interview with Helion Prime

Have any of you played in other bands?
All of us have played in other bands in the past and currently play in other projects. 
Jason - Dire Peril and Planeswalker
Alex - Lunar
Chad - Hisingen 
What are your names? / Who plays what?
Mary Zimmer - Vocals
Jason Ashcraft - Rhythm Guitars
Chad Anderson - Lead Guitars
Jeremy Steinhouse - Bass
Alex Bosson - Drums
Have you had other previous members? 
Like most bands, we have gone through other members while finding our footing. 
Where are you from? We are spread out all over the US but what we consider to be home base is Sacramento, California
What year did the band form? 
The band formed in 2014 under the name "Furyan" and in 2015 changed to "Helion Prime"
What's your style of genre? 
We call ourselves Power Metal but that might not always be true to what we play. In a traditional power metal format, we don't really fit the bill but it's something I take great inspiration from.
What inspires you? I find inspiration everywhere in my life. Other musicians, art of all kinds, scientists, science fiction, and even fantasy lore is very inspiring to me. 
Are you looking for a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that? 
We would love to have a booking agency working with us. Getting bigger and better tours is a constant goal of ours. 
Are you looking for a label, and what are your thoughts around that? 
At the moment we aren't looking for a label. We are releasing this new album ourselves but working with a label again might be something we look at in the future. 
What are your songs about? 
We range from science fiction to science facts, but for this new album (minus one song) we've stayed grounded in the real world. Paying tribute to scientists throughout history. Each song is based on a different person in history who has impacted the world of science and the world in general in some way.  
Who does the composing and writes the lyrics? 
I generally write all the music and come up with the lyrical concepts. For this album, our former singer Heather Michele came up with the vocal melodies and lyrics based on my concepts. This album was also the first time we brought on someone to help compose the keys - Alex Nasla (Witherfall)
Do you compose in a certain environment? Usually just my bedroom in front of my laptop with guitar pro. haha. Not all that inspiring i know. 
Have you done any covers live? 
We have done a few in the past. For awhile we did "The Wicker Man" by Iron Maiden and that was always a lot of fun. Maybe we will bring it back someday. 
What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs? I honestly don't think I can answer this lol
What ages are most of your concert attendants? 
If I had to guess anywhere from 20-30? But I really have no idea. 
Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary? I try to change it up a bit but of course, every band has the staple songs they always play live. Usually, I make two sets for a tour that we rotate each night. 
Do you have a regular place you play live often? 
I would say no. We have played a lot of the same places on tour but there isn't really a venue we'd call "home"
What was your first gig like? 
Ever in my existence? Terrifying lol The first show with Helion Prime was amazing. It was an accidental show where we had to scramble to get a band together so we could play with some friends from out of town. It's how we met Chad who would eventually come to join us full time. 
What was your latest gig? 
Our last gig was over a year ago now in Los Angeles on our last tour. It was also a blast!
Where have you played live this year? 
Nowhere 
When did you start to sell merchandise, and what do you have for sale? 
I think we'd have merch as long as the band has been alive. Right now we are pushing the new album and pre-order bundles. 
Where can people buy your merchandise? 
www.helionprimemetal.com/shop is where people can find and order pre-order bundles. 
What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records nowadays? The world is changing and as we move further and further into digital age things will change with it. I personally still love to buy CDs but that doesn't change that so many things are digital now and you can fight it all you want but that's the way the world is moving. Fight it or adapt to it. 
How do you think the music industry has changed because of this? This is a question that could take hours and there are others I feel who can explain it much better than me and who have already. 
What do you think of my work? 
I think it's great. People who have a love for music and want to do their part to help it are always great!
How do you think and know that this interview will help you in the music business? 
Every bit of push helps!
Do you have any role models or idols? Role Models in music would be - Arjen Anthony Lucassen, Tobias Sammet, Devin Townsend, and Matt Heafy 
Why do you think that they exist? As role models? They've managed to create music that speaks to me and inspires me every day. 
Is it easier to find inspiration from older bands, or bands that are more active today? I would say both. I am constantly inspired by good friends of mine - Unleash the Archers, but older bands can continue to remind me why they were so inspirational. 
What have been your biggest obstacles? 
I would say the obvious that's been the biggest obstacle in the last few years is our singer situation, but we have found our singer in Mary. Every situation led to her and I feel it's as it's meant to be. We still have a strong relationship with both Heather and Sozos. 
What advice would you give other bands or artists? It's a hard road but if you love it it's worth it.
Do you have any new material?
Right now we have two singles out for the new album "The Forbidden Zone" and "Madame Mercury." Our new album "Question Everything" comes out October 5th, 2020
What are your web sites? 
www.helionprimemetal.com/shop
Do you have something to add? Thank you for your time and for this interview. To those just discovering us, we hope you enjoy the new album

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