What is your full name?
Laurent David
Do you have any aliases?
Some people use words about me linked to bears.
What bands are you actively involved with?
Kilter, a power jazz-metal trio from Brooklyn.
Shijin, an European jazz band.
The Way Things Go, a multiform project with many musicians. And many other bands or projects.
What was the first instrument that you played?
I started by myself with the piano. Then I studied classical guitar at the conservatory. And I discovered electric bass later!
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
I have a very strong and big memory when I was around 5 years old: A jazz festival with the amazing violinist Stephane Grappelli. Later, I was completely knocked out by a tape a friend gave to me, it was Kill ‘em All by Metallica. At the same time, my classical teacher gave me another tape, of Jaco Pastorius
What was the name of the first band you were in?
Eclypse, we played covers of AC/DC and Iron Maiden.
Tell me about the genesis of Kilter.
Sure, I started Jazz-Metal experiences 10 years ago, in France, with a tenor sax player and a drummer. When I moved to New York, I had the plan to create a new trio,and I thought about Kenny Grohowski on drums, since he plays with John Zorn and is very open-minded. He told me to contact Ed Rosenberg III, who was the former musician of the amazing Jersey Band! That’s how it started. I organized some sessions in New York clubs, and we started to compose new music and experimented them on stage. We recorded a first EP, to define a direction, and then AXIOM, a very powerful album. SYS, our last release, contains 3 tunes we wrote during AXIOM release tour, and we recorded it during our only one day off, in Paris. Now we are working on a bigger project for 2023, with many guests!
What inspired the name Kilter?
It was “democratically” chosen, and it means that our music can be understood in different ways. Jazz if you are into metal, and the other way round.
How long did it take you to write and record Sys?
A few days during our tour, in trains and planes, and 1 half day to record it.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
This is really impossible, since our influences are so diverse…
Let’s keep two: Meshuggah and Miles Davis. Meshuggah because almost everything we play is written, and we really are into weird rhythms, and Miles Davis for the spirit of jazz and the sound.
Yes: Smoke on the water from Deep Purple.
What are three metal albums and three jazz albums that I absolutely must hear?
Ok, let’s go:
Catch 33 by Meshuggah
Void 00 by Sunn O)))
Go be Forgotten by Krallice
Sweet Soul by Peter Erskine
Bedrock by Uri Caine
Live Evil by Miles Davis
What cheesy pop song would you like to do a cover of?
None
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
Ok, it’s not a band with which I played, but we shared the same stage. It’s ZZtop. I really like the band, but their performance was so simple and so impressive, I still remember it in details. Otherwise, I played a kind of jazz metal tour with the band Electric Epic, it was so great and so difficult to play! I needed power, energy and focusness to make it well! And I like it.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
Not really, I like to play everywhere, and to give the same thing on stage independently of the size of the venue.
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Tune my bass.
What is your favorite thing about touring?
Discovering new people, new influences, new food and new places. It’s also a lot of adrenaline sometimes, and it’s very challenging and tiresome!
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
When I’m the producer, everything about dealing the money and admin. When I'm just a musician, nothing!
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
Yes, Tokyo!
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had on the road?
I know people are interested in weird stories on tour, but the rule is to never talk about this topic outside of the tour.
The year is 1998. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
Ok, It was when France won the Soccer world cup, and I hate football. At this period I was a lot into African music. I was a lot listening to Nguyen Le - Maghreb And Friends album.
To look for another job.
What is an absolute killer band?
Meshuggah.
If you were to start your own music festival what would be the name of that festival and who would be the three headlining bands?
I already started to organize small events around Jazz Metal music. The name is from a F. Zappa album: Jazz From Hell. I’d like to have Mr Bungle, Zu, Panzerballett
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
Haha, not long. Long hair needs a lot of care.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
There are many things I keep for my private life!
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
Definitely!
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
Sure why not? What I know is that they are invisible and pink.
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
Book me!
What is your favorite song by Lana Del Rey?
The duo she’ll do with Angela Gossow.
Megadeth or Anthrax (if you had to choose)?
Megadeth
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
I guess Boobies
Waffles! With Powder sugar
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Star Wars
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
And Justice for all (I know, I’m old school)
Favorite meal?
A french meal, made by my grandmother: "Hachis Parmentier"
Favorite book?
Hard question! There is so many! I’d say the one I’m reading and which is very exciting:
« La Vie Mode D’emploi » (User Manual of Life) by Georges Perec
Favorite movie?
French one: « Les tontons flingueurs »
American one: « Big Lebowski »
Favorite album?
« Machine Head » by Deep Purple
Mucho, mucho thanks to Laurent for taking the time to answer my questions. I am grateful. Please. Please. Please. Take the time to wrap your ears around KILTER. You will not be disappointed. Their new album SYS is available over on Bandcamp and the link is below… of course. Do it!!!
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson host of the Fistful of DOOM show)
https://kiltertrio.bandcamp.com/album/sys
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