Interview with….. Citadel
(former Thousandfold drummer)
Today we have an interview with Citadel. If you aren’t familiar with Citadel, you’ve no doubt seen him at some local rock shows. Let me explain. Citadel is the former drummer of Thousandfold, a local band that was beginning to pick up steam before suddenly screeching to a halt. So, you’ve either seen him on stage or in the crowd, as he’s a strong supporter of rock shows in Nashville. I decided to conduct an interview with him to find out what happened to Thousandfold, have some gear talk, and to get the scoop on what he’s up to.
1. First off, what is your real name? I’ve always just known you as Citadel.
Well, my real name is Christopher Allen. Citadel was really a nickname that I got when I was in High School amongst my close friends. It stemmed from a name in Paintball because we were all part of the Paintball Club in school. Stayed with me since and used it for everything else, like my professional name. 2. Let’s start at the beginning. How did you get involved playing drums?
Well, I’ve come from a musical family and I’ve been in band since the 6th grade. I was originally a trumpet player, which is still my main instrument. It wasn’t until high school when I started messing with other instruments - the snare drum being one of those instruments. I learned to play many different instruments, but really enjoyed playing the drum kit. So I just practice that more than I did the other instruments, excluding trumpet of course.
3. Most people know you as the drummer of Thousandfold. How did the band form?
Thousandfold formed in 2002 with other members from other established bands. Gary – the singer – and I were from another band called Shadowburn. Keith and Eli were from two other separate bands themselves. Eli wasn’t the original bassist for Thousandfold, another bassist name Brent who was from Shadowburn was the bassist for a while. We had just started renting out a rehearsal space in Antioch, so for the longest of time we rehearsed there, but after Gary, Brent, and myself finally acquired a guitarist (Keith), we had to form a name, so from a list of names we all submitted we finally agreed on “Thousandfold” . 4. You guys played for quite a while and then it suddenly ended. What happened?
Yeah, we tried to keep ourselves busy playing and for a few years kept performing, gaining new fans and listeners. But, a combination of things contributed to the cause of Thousandfold ending . We finally went to the studio to record our debut album and after the completion of that we were trying in vain to set up gigs and a date for the CD release, but we weren’t getting any calls back and every time we tried to follow up we got nothing. Of course, our bass player situation was hurting us as well. We had the worst of luck when it came to finding the right bassist. Or when we did think we found the right bassist something never worked out right. So that was always perpetuating a conundrum a.k.a. difficult problem for those that I lost with that word. Besides, Gary and Keith had a side project they had been doing with the producers of Thousandfold’s album and both of them I guess wanted to explore that more. I think it got down to the point where they were burned out on playing Metal and wanted something more or different with more freedom so that they could express themselves how they wanted.
THOUSANDFOLD
5. What are your favorite memories of Thousandfold?
I have a lot of great memories with Thousandfold, but to just name a few. Some of the gigs we did in Cadiz, KY at the Backwoods Metal Fest were always fun and had a great time and the Underground Fest in Columbia, TN was a great time. But I would say the overall favorite memories with Thousandfold would be all the times we played at the Ole Time Pickin’ Parlor R. I. P. because you had so much of a diversity of people in there and it was easy to pack. So many memories from that place with Thousandfold that I will never forget. 6. Tell us your worst disaster gig story.
I guess I would have to say my worse disaster gig would have been a time when I was 17 I was playing in this cover band and we had a show out in Springfield, TN at some dive bar. The reason why it was such a terrible gig because I was not feeling well and had to leave the stage multiple times to go be sick in the restrooms. Needless to say I was so happy when that gig was over. 7. Who are your musical influences (drums and otherwise)?
I have a wide variety of musical influences. Starting with drummers, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Danny Carey, Chad Smith, Dave Grohl, Neal Peart, Stephen Perkins, Stewart Copeland, Ginger Baker and Carter Beauford. With musicians and bands, Led Zepplin, Rush, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Kenny Wayne Shephard, Bob Marley, Cream, Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Tool, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, The Police and The Clash.8. For the gear-heads, what is your set up?
My set up is a PDP Black Onyx CX Series, consisting of 22 inch kick drum, 8’, 10’,12’, and 14’ inch toms. Also, I use the Sabian Metal-X Series Cymbals and Wuhan Chinas and Yamaha hardware. I also have a Ayotte Drumsmith Kit as well, using the same cymbals and hardware, which I use more as a practice kit or for the studio.
9. I’ve been a regular reader of your blogs on myspace due to you being so open and honest about your life (musically and outside). When can readers expect the next one?
Honestly, I do not know when I will write the next one. I have been writing so much for my English class I am just too tired or do not have much to say as for my blogs. I guess what you can expect in my blogs would be my experience this semester in school and probably my new hobbies I am partaking. I’ve recently became a golf enthusiast thanks to Tiger Woods 07 on the playstation 3. lol10. You’ve stated that you won’t get back into doing the band thing until you get your career lined up. Does it kill you to not be playing music right now?
Yes, everyday it kills me not performing. I still jam with friends here and there and practice consistently. But, not being up there on stage and experiencing the full show atmosphere, reveals a huge void in my life. Maybe something will work out sooner where I can start something again in music. 11. You are looking to enter a career in law enforcement. Down the road, will it be strange to lock up some of the musicians you’ve shared stages with over the years? (just kidding)
Lol, one of those “police interview” questions! Hopefully, I won’t see any them on the wrong side of the law. ;) I am sure I won’t.
12. Being involved with the Nashville music scene for a number of years, what do you think of the current state of the scene?
Right now I think the current state is great. Nashville is getting more noticed as a Music City instead of Country Music City. There have been a lot of good rock bands coming out of Nashville lately getting world and national attention. That will shine some light on the rest of the rock bands we have here in Nashville. I would also like to emphasize there are a lot of great Jazz and Blues musicians/bands in Nashville too. 13. Your Soapbox: Anything you want to get off your chest?
Not really, I am very well content and all I can do is give praise to all the musicians. I really hated how Thousandfold ended and maybe in the future something from the camp can resume or be renewed. But I would like to say thank you to NashvilleRock.net for wanting to do an interview with me. I’ve seen NashvilleRock.net come a long way from its humble beginnings. All of you guys have given many bands opportunities to be heard. You’ve given a voice to bands wanting recognition and have published great interviews with local and National/Regional acts. Just keep up the good work. I wish all of my fellow musicians luck in which whatever they do. And I hope to see all of you soon and share the stage. DESTROY BY DESIGN KICKS ASS!!
I want to thank Citadel for taking the time to answer some questions. To check out his new blog go to www.myspace.com/citadel
Well, that’ll do it for this time.
Until Next Time, I’m out like Pacman Jones for the ’07 season
Chris “Uncle Daddy” Czynszak
To reach Chris Czynszak, e-mail at cczynszak@nashvillerock.net