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Madzilla are a four-piece melodic metal band from Las Vegas, recent single ‘The Last Goodbye’ has been on heavy rotation here at DGM Towers for some time now and the band were gracious enough to fill in the blanks on our introduction to Madzilla…
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
The Band officially launched in 2018, but the project itself began years earlier, when an unfortunate car accident, in which David Cabezas lost a great childhood friend, lead to the creation of the band’s earliest single “Judgment Day”, a song dedicated to the final moments of life, and the loss of a loved one.
Having a few songs written, David felt the need to get his ideas and feelings heard, which lead to the creation of the band.
Madzilla LV are David Cabezas (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Daniel Gortaire (Bass/ Background Vocals), David Oliveri (Guitar/Background Vocals), and Robert Wiggin (Drums).
Most recently, we toured alongside Max Cavalera’s Metal Legends “Soulfly”, in February 2020.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
A bit nervous of course, but mostly excited. We all come from quite extensive backgrounds within the music industry, so we’ve all done our share of touring.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
We like to play fast and heavy. But we are also very melodic. Since we all have quite extensive musical backgrounds, the combinations of our influences create a hefty mix of classic thrash metal and melodic heavy metal.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
We believe every band has something unique to them. Even two bands of the same style have some features that are specific to them. What a band needs to do is figure out what it is they have within their “toolbox” that no one else is doing, and use that to make their music. Everyone has something, it’s just about finding it.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We are always writing new stuff. The Madzilla Train never really stops. So there will definitely be a few new releases in the not too distant future. However, we are also working on music videos for the songs on our EP that is currently out.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
We like sharing the stage with as many different bands as possible. Every show we play we try to be there for all the other band’s sets. It’s always good to hear what others have to offer, and you always learn new things from it.
But to answer your question more specifically, maybe Five Finger Death Punch, since they’re from Las Vegas as well, it would be a fun lineup.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
We like the Las Vegas local band Cirka Sik, they’re great and very innovative. We’d love to see them take off!
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
David C (Lead vocals/Guitar): I think listening to Metallica’s And Justice For All… did it for me. I had never heard anything like it before, that record is the reason I got into metal. It opened my mind to endless possibilities.
Robert (Drums): When Kiss’ Creatures of the Night came out I took drums more seriously from then on. It has the biggest drum sound on any record before or since. They called it their drum record!
Daniel (Bass): I was a little 10 year old boy when a friend introduced me to Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power, and Sepultura’s Arise. When I first heard the sound of distorted guitar chords I knew my life will be filled with endless Rock Music love
David O (Guitar): Iron Maiden’s Seventh Son of a Seventh Son was the first album I ever owned. Dave Murray’s guitar solo on the title song of the album is my favorite guitar solo of all time!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
David C: Megadeth!! It was great seeing them with the current lineup! I’m a huge Kiko Loureiro fan, so seeing him with Megadeth was amazing!
Robert: A local band named Tyrians By Night. They’re from Las Vegas, and I’m friends with the drummer and bassist.
Daniel: His at the T-Mobile Arena, it was my first time seeing my idols’ flawless performance. It was like they were still in their 20’s!
David O: Generation Axe
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
David C: A Day at the Races by Queen
Robert: The entire Too Short discography
Daniel: Bon Jovi “Have a Nice Day”
David O: Everything by Norah Jones
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the music industry is still currently on standby. However, we believe that music streaming is the one thing that has kept music alive today, and it allows musicians to get their music heard, and it gives you a better reach. Therefore, we’re currently working on new releases.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
A lot of what we do is done through social media, we’re always creating consistent media content to allow the band to always have something new to share with our fans. We also use streaming platforms such as Spotify, or Youtube.
Please follow us, and enjoy!!
