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

Tak Kitara: vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, programmer, sound engineer

Skylar Kitara: bassist, backing fem vocals

Darrell Trussell: guitar, backing vocals

Kyle Potter: guitarist, sound engineer

Billy Alexander: drummer

Drew Greer: video designer and live visual engineer

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

Tak: I have worked in a few bands but most recently I also work in two other groups called Parallel 28 and Sour Gods. Razorwire Halo has been around for a few years but it wasn’t until 2011 that we really found our look and sound.

Darrell: I was in a few bands around KC before joining RWH in the summer of 2012.

Skylar: Outside of school, this is actually the one and only band I’ve ever been a member of.

Billy: My first band was Silence in Solitude, which was female fronted pop rock kinda, had a electric violin which was a cool concept. 2nd was a band called down by default, 2 piece rock/ little reggae sublime influenced band. Just me and my buddy on guitar and vocals. Joined a hard rock band that influenced from Deftones and Chevelle called NOVA, fun 3 piece and we put out an album called “prove to you” which is still on YouTube. Lastly I played bass for a metal local band called Arya which had a male screamer and a female clean vocalist.

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

Tak: Razorwire Halo’s name has never changed. When I was trying to decide on a band name I wanted to make sure the name had some depth to it and would look nice fully spelled out and be able to have an abbreviation. (We shorten it to “RWH”). There isn't actually a deep meaning behind “Razorwire Halo”, just a desired look and feel.

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?

Tak: I am the main writer of the group and manage the overall direction of each album. For years I was the only writer but the crew we have now are very talented musicians and help out in the writing process.

Skylar: We each add something to the tracks. I enjoy helping with the lyrical content.  Our music generally tells a story or portrays a feeling or emotion. Some of the major themes have been dystopian in nature, but we try to maintain a positive approach by encouraging hope and action.

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

Tak: Right now I’m really into Gary Numan’s new album “Savage”, and anything from Nine Inch Nails, Puscifer, Metric and Meg Myers.

Darrell: David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse.

Skylar: Daft Punk, Massive Attack, Nine Inch Nails…

Billy: Deftones, chevelle, she wants revenge.

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

Tak: For me it was Nine Inch Nails. Their live show is like no other. I first saw them live in 1999-2000 on their Fragility tour. I was blown away by it all. That show is what makes me strive to make our show bigger and better.

Darrell: Smashing Pumpkins-Siamese Dream.

Skylar: I’ve always enjoyed creating a collective sound with others since I started with music in elementary school.  Actually, I’d say the first time that I was interested in being in a band (again, outside of school #bandgeek Lol!!) would be seeing Orgy’s “Stitches” music video on MTV way back in the day!!

Billy: deftones, chevelle, ugly kid joe.

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

Tak: I personally internalize mostly to become mentally prepared for the show. Basically firing myself up. I also do vocal warm up exercises and I loosen up my body and stretch.

Darrell: I like to take a walk and clear my head.  (Skylar: This is called “Darrell Time”.)

Skylar: Mostly, I just need to double check that I have everything I need!! All cables plugged in correctly, everything’s on and I have my picks. That, and I probably adjust the placement of my pedal board 52-bajillion times. Lol.

Billy: I stretch a little and get loose. Usually like to listen to a song or two while I do to get the blood flowing and get me amped up.

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

Tak: That is a tough question to answer and we actually get that asked that frequently. A major highlight for me is that we have had the chance to play with many amazing acts over the years and many of them we have admired for years. I also feel like our live show is a major highlight as we have been able to make it much more than just a band playing in a venue; we bring our own immersive experience that pulls people into the entire show. I am also very proud of the group of musicians that I currently work with. They help make this band happen.   (Skylar: Awwweee….)

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

Tak: This would be hands down, Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor was a major musical influence on me growing up.

Darrell: Muse. The passion of both the band and the fans is something to be a part of.

Skylar: I have to go with Nine Inch Nails, too. They’ve always been a favorite and have never stopped impressing me.

Billy: Nine inch nails, stabbing westward, spineshank, there's so many that I could choose from, a lot of these bands have blown my mind and it would be an honor to share the stage with them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tak: We have a new album coming out on March 27th titled, “Retaliate” and a tour to follow.

Darrell: We are excited for everyone to hear the new album.

Skylar: Don’t forget the new video for “Sweat” coming out soon!!  Oh, and you can catch up with the band and all of us thru www.razorwirehalo.com and by simply searching Google. We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram… we’ve got it all. Come say “hi”!! <3

Billy: What they said! Hope you all enjoy!!