Keep up with John here:
Matrikhore – Rochester, NewYork (1989-1993)
Withered Earth– Rochester, New York (1995-2001), 1998 released .Forgotten Sunrise. on Europe.s Cryptic Soul Productions, 2000 released .Into The Deepest Wounds. on Olympic Records, nationally touring with metal greats; Deicide, Marduk, Gorguts, Vader, Skinless, Origin, Impaled, and Enter Self. Also played at various metal fests including, Milwaukee Metal Fest and the New England Metal Fest.
Armcarver–Rochester, New York(2003-2004)
(god-rot)– Rochester, New York (2005-Present), recorded .The Decayed State. at More Sound Studios in Syracuse, New York.
John Paradiso Interview:
SD.com: I remember hanging with you, back when you lived with Culross. Can you share a story about that experience?
John: Dave and I lived together in Rochester for a couple of years. I remember when we flew down to Tampa, Florida so he could try out for Malevolent Creation….the rest is history.
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
John: 15 years old
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
John: I went to school band for a week. I honestly hated it. I just didn.t really like the music.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
John: No, I watched my father and practiced to Slayer and Ozzy.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
John: My father, John Bonham, Phil Collins, Dave Witte, and Frederik Andersson.
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn't mean favorites, who are your favorites?
John: My favorite drummers are all of the great drummers that I have had the opportunity to grow up with, here in Rochester, and watch become who they are today.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD's that are in your current rotation
John: Burnt By The Sun, Tool, System Of A Down, Karma To Burn, and Portishead.
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
John: No, actually I am very critical about my playing. I feel like my best night has yet to come.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
John: I really love what I.m using now. Mapex drums and Sabian cymbals
SD.com: Last night we talked about how you spend 20minutes or so, before each show, checking your set for adjustments.(to avoid problems onstage) Do you have any other pre-show rituals?
John: Recently, it has been a good dinner and a cup of coffee, then Relaxation and getting focused with stick warm ups.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
John: “Stick with it” and focus on your tempo. A steady tempo is very important.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you've ever seen?
John: I was in Boston, on tour, and I saw a guy playing on 5 buckets, in the street, and he blew my mind. Then, I saw Phil Collins and Chester Thompson Live @ HSBC Arena 1996, Buffalo, NY.- Absolutely, the best Live performance ever.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
John: I would open up a recording studio, and record all types of bands. I enjoy music way too much to just walk away forever.
Thank You very much Bro. I will talk to you soon!
John Paradiso
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