Unsigned Spotlight: Roaring Truth
Roaring Truth incorporates power melodies and scorching riffs in a fresh, yet classic, delivery of anthemic metal
Interview completed by: Marty Hill
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band:
James Jones (JJ)- vocals, Marty Hill- guitar, Dillon Moses- guitar, Rosin- bass, James Michael McLester- drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to (Roaring Truth)? How long has the band been around?
The main band “veteran” in the group is James Michael McLester. He was most notably in “Solinger” who had great success in the D/FW area in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Roaring Truth has been in existence since February 2015. The band, in its current line-up, came together as a whole in May 2018.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
I originally wanted to name the band “Hard Truth”, but came to agreement with singer JJ to name the band “Roaring Truth”. He asked me, “Have you ever heard a lion roar?”, to which I answered, “No.”, and he said, “Dude, it’s POWERFUL!!!” We tackle a lot of difficult topics, lyrically, within our music, and proclaim truth to darkness. When you’re doing that, and top it off with powerful music, it makes a ROAR!
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?
For our current EP, I wrote the music and was helped lyrically by JJ on a few songs. Our lyrical topics cover drug addiction, fear, existential crisis, and ultimately how love and truth can bring victory in these situations. I think songwriting comes straight from the heart- it’s about who you are, where you have been, and where you hope to go. Music has to be an organic process- not pre-arranged, or it comes out “fake”. I think my songwriting, and ours as a band, will be a wide open road in the future as we continue to navigate this journey called “Life”.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
I am heavily influenced by 70’s AOR rock, 70’s R&B, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal. I feel I’m one big conglomeration of all of these influences. I’m not really a fan of much new music coming out- it has way too much of a mechanized, computerized feel. I’m a “plug in, crank it up” kind of musician. One modern band that I do dig is the Foo Fighters. They are all about volume, hooks, and thought provoking lyrics. I think we need a return to the roots of this type of music to reinvigorate the modern rock scene.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I knew that I had to play guitar and be a musician the first time I heard Van Halen’s “Eruption”, and Kiss’ “Flaming Youth”- It was my destiny LOL. I felt the serious urge to start a band around 2004, but it took several years to find the right mix of guys to bring it to reality. That reality is now Roaring Truth.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Right before we play, I eat an apple or orange for brain food, and I HAVE to wash my hands. I have this strange obsession that I cannot have any oil on my fingertips when I play guitar!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Being “Railer of the Month” on D-Rock radio for January 2018. We also signed a distribution deal with DSN in July 2018. Also, being voted as one of the “Year end Best Of” on KNON in Dallas, and being played several times on 97.1 “The Eagle” in Dallas/Ft. Worth. We are now, however, not under any contract. We are the masters of our own destiny in regards to release and promotion.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Probably Kiss in their 70’s peak- to see their professionalism in setting the bar of live performance to a place never seen before.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for your help in promoting music to the masses. It’s time for a rock-n-roll resurrection! #TexasMetalTempest