We speak to the American trio Otherworldly Entity who share their love of performing and supporting other bands.
Band Name: Otherworldly Entity
Members: John Harris (singer), Zlatko Grozl (guitar) & Shawn Washer (drums)
Genre: NuMetal
Founded: September 2018
Originated From: Syracuse, NY, USA
Discography: Cataclysm (EP, 2020), Monster Inside You (March 2022), Sin (September 2022)
How would you describe your music?
Genuine and dynamic. We try to write from the heart, creating an emotional rollercoaster and personal experience for the listener.
What is your musical creative process like?
It’s all over the place, but in a good way. Sometimes we start with lyrics or a line, sometimes we start with a guitar riff and sometimes we start with a drum beat. It just depends on what gets us thinking.
How did the band form?
Initially, the band formed to support John’s solo album, DICHOTOMY. But after a few shows supporting that album, the band became its own thing.
How did you come up with your band name?
John is a professional paranormal investigator, so his experiences were the original inspiration for the band name. When the band started, it was under the name “John Harris and the Otherworldly Entities.” But as the band started writing together, we became a singular entity.
Who influenced you within the music industry?
We were lucky enough to play with the legendary band Cold, which was a huge inspiration for us. But as we’ve been playing with more influential bands, like Ra, Infected Rain, September Mourning, Psyclon Nine, we’ve started moving in a heavier direction because of the energy they bring to each of their shows.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
We play a decent amount. Our show with Infected Rain was an amazing experience. We drove six hours with three days to prepare for this last-minute show. It was Shawn’s first show with the band, in an unfamiliar place (Providence, RI) with an absolutely amazing headliner. Fete Music Hall in Providence treated us so well and the other bands on the show were so kind. There was a line outside of the venue before the show started, and Infected Rain blew our minds.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
Having a creative outlet, but also, having a medium that allows us to connect to our fans on such a real and deep level.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)?
John’s accident last year at Metalfest. He fell off the stage setting up cameras a couple of hours before our set. He ended up breaking several bones, fracturing his skull, having a seizure and ending up with a terrible concussion and a bleed on his brain. He still managed to get on stage and kill the set, and then was immediately rushed to the emergency room. It was terrifying!
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
As a band, we want to tour. We want to see this amazing world and so what we love while seeing it. That’s the dream!
You can find out more about Otherworldly Entity by visiting their website.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
Also, check out my other Music Interview roundups from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022.
