Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Suzy Martinez - Vocals
Jessica Patterson - Drums
Justin Patterson - Guitar
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to ILIA? How long has the band been around?
Oh wow, too many projects to list, haha. Jessica has always been the founder and remaining original member of ILIA, and Suzy has done a solo project before joining the band. JP has been all around the country partaking in several bands.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
ILIA is a Hebrew name that means “God is Lord.” We feel that that reflects our beliefs and message as a band. The band’s name used to be “Relentless Pursuit,” but there were other bands that had that name, so Jessica decided to change it at the time.
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?
We all write our own respective parts in each song. It usually starts with a melody or riff, and build the song from there. Our songs will always be about anything that is honest. It may be something about our personal lives, or a situation that a friend is going through. We will always have lyrics that are meaningful and have a story behind them.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Thousand Foot Krutch, Breaking Benjamin, The Devil Wears Prada, Twenty-one Pilots, Sent by Ravens, Sevendust, Wolves at the Gate, Disciple, In This Moment, The Word Alive, and Skillet.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Flyleaf, Skillet, Sent By Ravens, The Devil Wears Prada, Silverstein, Red, Switchfoot, 10 years, and many more.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
We do have a pre-show routine. Usually doing a short run, lifting weights, jumping jacks, stretching, pep-talk, and a prayer. Then we do the mighty ducks chant. Lol!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Probably getting to play some of the big festivals in the country. Festivals that really big names play like Switchfoot, Family Force 5, Toby Mac, and Lecrae. Also, Recording our new album with award-winning producer Travis Wyrick at Lakeside Studios, in Knoxville, TN was a huge highlight. He stretched our abilities and helped us grow in so many ways.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Of course, anyone in our market wants to tour with Skillet or Switchfoot. They’re probably the biggest names in the Christian Rock industry. As for secular artists: Breaking Benjamin!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
For anyone in a band or trying to make music your career. Don’t give up. It takes years and years. Just be the best you can be everyday, learn from experience, and get your music out there. Practice hard enough to deserve to be heard. Tour smarter, not harder. Team up with the right people, and do your research before trusting the wrong ones.
Check out ILIA's lyric video for "As Winter Stays"!
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