. Oldman is great at playing a psychopath! We also tend to watch Rob Zombie’s horror films. Jordan is a die-hard horror fan.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’ve personally been listening to a lot of Queens Of The Stone Age, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails lately.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Go to iTunes or our PledgeMusic and order Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free and stream the songs on Spotify and Pandora. You can reach all our social media pages, upcoming shows, and whatever else through our website themevils.com. Come see us live, we want to meet you!
(interview published May 5, 2018)
