Defiler just got finished recording their new album. While they wait for it to be mastered, vocalist Jake answered some questions for us.

State your name and role in the band.

Names Jake, I do vocals for Defiler.

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Defiler? How long has the band been around?

I was in a huge number of bands before  starting Defiler, a few were Goodnight Michelle, The Bro Ship, and Valorie.

How did you meet each other?

I had known Ian through the music scene for years, and Ethan lived down the street from me so I’d always hear him shredding away through the garage.

What was the very first concert you attended and how much of an impact did that have on you musically?

Well, the first concert I attended was N’sync, which wasn’t really what got me into it, but the next was Papa Roach, and that’s when i decided music was what I wanted to do.

What’s one thing that you can tell us about Pangaea that everyone wouldn’t know on their own?

It was recorded by me and our old guitarist in about 14 hours. We did almost everything in one take and left.

Tell us about the new album; who produced, guest vocalists, better production, etc

I’ll get in trouble if I say too much, but we produced it ourselves again, at the same studio. We are however in the process of having it mixed and mastered by an unnamed producer.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I write the majority of the music and the lyrics. My topics are life. Anything that creeps into my mind, anything I feel strongly about, whatever.

What are some of your favorite venues/cities that you like to play in? Any standout experiences that you’ve had (good or bad)?

Jacksonville, NC. That show was insane. We played there on the Wayne Static tour, and people went nuts for us the whole time, everyone was incredibly nice to us, it was the best show I’ve ever played and I can’t wait to go back there ASAP.

What venues have the best production from a band point of view?

I think in our area, the DNA Lounge. That place has the sickest sound, an awesome two story layout, and it’s big, while still providing intimacy with the bands performing. Awesome place.

On the band page it says you’re off probation; could you elaborate on that for us?

I had a little jail stint in 2010, and about 6 months of house arrest, and was on probation until yesterday. One of the worst experiences ever, and a portion of the new album revolves around that experience.

Last question: What’s one book and one band that you’d recommend to anyone that listens to your band?

Book - Seven Deadly Sins by Corey Taylor. From a musicians standpoint it’s great to learn about the journey for someone I’ve looked up to for years.

Band - Surroundings from Australia. Straight up kickass tunes, very heavy.