What is your full name?
Megan Orvold
Do you have any aliases?
The Grave Witch, Queen of the underworld...you know...the usual
What bands are you actively involved with?
Casket Robbery
What was the first instrument that you played?
The violin in 4th grade
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
I remember practicing singing in church when I was very, very little...like 5.
What was the name of the first band you were in?
Disappearance
Tell me about the genesis of Casket Robbery.
Casket Robbery started with our guitarist Cory and the band has since then solidified its lineup to its current form. The band started as a recording project but quickly was asked to play shows after releasing music and has grown since then. We have toured across the country with many awesome bands, played some kick ass national festivals and played along with many national acts. We’re growing and having fun touring and playing for as many people as we possibly can!
What inspired the name Casket Robbery?
It was in a list of band name suggestions and that one fit perfectly and stuck!
Your new single Bone Mother will be releasing on Nov. 19th, correct?
Yes! We are so EXCITED. We’ll also be premiering the Bone Mother video a little early, on the 17th. You don’t want to miss it, it’s incredible!
What was the inspiration behind the single?
I really love old folklore and the old fairy tales. I take inspiration from a lot of that stuff. So this one was a mix of the old Baba Yaga folklore, thrown in with some Hansel and Gretel stuff.
We have a full-length album completely done, just figuring out the best way to release it. It's important to us to be able to tour off of it so we’ve been patiently (or...impatiently...lol) waiting until we’re able to do so with the crazy last 2 years.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
That's an interesting question, I love the idea of it, but in practice it would alter the reason I love the band so much in the first place. But right now I am a big fan of SpiritBox and Oceans Of Slumber, so probably those two. I honestly just really love singing all of the vocals, so it's purely selfish on my part, haha.
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
I feel that way a lot with SpiritBox. I connect so well to the lyrics that they always seem to resonate pretty deeply.
Do you have any non-metal musical inspirations?
I like taking inspiration from lots of music. While most of it comes from different genres of metal, there are a few that I like outside of that. Amy Winehouse, Paramore, to name a few.
What is a non-metal song that you'd like to do a cover of?
Take Me To Church
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
Cannibal Corpse is always always impressive! We played with them a few years back in Madison.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
So many favorites! Locally SV2, The Majestic, The Crucible, High Noon Saloon. Dirty Dog in Austin(RIP :()
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
I do...I do all of my vocal warm-ups, typically I listen to a (secret) song in my headphones that gets me amped up, and usually a shot of whiskey.
What is your favorite thing about touring?
Meeting all of our fans, making new ones, and seeing new places all the time. It's my favorite.
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
Sleeping in the van if I don't get the comfy spot lol.
Austin, TX.. New Orleans. New York.
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had on the road?
Oh goodness, weirdest? There are so many. Ummmm… We played a show at a coffee shop one night that had like...an open mic poetry slam before our show started...it was a strange, but kinda cool way to open up the night.
The year is 2006. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
I am in college and I am listening to The Dear Hunter...like...obsessed with them.
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
Be authentic. Invest in yourselves. Love what you're creating. Know when to listen.
What is an absolute band killer?
Ego and lack of communication.
Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn’t like, but somebody else in the band really did?
There are definitely songs that haven't been my favorite but were the other guys, and vice-versa.
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?
Cannibal Corpse, Cattle Decapitation, Thy Art is Murder.
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
Do sink-baths on tour count? Lol. Only a few days on tour otherwise.
I am a Death Doula.
(If you, like I, are wondering what a death doula is.. Well per Google.. A nonmedical professional trained to care for a terminally ill person's physical, emotional and spiritual needs during the death process.)
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
Yessss
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
No they do not.
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
Oceans of Slumber, self-titled 2020
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
Thresholds
What is your favorite song by Avril Lavigne?
Nobody’s Home
The Black Dahlia Murder or The Dillinger Escape Plan (if you had to choose)?
The Black Dahlia Murder
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
Boobies
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Pancakes
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Star Wars
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
In Death...which I have to be careful where I wear it haha.
And My Cannibal Corpse long sleeve.
Favorite meal?
Pizza
The Alchemist or The Velveteen Rabbit
Favorite movie?
Beetlejuice
Favorite album?
It changes so very often to be completely honest.
Many, many thanks to Megan for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate it. If you have not yet wrapped your ears around the ferocity that is Casket Robbery then you absolutely must do so. Do not delay!
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
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