Vancouver’s hard-rock icons Art of Dying and their talismanic front man Jonny Hetherington have shown exceptional creativity and dedication to get where they are today. From hours busking on the corners of frozen streets to gatecrashing some of North America’s biggest venues, to writing and recording records of truly earth-shattering proportions, the trajectory of the quartet’s career has astonished both fans and industry insiders alike. Now the band have released their latest EP Nevermore which is out now!
We managed to catch up with Hetherington to talk about the release of their latest EP, fans, inspirations and more!
How proud are you of the release of Nevermore?
I couldn’t be more proud. These songs are very special to us, and judging from the early reaction they’re going to be special to our fans and diehards as well.
How different is it to any of your other releases?
Art of Dying is always evolving and changing and that’s something we like. On the previous record ‘Rise Up’ (2015 Eleven Seven) we got a little harder and with NEVERMORE we’ve circled back to our roots a little more.
How much does your fans mean to you guys?
Our #DieHards mean the world to us. It’s so nice to be able to see them in person out hear in the road. They’ve become a real community where people are finding friendship and support in each other.
You have a load of tour dates coming up, which ones you looking forward to most?
I prefer the small towns like Tyler TX and Flint MI. Those shows are always off the hook.
What’s the music scene like in Vancouver?
You tell me. Lol. I’m not really plugged in at home anymore outside of a few things like the ToddCastPodCast a show my friend puts on. When I’m home I focus more on my Hotsauce company www.jonnyhetheringtonessentials.com.
If you could work with any band in the world, who would that be and why?
I’ve been a huge Pearl Jam fan my whole life. I’d love to hang with Eddie and write and sing together.
What music inspires you guys?
Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Zeppelin, Nirvana, Metallica, U2. Lots of 90s stuff. I also listen to a lot of classical and Americana stuff at home when I’m cooking.
So is there any chance of a full length album next year? Definitely. We are at the helm when it comes to what we release and when, so expect new music more often from Art of Dying. It may be in the form of a full length or more frequent EPs like NEVERMORE.