Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Julian Bohland: Drums
David Haug: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Jared Easter: Bass Guitar, Vocals
Nick Lassalette: Lead Guitar
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Heat of Damage? How long has the band been around?
“Heat Of Damage was the first real project I was ever a part of. A neighborhood friend of mine and I once started a band in the 6th grade or around then, but we never got any farther than bringing our guitars to my garage. It wasn't until Heat Of Damage, which Julian and I began in 2012, that things became real.” - David.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
“Heat Of Damage has been a constant name, and its origin is rather simple. The phrase ‘Heat Damage’ sounded band-like to me and Julian, but for some reason the preposition ‘of’ in the middle gave it what we thought it needed to fit us. We just thought it sounded cool.” - David
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?
“There's not a been single Heat of Damage song that has been written entirely by one member. Each of us always adds in our own creative twist to a song even if it's during the final writing stages. We definitely like to write about personal situations. As time goes on I could definitely see our lyrical direction be driven more on a stronger, darker poetic element.” - Julian
“We all have a fairly equal share in writing our songs. We each bring our own talents to the table. We write lyrics based on anything that’s relevant in our lives at the moment.” - Nick
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
“Joey Jordison (Slipknot) was the drummer that made me want to buy a double bass drum pedal. The band Slipknot is genuinely what turned me into a headbanger. However, recently the band Miss May I has left me speechless with their new record and I've taken a lot inspiration from them.” - Julian
“I've had a very recent obsession with the band Trivium. In terms of me writing guitar riffs, they are my main inspiration.” - Nick
“I discovered metal and heavy music thanks to Metallica and Iron Maiden, so I owe pretty much all of my musical inspiration to them.” - David
“Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains and Asking for It” - Jared
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
“When I first heard Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin I knew immediately I wanted to pick up a pair of drumsticks and become a musician. I owe my musical endeavors to a strong classic rock influence.” - Julian
“The Beatles were my first musical influence. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be a musician.” - Nick
“I’d enjoyed rock and metal since the first time I heard them played, but it wasn't until I saw an interview with Dave Grohl that I knew I wanted to be a full-fledged musician. He took such pride in his craft, and seemed like the happiest person with his life. I wanted to be just like him.” - David
“Green Day and Avenged Sevenfold inspired me to really get good at playing bass and taking music seriously.” - Jared
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
“Being a drummer I find it very helpful to do various stretching around the body and drinking plenty of water before shows. I once got a cramp in my left hip through an entire song and had to play through it in uncomfortable pain. Swore from that point on I'd start stretching before performances. Also getting lots of rest and exercising during the week works wonders. Especially with a musical style of playing that demands speed, endurance and accuracy.” - Julian
“I tune my guitar and stretch a little bit before we get on stage, that's pretty much it.” - Nick
“Vocal warmups and drinking water, the obvious elements for a vocalist, are the key pre-show rituals I have. Before I hit the stage, I stretch as much as I can and breathe deeply. I’d say my pre-show routine is simple, yet effective.” - David
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
“Heat Of Damage totally packed the Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA for our Open Fire CD release show. We definitely put on a great show for that crowd.” - Julian
“Honestly, playing in front of a packed house at Ace Of Spades in Sacramento for the first time is something I'll never forget.” - Nick
“I have to say that our album release show at The Boardwalk was our biggest highlight. We headlined a highly esteemed Sacramento venue, finally got our album into people’s hands after a long wait, and played in front of a packed-house crowd.” - David
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
“I think we would fit right in on a tour with Megadeth. I could list so many bands I'd love to tour with but I feel like we'd fit that bill the best.” - Julian
“For me, to be honest, I would Love to Tour with Papa Roach. Those guys are a huge inspiration for me.”- Nick
“The Deftones. I would love to tour with the Deftones.” - Jared
“There are so many bands who I know I’d never forget touring with, but if I had to choose a single one, I’d have to take to the road with Of Mice & Men, hands down.” - David
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Support local musicians! Your favorite bands all had to come from somewhere, and thanks to the support of their local areas, they were able to grow into the bands you know them as today. Be a part of someone’s dream!” - David