Musician Interview With Andrew Hileman of I Am
October 4, 2018 — We recently chatted with Andrew Hileman frontman of the band I Am about a number of topics. Below is what Justin had to say to us:
Need406: How did the band decide on titling the new album "Hard 2 Kill"?
Andrew: I was tired of writing songs about being upset and empathetic. That's not who I am. I wanted an album that would make me/someone feel strong and confident, feeling powerful and ready to take on anything that's thrown at you.
Need406: Going into the studio to record, "Hard 2 Kill" how many songs did the band record and how did the band decide which songs would make it onto the album and which one(s) would not?
Andrew: We went into the studio with 7 songs. We spent the first week there isolating ourselves to put the finishing touches on everything.
Need406: Was there a particular reason for dropping the album on November 2, 2018?
Andrew: No particular reason.
Need406: Can We get your take on what the songs, "Texas Death" and "Paid In Sin" are about?
Andrew: "Texas Death" is the intro. "Paid In Sin" is how I've been feeling, and how I see a lot of people feel about wanting everything in life. You'd literally sell your soul to get what you wanted, not thinking about the consequences.
Need406: How much planning went into the making of "Paid In Sin" Music Video?
Andrew: It was honestly not a lot of planning at all, it was kinda "this is the idea and let's roll with it and see where it goes." Burke did the reaper scenes at a different time and he nailed it.
Need406: What other music videos are planned from Hard 2 Kill?
Andrew: We will be releasing one for "H2K" & "Burn Slow" in the next couple of weeks.
Need406: "Texas Death" is the first track off Hard 2 Kill and "Outro" is the last track off the album. How did I Am decide the tracklisting for Hard 2 Kill?
Andrew: It's all in order of how the album plays out and sounds. It flows with the energy of the songs.
Need406: In what ways do you feel Hard 2 Kill is a very intense look into yourselves and the world around you?
Andrew: Through and through "H2K" is about lust. The way we want everything out of our reach and will do everything to obtain it.
Need406: At what age did you decide a musician is what you want to be?
Andrew: In the fourth grade. Did a talent show at school singing Linkin Park. Loved it.
Need406: For you personally what's the best thing about being a musician?
Andrew: The feeling. The feeling of being on stage getting to recite my words. Those are things the I feel, they help me cope with being on this planet.
Need406: If you weren't a musician what profession would you do?
Andrew: I do a lot of trade skill work so definitely would be trying to run my own business.
Need406: Can you describe the I Am concert experience using five words or less?
Andrew: You will not be disappointed.
Need406: Where do you see I Am say five years from now?
Andrew: Honestly can't say. We all have our hopes and dreams, it's just up to us to make them a reality.
Need406: Thanks for your time. We wish I am much success!
Andrew: Thank you.
I Am is: Andrew Hileman (Vocals), Tom Reyes (Guitar), Chris Burgess (Guitar) and Ian Scott Drums. I am hails from Dallas, TX.
I AM Discography:
Life Through Torement
(2017)
Hard 2 Kill (November 2, 2018)
I AM LINKS: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE