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All images courtesy of Breaking The Law PR

Recently, we caught up with veteran six-stringer, Armand John Anthony of Night Demon. Among other things, we touch on how Night Demon is kicking off 2022, the band’s early years and formation, the band’s latest compilation, Year of the Demon, and a whole lot more.

If you would like to learn more about Night Demon, the link to their webpage is here. Once you’ve checked that out, dig into this interview with Armand. Cheers.

Andrew:
Armand, thank you for taking the time. Let’s dig right in. As a young musician, what first gravitated you toward the guitar?

Armand:
Growing up, I was always around music as my dad is a musician, although the type of music he played was more traditional Greek music. As far as rock and heavy metal, I guess growing up in the 80s and watching MTV as a young child piqued my interest. Seeing bands like Twisted Sister as a four or five-year-old really left an impact. So, when I discovered my dad had a Gibson Les Paul custom tucked away in the closet, I couldn’t help myself from taking it out when no one was home and starting to hone my rocking skills. [Laughs]. After that, and a tape my cousin gave me labeled Appetite for Destruction, there was no turning back.

Andrew:
What were some of your early gigs where you cut your teeth?

Armand:
I guess my first official gig playing guitar was a Christmas recital at the music store where I took lessons when I was about eleven years old. I got to play “Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry, so that was as rock ‘n’ roll as I could get at something like that. After that, it was various house parties until the first time playing a legit venue called The Ventura Theater in our hometown of Ventura, CA. Funny enough, Jarvis [Leatherby] was doing some booking there at the time, and booked my band to open for Jesus and Mary Chain. It was a dream come true to finally play on that big stage where I had seen so many shows before.

Andrew:
Take me through your indoctrination into Night Demon. How did you join the band?

Armand:
I joined Night Demon over some wings and beer at Black Angus. I had a long relationship with the guys in Night Demon from recording them a couple of times in the studio. When they brought up the idea of me joining the band, it was a no-brainer. I was ready to start hitting the road with a band that I saw create a great fanbase for themselves. It also was an easy choice because of the history I had with the guys. I’d known Jarvis since high school, and our bands growing up played many shows together. I was also in a band with Dusty [Squires] for about three years called New Liberty.

Andrew:
Tell us about Night Demon’s new release, Year of the Demon.

Armand:
Year of the Demon, as we like to call it, is a really cool compilation of the singles we released in 2020. I am really happy to offer all these songs to the new and old fans all in one place. The singles were very limited numbers of 7″ vinyl records that all sold out as soon as they were announced. Although you could find all the A-sides on the streaming services, the B-sides were exclusive to the 7″s. Now they are all in one place, with awesome new cover art by Donny Phillips, and a new master by yours truly.

Andrew:
The band also has a new studio album in the works, right? What more can you tell us?

Armand:
The new studio album will be an expansion on things we’ve done in the past, and some new experimental types of songwriting, and sonic landscapes. I’m really excited about hearing the reaction from fans. I think it’s gonna be the best Night Demon record yet!

Andrew:
From a songwriting perspective, how have you evolved to this point? What’s changed from your younger years?

Armand:
I guess more of an understanding of music theory and how to create a tight package of a song. Knowing when to try new things, and having the confidence to go into new areas without worrying too much about what people are going to think. I’ve learned it’s most important to make myself happy with the music before thinking about what people might want to hear, etc.

Andrew:
Night Demon seems to be committed to keeping “traditional metal” alive. Why, as a band, is that something which is important to you?

Armand:
Because it’s the best type of metal! It was an inspiring period, which took elements of punk and hard rock and melded them into a glorious spandex-wearing time. Although we shy away from the spandex. [Laughs]. It’s also a great community of fans and bands that all work and party together, and keep each other going in some of these tough times we’ve faced recently.

Andrew:
What other passions do you have? How do those passions inform your music, if at all?

Armand:
There is no greater passion for me than music, besides playing in the band I am recording in my studio helping other bands create the best music they can. My passion for sounds and equipment rivals me being onstage giving 1000% to the fans every night on tour.

Andrew:
What sort of gear are you using in the studio vs. the live setting?

Armand:
Pretty much the same gear. I might use some different amps from time to time, but my main sound is an 80s or pre-Marshall, and a Peavy 5150. I like a mix of the classic with the modern. I might use different guitars in the studio besides Flying V’s. On the new record, I did most of my solos with a Fender Stratocaster. It’s a cool sound against the thick-sounding humbuckers from my Les Pauls or Flying V’s

Andrew:
Last one. What’s next on your docket? What are you looking forward to most in the pos-COVID world?

Armand:
Getting back on the road and seeing all the crazy metalhead motherfuckers around the world!

Interested in learning more about Night Demon? Hit the link below:

Be sure to check out the full catalog of VWMusic Interviews, by Andrew Daly, here: www.vinylwritermusic.com/interviews