Kurt Loun

Prey On The Fallen

Throughout a sea of bands nowadays and PREY ON THE FALLEN is one of them. Hailing from the US, the California area, the band recently released their self-titled album. YngwieViking had a chance to talk to the band's lead vocalist, Kurt Loun, regarding the new album, the band and more…
By YngwieViking
May 8, 2014
Interview - Kurt Loun (Prey On The Fallen) interview
Hi Kurt. First of all, congratulations!!! I think that yourself titled debut album is a winning release and it was for me a real moment of listening pleasure. What will be your words to describe it?

Thank you very much for the kind words and listening satisfaction. I would say the release pays homage to all of our influences that range from a huge spectrum of early classic Metal with a taste of modern sound. I for one am a HUGE Thrash Metal dude, but I also LOVE Progressive Metal and Rock.  Although POTF is neither there are elements of those genres in small doses.

Could you first tell us about you, your background as a musician, your past or recent involvements in other bands and projects? I want to know everything. Go!

Funny thing is, I haven't played in a band since my High School days (Eclypse) and oddly enough it was with my longtime friend, current POTF drummer, "Michael Ikona". We lost touched over the years and re-connected over Facebook. Long Story short, Mike's band, "The Fold" was in need of a singer and wanted me to try out. I did, and they felt I had a unique voice. At that point, "The Fold" became BlackBrew which eventually/finally resulted in "Prey On the Fallen". It's been roughly six and a half years back singing and loving it!

In his MT's review for the album, my colleague Iron Matthew wrote that the album contains some superb slab of Melodic Heavy Metal like PRIEST meets PANTERA. I will add a strong reminiscence of B.L.S.  What are your feelings about this quote?

I can definitely see those comparisons and those influences are HUGE within the band.  POTF is not trying to innovate but we are trying to be somewhat unique.  It must be memorable and engrave into one's head or at least that is our attempt.  With so many genres and sub genres, it is really hard to separate yourself from your influences.  But in the end, that is the cycle of music.  We are all fans from the beginning.

Do you think that the Heaviness of some songs and the harsh parts in your music can be a block for some listeners? Do you keep this aspect in mind while composing?  Or, did you just get the inspiration flow?

Not everyone is going to like what you create and yes I do believe to some our music can be harsh.  Possibly it's not heavy enough or too heavy but honestly in the end we as a band don't look at that aspect.  We jam, and if it grooves well and is memorable then we are onto something special.

Can you introduce to us the new line up?

The band is made up of Michael Ikona, (Drums) John Guy, (Bass) Mark Bouras, (Guitar) and myself on vocals (Kurt Loun).

Could you explain the reason for the choice of the EAGLE cover song, the legendary Hotel California?

It's obviously a marketing trick but it's also I suppose a real artistic choice.  Could you tell us if you enjoyed recording this track? Who went with the idea of this cover song? Initially the band had never played any cover songs and our drummer (Michael Ikona) felt we could add a real heaviness to the classic cover. Hell, remaking any Eagle's song is a challenge and BIG SHOES to fill.  Our producer, "Ryan Greene" at first was a bit taken back when we mentioned it to him but after hearing the band perform it live he was up for the challenge. His remark was, "It has to be great because this is Hotel California"! I believe as a band made it our own and had a good time tracking it. We have been in talks about doing a video for the song.

Tell me about your voice & your vocal style? How do stay in good shape to perform those demanding tracks?

Eating right and staying away from alcohol during performances helps a lot! LOL! Also staying hydrated helps! Doing vocal warm-ups and downs is a must too.

Tell us about your training and your day by day practicing routine?  Do you have a special method of training?  If yes, please can you reveal the trick?

I read this book by, Jaime Vendera called "Raise your Voice" and it has stopped my voice from deteriorating while at the same time expanding my range. I follow his regime on vocal warm ups (Before Practice/Shows) and cool downs (After Practice/Shows). In general, Jamie's regime is a must for all variety of singers.  Read his book for details but I can give you one very helpful tip, "Lip Bubbles"! Sounds corny but they work! For supplements, I use a vocal spray, by Superior Vocal Health called, "Throat Saver".  It is hands down a great product for vocalist.  It's filled with all natural ingredients.  Check them out for sure.

Kurt, where are you coming from as far as vocals and singing influences are concerned?

I'd like to say unique and powerful. But I owe my many influences for sure!  Bruce Dickenson, Rob Halford, Geoff Tate, Dio, Tom Englund, James Hetfield and of course Chuck Billy.

Because you are a band from Los Angeles, can you tell me how the Traditional Metal scene in California is?

It's not like Europe! Main Stream Pop/Disney reigns here. However, there is a decent underground and really the heavy stuff has always been that way. The Economy plays a role I suppose as in the music industry in general.

Do you plan on touring in Europe? If yes, do you think you would bring with you some friends from your hometown as a means of extra support?

This is what we would LOVE to do but it has to make sense from an expense point of view.  POTF is an independent self-funding band. No label support! Nor do we see that changing.  Maybe with a Pledge campaign we could make this happen.  But, with the cost of touring it has to make sense. The band has not favored the Pledge campaign/begging for money idea.  We understand why bands are doing it but it just seems wrong.  Perhaps we will change our minds but it would be a matter of demand I think.  POTF is building the demand and hope to deliver it live to Europe one day.

What do you think of the state of the market in 2013? What is your opinion concerning digital downloading both legal and illegal?

I believe things are getting better but it's a slow recovery.  The music industry is in shambles IMO.  Labels are not making the money they once did.  However, on the flip side, this has opened the flood gates for bands and given everyone a chance to create music.  We have become an entitlement society.  But it has also allowed all people to enjoy music.  So it doesn't really bother me personally knowing this.  I just want our music to be heard and the rest will work itself out.

Tell us what we have to expect from your side in the future to come?

POTF hopes to record some new stuff at the end of 2014 and possibly in the same direction the band is known for, "Heavy Ass Metal/Rock"!

Please let us know your Underground US Metal TOP 5?

1. Alice in Chains - STONE;
2. Black Label Society – DESTRUCTION OVERDRIVE
3. Slayer – ANGEL OF DEATH
4. Testament – IN TO THE PIT
5. Black Sabbath – INTO THE VOID

What is the last CD you have purchased?

Paradise Lost, (Tragic Idol) It's a great disc!

Please let us know your All time TOP 10?

Metallica, Megadeth, Testament, Queensryche, Paradise Lost, Nightwish, Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Van Halen and The Doors

Now it's time for the Chinese portrait aka Le questionnaire de Bernard Pivot, which is inspired by Marcel Proust but This questionnaire is probably more familiar to English audiences as the one that journalist James Lipton asks at the end of  the TV show "Inside the Actors Studio."

What is your favorite word?
Remarkable

What is your least favorite word?

Ingenious

What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?

All these!

What turns you off?

Hypersensitivity

What is your favorite curse word?

Damn!

What sound or noise do you love?

The ocean

What sound or noise do you hate?

White noise after listening to LOUD music!

If not yourself, who would like to be?

I love being me!

What profession would you not like to do?

I would hate to be a surgeon

Who would like to see on a new bank note?

Not sure.  Aren't they all crooks?

If you reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be?

A dog

If God exists, what you like to hear him say at the gates of Heaven?

Your IN!

I wish to thank you for this Epic interview and wish you guys the best of luck with the new album and on the path ahead. Anything else you want to share with the fans and our readers out there?

Thanks for having me on and giving "Prey On the Fallen" exposure. We as a band appreciate it so much.  To the fans; Thanks for your continued support and look forward to seeing you on the road! Keep Metal Alive by supporting your local bands! 

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