Coming Into Their Own – An Interview With Goya


1276795_608858279170962_1971244100_o (1)Continuing our series from the Second Annual Southwest Terror Fest- “The Year Of The Snake”, Ryan Clark caught up with Jeff Owens of Goya in an exclusive interview for Ghost Cult . The front man of the doom merchants discussed the bands’ new release 777, the local scene, and the value of making great records that stand the test of time.

What are your thoughts on the heavy music scene in Arizona? If you could change one thing about it for the better, what would that be?

We’ve got lots of good bands and good people involved in the shows here in Arizona. We simply need more people to come to more shows. Sometimes on bills with a couple of local openers and some touring bands, no one shows up for the locals and arrives just in time to see the touring acts. So, more participation is vital.

 

How would you describe Goya’s sound and what are your future plans?

We’re heavily influenced by Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath, and Sleep. We stick to the formula but are coming into our own thing as well. Our new drummer, Nick, has really helped with the overall sound. We have an upcoming vinyl release titled 777, Laney Oleniczak did the artwork for the thirty copies of the limited edition for it, and this will be her first full length LP cover.

 

 

Do you think events like Southwest Terror Fest are great opportunities to expose new people to the underground scene?

Absolutely, 100%. Maryland Deathfest has expanded over the year, Obscene Extreme started small and blew up. As long as people are keeping at it and supporting it! It’s nice to have an event like Terror Fest in your own backyard.

 

Which of the two is more important: Live performance or a recording? Or is it somewhere in the middle?

The recording is the most important, though live performance is still vital. A recording is the thing people will hear everyday. Listen to The Doors. Unless you are old enough to have seen them live, all you have is the recording of such awesome music. So records are the lasting impression. Especially solid and organic albums that hold up well with repeated listens. You need to hone your live performance skills none the less, though. Reaching people live is important and leads them to your recording if they haven’t heard you on the internet yet or by way of a friend.

 

Goya on Facebook

Ryan Clark