Formally a member of The Dear Hunter, Erick Serna was once one of the last 2 original members in the band. Now on his own, Erick has started his own band, Erick Serna and The Killing Floor. Spending time recording in “The Barn” (a fully functioning recording studio located in Northern Connecticut put together by Josh Rheault of Mercies), Erick crafted a bluesy album that will make ears bleed. Showcasing his guitar skill, Erick put all his heart and soul into this album, creating a wonderful sound that is bound to blow you away. Head over to http://erickserna.bandcamp.com and give Erick Serna and The Killing Tree a try. If you like music, you’ll surely enjoy their new album, The Grip.
1) Tell us the history about Erick Serna & The Killing Floor. How would you describe your sound?
There’s not too much history yet because everything is so new, haha. Maybe one day there will be a worthy “History of Erick Serna and The Killing Floor” to speak of, but I tend to take things as they come, so let’s leave that be for now. I would describe the sound as heavy, loud and sometimes psychedelic blues rock. I’ve always been into blues infused music and that definitely comes through, no doubt.
2) You recently parted from The Dear Hunter. Was it difficult to leave and start focusing on ES&TKF?
Nothing was really difficult about it; I was stoked to start writing and recording. I guess the only difficult thing was I wasn’t really sure what the future held. I got used to the cycle of writing, recording and touring on repeat year after year, so coming home from tour and deciding it was time to pave my own way and start from square one again was a little scary, but I think it worked out for the best for both The Dear Hunter and I.
3) Tell us about The Grip. Are there stories behind the songs?
All of the songs are about things I’ve gone through personally. With the exception of 2 songs, most of the songs are about deceit, betrayal and sex, to be blunt.
4) Who inspired you to start playing music? Can those inspirations be seen on the record?
I was first inspired to play music because of Beethoven’s song “Fur Elise”. I was 6 when I heard a family friend play that on the piano, and it hit me super hard. Shortly after that, I started taking piano lessons. About a year in, my teacher had to bail for some reason or another, so I stopped with the piano. After that, I moved on to a summer/fall fling with drums. And then when I was about 12 years old when I heard “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix, and it completely blew my mind. I had no idea a guitar could sound that way, and from then on, I was hooked- guitar became my obsession.
5) Do you have any future plans for ES&TKF?
As I said before, I tend to take things as they come. But with that being said, I’m reaaaallllly looking forward to the prospect of heading out on the road again. I’ve been home for about a year, so I’m way itching to get back out there. It’ll happen, but i have to take it one day at a time and let things happen naturally.