Keep up with Andrew here:
www.myspace.com/withfaithorflames
I was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. I made it apparent to the world at an early age that I was destined to be a drummer. For years, I plagued classmates and loved ones with incessant table drumming. Eventually I incoporated foot tapping to the mix and further annoyed everyone in the vicinity. My parents dreaded the idea of having a drumset in their household, so I proceeded to break every stick-like object I could find by using them to play my improvised Book/Box/Bicycle Sprocket kit.
They finally gave in on my 14th birthday.
It felt more natural than anything I’d ever known. I knew right then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I didn’t join a band until I was 17, so for a year, I jammed with some hippies. At 16, I discovered Slipknot and instantly purchased my first double-bass pedal. I was off jamming with nu-metal & punk kids in no time. Things were good. Then I turned 17 and my life was changed forever. I had just transferred schools so I sat by myself at lunch for a bit. One day I overheard two guys say they needed a drummer, so I offered my services. They gave me 2 CD’S to take home and listen to; to more thoroughly understand the sound they were aiming for.. I thought, “Who the hell are Deicide and Pig Destroyer?”
From then on, the blast beats and double bass became a huge part of my daily regimen. I played in a few local bands, ranging from grind & old school thrash to radio rock & hardcore. In December of 2004, I was asked to try out for the metal band With Faith Or Flames. It was magic from the first practice, and we’re still running strong to this day. In August 2006, I drummed for Rifles At Recess for their reunion/final show.
“With Faith or Flames isn’t what you’d expect of a metal band hailing from Chattanooga, TN. Their sound can only be described as ‘Metal’; from their soaring guitar solos and dual harmonies to the thundering double bass and blastbeats, they encapsulate every aspet of the genre.
With Faith Or Flames formed in December 2004, released their debut full-length (engineered by Jamie King: BTBAM, Glass Casket) in December 2005 and began touring nationally in January 2006. Mike Milliken (guitar) was added to the equation in August of 2006 after the departure of Dustin Lane. With Faith Or Flames is currently writing for their next album, aiming for a Summer 2007 release.
With Faith Or Flames is currently unsigned. Band Members Include: Ian Sharp on vocals, Eric Weatherford & Mike Milliken on guitar, Eric Collins on bass, and Andrew Core on drums.”
Andrew Core Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Andrew: I recieved my first full kit when I was 14, but didn’t start playing seriously until I was 16.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Andrew: I played the snare drum in my Jr. High’s concert band. We had a rockin’ rendition of Europe’s ‘The Final Countdown’
SD.com:: Ever take any lessons?
Andrew: Never
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Andrew: (In Chronological Order) Chad Sexton, Matt McDonough, Danny Walker, Brann Dailor, Navene Koperwies
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Andrew: Dave Mackintosh, Joey Jordison, Dave Witte, Marco Pitruzzella, Blake Richardson
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Andrew: Animosity-Empires, Anata-The Conductor’s Departure, Protest The Hero-Kezia, Horse The Band-The Mechanical Hand, Three Six Mafia-Most Known Unknowns
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Andrew: On our last tour, we played in El Paso, TX with Animosity & Through The Eyes Of The Dead at Chic’s Bar & Grill. That show was definitely the highlight of my “career”. My playing felt seamless and in perfect time with the rest of the band. I had a bit of nervousness built up from the huge crowd, but I fed off of it. We recieved a great response, and it only helped to fortify my confidence. We played an amazing set, and I got to witness one of the best shows I’d ever attended.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Andrew: The only drumset I own is a Pearl, so I’ll go with that. I usually play whatever cymbals I can get my hands on. I definitely prefer Vater 2B sticks w/ a nylon tip.
SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Andrew: I don’t drink anything carbonated and I make sure not to get full before shows. Right before we play, I do a few stretches, some rudiments on a pad, air drum some blast beats, & do finger exercises. Nothing too extensive…I save most of my energy for the after-show rituals…
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Andrew: Someone once stopped me after a show and said, “You know, being a good drummer isn’t all about how hard or fast you can play”.
I’d like to tell all young drummers to play as hard and as fast as they possibly can, just to piss off all the people like this in the world. Don’t get offended when people are jealous because they can’t play blastbeats. And never stop practicing. Ever.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Andrew: Dragonforce, by far. I was skeptical at first, thinking there’s no possible way human beings could pull that off live. Then I was standing there, mesmerized once the show had ended, wondering how they played everything so flawlessly with such superhuman energy, all while completely plastered. It’s definitely a sight to see.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Andrew: Waste away in front of this screen. I would seriously have nothing left to live for. But since you asked, I’d probably go to college and work with graphic design. Or start a bmx bike company. I went through 3 years of welding for that and now I’m flinging wood for a living.
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