Unsigned Spotlight: Leaving Eden
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Eve lead vocals, Ryan Manning Drums, Johnny V Bass, Eric Gynan Guitars/Vocals
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to?
Myself and Eve have been In Leaving Eden for over 10 years, Ryan was in the touring band “And then there were none”
How long has the band been around?
Over 10 years of “Down in the dirt & through the gutters” of Rock and roll!
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The name has never changed. What we call Eden right here on planet Earth, it would be nice to go somewhere else too to visit, thus “Leaving Eden”
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?
I use what I call a clear connection to the Universe, tap into the energy out there and just listen. It comes simply and really fined tuned, all we got to do is transfer it to a recording and presto! Everyone then put’s their “musical take” on it. The lyrics come also from a Universal connection as well as being based on real life experiences paired with the struggle between good and evil forces that are always around.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We like the old school as well as the new, So Sabbath, Disturbed, Shinedown, Janis Joplin, Suicidal tendencies, Kiss, Pop Evil… too many to list.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Again really so many, But my older brother would turn me onto Richie Blackmoore, Sabbath, Zeppelin and the inspiration continues to be ever-changing as we move ahead.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
We all do some stretching and mental meditation for lack of a better word. Just try and find that place of inner peace. I like to do some push ups and some boxing techniques to loosen up as well.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
So many! Leaving Eden has Toured The USA, UK & Canada sharing the stage with hundreds of the biggest national bands in the world including; Lacuna Coil, In This Moment, Black Sabbath (Heaven & Hell), Ronnie James Dio, Rob Zombie, 5 Finger DeathPunch, Disturbed, Marylyn Manson, Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZTop, Puddle of Mudd, Korn, Killswitch Engage, BuckCherry (Jefferson Starship, Big Brother and The Holding Company, Country Joe, 10 Years After, 40th Anniversary Woodstock) Shinedown, Dropkick Murphy's, Alice in Chains, Papa Roach, Bret Micheals, Halestorm,Theory of a Deadman, Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Hell Yeah, Trapt, Dope, Soil, Fuel, Queensryche, Saving Abel, Hinder, Damage Plan, 7Dust, Sebastian Bach, SoulFly, Days of the New, NonPoint, DrowningPool, The Misfits, The Butcher Babies, Collective Soul, MushroomHead, Mudvayne, Chevelle, Godsmack, Powerman 5000, 10Years, Taproot, Gin Blossoms, Michael Schenker (UFO, MSG & The Scorpions) Herman Rarebell (The Scorpions), Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Kittie, One eyed doll, Uncle Kracker, Tremonti (Creed/Alterbridge) Lamb of god, Slayer, Stone Sour, Motorhead, Blackstone Cherry, HOOKERS & BLOW Featuring GUNS N' ROSES, QUIET RIOT, W.A.S.P. Members, Steven Tyler, Ted Nugent, Lita Ford, LA Guns, Trixter, Warrant, Apocalyptic Review (featuring members of Godsmack) & many more..
So playing with Dimebag before he passed, or Ronnie James Dio before he passed. I mean, that can never happen again. Lot’s of great artists we’ve shared the stage with and really down to earth people man!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Metallica, Megadeath because they know how to put on a concert in style!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Well this was really cool man! Hopefully we’ll catch ya on our way through and Peace!