Following the recent release of their debut album ‘Nightlife’ on Epitaph, bassist Julien Guy-Béland of Montreal metalcore/dubstep collective Skip The Foreplay recently stepped up to the plate to take part in our regular “If I…” feature.
Read on to find out why he would re-record the bands recent single, which legendary British metal band and international female popstar would play his own festival and more.
If I could re-record one song it would be…
Julien: As funny as it may sound, I think it would be our new single ‘DJ.’ I’m still unsure about the keyboard part in the chorus. We had something different at first and we ended up changing it for the part that is there now. In the end, I’m not sure I like it as much… Maybe I’m just not used to it yet.
If I could re-live one tour/show it would be…
Julien: That’s a good one and it’s kind of hard to answer. I don’t really remember shows. I kind of forget what happened while I was onstage when I get off it so it’s hard to pick out a show that was more fun than the rest. But the whole Falling in Reverse tour was a lot of fun.
If I had the chance to play one venue it would be…
Julien: The Whisky a Go Go on Sunset. I’m a huge Motley Crüe fan so you know.
If I could play with one band it would be…
Julien: Slipknot.
If I could play with any person living or dead it would be…
Julien: David Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust and Thin White Duke Era. Going onstage, he was completely immersing himself into another persona to give another dimension to his music. It was not just a regular rock show; it was a theatrical act, a whole other life. Must have been special to be part of that.
If I could bring back any band that have split up, it would be…
Julien: Pantera or Nirvana. I always wondered how Nirvana would have sounded after ‘In Utero.’
If I wasn’t playing music, I would be…
Julien: A writer. I used to study French literature before I joined the band and was on my way to become a college teacher. I guess you can’t guess that when you read our lyrics.
If I could play a different genre it would be…
Julien: Straight-Up rock.
If I could have written any song it would be…
Julien: ‘Crazy Bitch’ by Buckcherry.
If I could have written any album it would be…
Julien: ’The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ by David Bowie.
If I could headline any festival, it would be…
Julien: Download Festival. I guess you’ve taken it to another level when you’re at that point.
If I could organise my own festival…
Julien: It would consist of Iron Maiden, Kiss, Motley Crüe, Skrillex, LMFAO, Lady Gaga, and Steel Panther.
If I could play any other instrument, it would be…
Julien: I would like to sing and I wish I did not give up on my piano lessons so young.
If I could give one piece of advice to a new band, it would be:
Julien: Stop playing that generic crap and find your own sound. You won’t go nowhere being copycats. Else, have fun and get a good day job.
‘Nightlife’ by Skip The Foreplay is available now on Epitaph Records.
Skip The Foreplay links: Facebook
