Page 116 - ION Indie Magazine November December 2019 Issue

Marty Haviik: Omar and Jonathan, my friends, thank you for your time in answering a few
questions for me and for our readers. First question, what defines Stands With Fists in sound
and style?

Omar Hernandez: It's like cinematic metal to us; it's another soundtrack to life. But it's hard to pinpoint
a specific genre because we are heavy, but yet we can take it down several notches -- down to a very
mellow realm. There are a lot of different influences each person draws from when writing, but it's
definitely without a doubt rock. Whether it is metal, hard rock, progressive, psychedelic, or whatever
else, we'll leave that up to the listener.

Jonathan Russell: Cinematic metal!

MH: From where do you get your inspirations?

OH: I think a lot of our inspiration is linked directly to our struggles as a band and as individuals in our
own lives. Luckily, we just like to create together and we find joy in sharing what we do with people. It's
inspiring to know that someone out there is having a personal connection with our music just like we've
had that same connection with countless other artists throughout the years.

JR: My inspiration comes from love and passion and the relationship between the 2.

MH: Who came up with the idea for 3D glow show? That is genius!

OH: One day we decided to throw some paint on and play, and every show after just kept getting bigger
and more elaborate. Jonathan exchanged ideas with renowned artist Brian Carlton -- next thing you
know the first 3D glow show/art installation was born and we have been doing it ever since. We don't
do it very often because it takes a great deal of time and effort to do it right, but when we do put it
together everyone seems to really enjoy it.

MH: How did the band come up with the name Stands With Fists?

OH: When we first got together, we tossed a lot of ideas around for about a week or so. We wanted
something that sounded kind of tribal, kind of primal, along the lines of Running with Scissors or
something with that. We settled for Stands with Fists. It made sense especially since we all had been
through band breakups and that whole deal, but here was this name stating the we were still standing
and we were going to keep going. In time, the meaning became much broader because fists can convey
so many diverse emotions.

MH: What gives you guys the inspiration to perform music and art? I've heard that your show
takes a lot of time to prepare. True?

JR: Some of them do. I love putting heart into the entertainment at a show and how much it bends the
mind.

MH: What does the future have planned for Stands With Fists?

JR: Stands With Fists will be recording new songs and releasing singles one by one over the next 6
months.

MH: Any last words of inspiration for up and coming bands or musicians around the world?

JR: Build your craft everyday...every single day.