Coldopen is a post hardcore band from Toronto, Canada.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Josh (Vocals), Luc (Guitar/Vocals/Synths), Julian (Drums/Bass)
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Coldopen? How long has the band been around?
Luc: Coldopen is fairly new, formed in the summer of 2019. Prior to the band forming, Julian & I were previously in the Toronto-area post hardcore band Body Doubles. Josh performed vocals for deathcore band Last Of A Dying Breed before joining metalcore band Key To The North.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Luc: We’re huge movie & TV fanatics - the name literally refers to the types of no-context opening scenes we see in alot of horror, action, comedy, etc. - straight to the action type stuff!
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?
Luc: Our music originates in my laptop and is then expanded on by Julian & Josh to create the resulting sound.
Josh: Our music is a reflection of the personal difficulties and challenges we’ve each faced over the years. We use these experiences to create something cathartic, something unique, something that we could call our own.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Josh: Each member of the band brings in a catalogue of inspirations of different sounds and elements, but to list a few bands - Linkin Park, I Prevail, Bring Me The Horizon.
Julian: Deftones, Glassjaw, Incubus, Stray From The Path.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Josh: Seeing the raw emotions and pure energy in artists of past generations like Jim Morrison and Johnny Cash inspired me to pursue a life in music.
Julian: Growing up in the ‘MTV era’ exposed me to bands like Blink 182, Sum 41 and Matthew Good Band, all of which inspired me to join a band. But it wasn’t until seeing Chiodos in the 9th grade that made me say to myself, “that’s what I want to do.”
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Josh: Usually before a show, I like to clear my head by listening to some of my favourite music before doing some vocal warm-up exercises. That gets me ready to kick ass onstage!
Julian: I like to have a clear mind and full control of myself while on stage. This usually means I don’t drink alcohol before playing a set. I always stretch before sets mostly because of my sporadic movements during a live show. Nothing’s worse than having your leg lock on you during a performance! When playing live drums, aside from stretching, I go through rudiments, practice the songs on pads and get my body loosened up.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Luc: Our video for this track hit 15K views in just under a week - that was pretty motivating for a band just starting to get it’s feet wet.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Josh: Linkin Park would be my vote. They seemed like they put on an incredibly high energy and entertaining show every time!
Julian: Glassjaw, hands down. Aside from them being one of my all-time favourite bands, I’ve never seen a band with so much energy and full-bodied performance deliver such a raw sound.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Luc: We want to thank you for talking shop with us. Our debut single “Opiate Casket” is available anywhere you stream music and we have lots more in the works!