Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band. 

Elle Martins: Vocals, keyboard/piano
Nick Sawicki: Guitar, programming
Jiv Marshall: Guitar
Russ Shipman: Bass, Harsh Vocals/Backing Vocals
Matthew Skypas: Drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Darkstone Crows? 

Before Darkstone Crows, Russ was the only one part of an active band, a punk/metal group called Get!Wise, although everyone was involved with music prior to the band. Elle has been singing since the age of 4, and Nick and Matthew were in a band together, briefly.

How long has the band been around? 

This lineup has been together for eight months (January 2016), although the previous lineup had been together since February 2015 and released a self-titled EP in June 2015.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before? 

Darkstone Crows was sort of an accident, as the original idea was Dark Storm Crows and Jiv just stumbled over her words saying it once. It just stuck. Before that, we were called Pariah, but it was difficult to market that name properly because there are so many bands called Pariah out there.

Who writes your songs? 

We all contribute to writing, most of the lyrics are written by Jiv, and handful are contributed by Russ. Elle and Jiv figure out vocal melodies together, while Russ, Jiv, and Nick write most of the music. Nick has really shone through in that aspect, he's a brilliant improvisationalist and has an unbelievable ear for piecing parts together tastefully.

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

We generally address injustices and global issues, ranging from the pollution of the environment and factory farming practices to health and mental wellness and drug addiction. It really depends on who is writing the lyrics and what is current in the news or even our respective lives. There's a definite difference in lyrical styles between Russ and Jiv, however Jiv writes the vast majority.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making? 

Gojira, Periphery, and Lamb of God currently, but we don't necessarily limit ourselves in that sense. Considering that all our lead vocals are clean, we're definitely working in a strange vein, attempting to fuse aggressive metal riffs with soaring singing. We're a melting pot of influences and won't compromise the possibility of creating a unique sound. We consider every possible avenue of approach to songwriting.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band? 

Russ: AC/DC
Jiv: The Runaways
Nick: Guns N Roses
Elle: System of a Down
Matt: Avenged Sevenfold

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect … 

Some of us clean/polish our instruments, there might be some cursory stretching by our older members (just Russ, he's old). We'll usually have one drink beforehand, but we aren't into getting wasted onstage because the audience deserves their money's worth, not five drunks forgetting their parts.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far? 

We've had the pleasure of opening for a handful of great musicians, such as Lynch Mob, Puddle of Mudd, Jeff Martin of the Tea Party, The Agonist, and Slaughter, so any one of those could be it. However, we don't want to speak too soon because this new album we have coming out this fall is off the charts. Stay tuned for this one!

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why? 

It's hard for us to agree on any specific bands, we all have our favorites. In terms of bands we would fit well with, Disturbed would be one, Halestorm too, but as our sound is still proliferating this could change any time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just an urging to follow us on social media, stay up to date and check out our band life. We are very active online and really make a genuine effort to stay on top of our updates and keep the masses entertained!