Gothic Theatre
Nila
Combining elements of rock, punk, alternative, and metal, Nila loosely uses these influences to create a sound that is all their own. "I think our biggest influence is emotion. We play what we feel, when we feel, and how we feel. "Says singer Josh Dingman. “I think a rock band shouldn’t be limited by a scene or era.” Formed in Sept. 1999, Nila has gained a loyal following in their native, Phoenix, AZ as well as a sporadic following across the nation, most likely due to their national tour in Feb 2003. “It was rough because we were touring during the Winter Storm of the Century, but it gave us a chance to promote our band across the country,” adds guitarist Mike Sessler.
After returning home, Nila quickly went into the studio to record their first album “Burn the Moon”, with Interscope Recording Artist, Larry Elyea. The album is a melodic, fierce, and potent record that ties in themes of loss, despair, and resurrection. The title itself suggests re-igniting something that is dead and forgotten. "We think rock music in general has become very stale and generic. It seems like the only things motivating upcoming bands is the chance to be on MTV Cribs or all stars of their “scene”, adds drummer Joe Leary, “Nila doesn’t have a scene it has to answer too, the only people we care about our fans and us, so this gives us the freedom to produce something that is very real and honest. Our fans are very independent minded, so they don’t care what image we portray as long as we are being ourselves.” Its this honesty and integrity that allows Nila to produce music without hesitation or boundaries. Instead of following the same path many bands have paved before them, by shopping themselves to major labels in hope of feasting on the crumbs of a recording contract, Nila hopes to build the band as a single entity. “I don’t mind if any label, be it major or independent, wants to jump on board and help us, but I want them to do so because we’ve built something on our own and they believe in who we are, not because we’ve had to sell ourselves to them and therefore they own us and can do with us as they please,” said Josh.
Besides lofty goals of being the wicked stepchild of the music industry, Nila also hopes to influence small if not poignant changes in social pop culture. In a generation of indifference and disbelief, Nila’s music inspires hope and activism with a degree of intelligence that is lacking in pop culture. “You have people getting in an uproar over Janet Jackson showing her tit on tv,” adds bassist Kate Keogh, “If such a stupid and fake publicity stunt can fool the general public, then we’re in trouble.” Guitarist Tom also adds, “People are so willing to be the first to criticize and complain about something, but they are the last to get off their butt and go do something.” As a band, Nila is the combined effort of 5 individuals who unite under a common bond, hoping to realize their dreams of not only being professional musicians, but also making a dent in the world and inspiring people to do the same.
