I, The Oracle is a five piece metalcore band from Chesapeake, Ohio

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

Justin Hundley - Vocals
Austin Roberts - Lead Guitar
Sam Hayes - Rhythm Guitar
Shayne Holder - Rhythm Guitar
Dakota Helton - Bass Guitar
Chris Shockley - Drums

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

Justin and Sam were in From This Day Forward. Sam was in Merciless Foe. Dakota is currently involved with The Naked Robots while Austin is involved in Anchors Aweigh.

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

The original name was actually Awaken to Insanity. An online poll was conducted where our fans voted on the new name, I, the Oracle. So no real origin behind it but we think it fits.

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?

The writing process is a group effort. We all work together on guitar riffs, breakdown patterns, lyrics and vocals. Our overall message as a band is to encourage people to follow their dreams as well as letting them know they aren't alone in the daily struggles they go through. We don't feel that message will ever change. We basically relay our own experiences and emotions for our listeners to relate to.

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

Wow, that could be a long list. We all have our own influences but I think some of the bands that inspire our overall sound would be: I, the Breather, Asking Alexandria, Capture the Crown, Traitors, Beartooth, Chelsea Grin, I See Stars, Memphis May Fire.

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

I believe we all have those particular influences. I (Justin) personally gained my inspiration after listening to Linkin Park for the first time. But our list of influences could go on and on haha.

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

We have been trying to orchestrate a full band warmup routine before shows, although it doesn't always happen. Chris will play around on his kit, I do some stretching and vocal warm ups. Dakota likes to give our guitarists a nice forearm massage on occasion as well.

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

Honestly our biggest highlight would probably be the mini tour under Afflicted Records that we have coming up here shortly. We will be starting in Michigan on April 24th, hitting Indiana on the 25th with Everyone Dies in Utah, then ending in TN on the 26th. That or our recent signing to Afflicted Records. Both of those are huge!

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

Personally I would love to tour with Capture the Crown. Mainly because I love their style and they all seem like some pretty good guys. You could also add Beartooth, Chelsea Grin, Korn, I See Stars and I, the Breather to that list as well.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to thank everyone that has supported us since day one. We still have a long road ahead of us, but we never would've made it this far without them. We do what we do for the fans. Not for the music, popularity or anything else. We love you guys!