Article by Jade Davis and Dustin Perry
published Nov. 19, 2021
In late 2018, a metalcore band with some roots in heavy 2000s rock was born. Dying Oath is a 5 member ensemble consisting of: Mindy Jackson on Hardcore vocals, Josh Hagee as Lead Guitarist, Jakob Green on Clean Vocals, Ryan Endicott on Rhythm Guitar, and Kristen Sawyers on Bass. We had a chance to chat a little with these folks and get to know the band's origins and where they plan to go next.
photography by Maq Brown Photography
1. Where are you all from? How did you meet?
Jakob: Princeton, "WVa. I found the band looking through Blue Ridge Rock Festival artists. A few days later, I saw an ad from them looking for a vocalist; I figured I would try out."
Kristen: "I’m from Mount Airy NC. I was introduced to Dying Oath through the bass player in my other band. I listened to their single Modern Testament and was blown away! Then had the chance to meet them in person when they came to a local show my band played at, they were some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. Welcomed me in with open arms. They definitely became a 2nd family."
Mindy: "Wytheville, Va. We are all mutual friends."
2. Were there any big changes you had to make in your lives when you you began developing the band?
Josh Hagee: "Initially no. I never expected nor intended for this to take off the way it has. I just wanted to introduce my music to some other local musicians in the hopes that we could just jam on the weekends and have fun. Everything has changed so fast though that several accommodations have been made particularly to allow more time to invest into the band."
Jakob reflected on adjusting to practice schedules and long rides to get to shows.
3. Who are some artists you would attribute your career and love of music to?
Mindy: "Amy Lee, Joan Jett, Pat Benetar, lzzy Hale."
Josh: "Matt Heafy blew me away when Trivium first hit the scene and was really my introduction in early 2000s metalcore. Then Phil Labonte and Oli Herbert of All That Remains."
Jakob: "Nikki Sixx, Warrel Dane. Iron Maiden."
Ryan: "Alexi Laiho, Matt Tuck, Zakk Wylde."
photography by Maq Brown Photography
4. What is the one band y'all would love to share the stage with more than anyone else and why?
Mindy: "For me, A Day to Remember or Spiritbox, because they're so inspiring."
Ryan: " Children of Bodom 🪦. Would have loved to share a stage with my hero."
5. What inspired the name of the band? Does it hold a special meaning to you?
Kristen: "The band was already named before I joined. The meaning to me, is to never stop. Always keep pushing to be better than I was yesterday."
Josh: "When coming up with the name, I really wanted something that could mean something spiritually and emotionally yet not be corny or generic. I wanted something that sounded serious and "honorable" yet metal. We have since dubbed it our "Dying Oath" to always write, record, and perform to our absolute 110% best for our growing fans. We love them unconditionally, and wouldn't be able to do what we do without that support. It's our lifeblood and we will do our best to make them proud."
6. The creative process of writing and composing songs is a very difficult task. What helps you get through the process and make music?
Jakob: "Emotion/power and things that have happened in life help me write lyrics/music."
Ryan: "My best days are low days musically. [laughs]. [It] Gives me a place to express it."
7. What is the most challenging thing about being a band during the pandemic? What has been the most rewarding?
Mindy: "Playing shows is the most rewarding, but everything has been difficult since the pandemic. Money, travel, gigs, etc."
8. Are there any big festivals you guys plan on trying to book in the future?
[Collectively]: "All of them! See y'all soon."
The band members also mentioned the Blue Ridge Rock Festival and Hellfest as possible future endeavors.
9. When it comes to your sound, is there any equipment you can't live without?
Josh: "As crazy as it sounds, it’s my pick. I’ve been using the same kind of pick for most of my playing regardless if it’s guitar or bass."
10. What's next for the band in terms of creativity?
[Collectively]: Getting back into the studio and recording their next album is the next crucial step for the band.
Josh also mentioned that the band has had several line up changes, leaving the members tired and mentally battered, but hopeful.
photography by Maq Brown Photography
11. Do you have any advice to any artists out there who are trying to get noticed?
Ryan: "Promote, share, be kind."
Mindy: "Work hard everyday no matter what. Practice your skill, and never give up."
Jakob: "Humility. Be humble. There’s nothing wrong with being good at what you do and enjoy it. Humility helps make many useful connections which is crucial also."
12. How do you feel about the rock music community today, does it give you hope or does it terrify you?
Kristen: "Sometimes I feel it’s hard to find the right kind of people. I know at least in my area it’s hard to find people that play music and that are decent in general, and if you do find people that play it’s almost impossible to find people that play metal. There [aren't] a lot of very determined musicians around my area. Other than that the local scene is fairly strong. For the most part, you have some awesome bands that support everyone and stick together. So there is some hope. I just really hope generations after me the rock/metal genre is still going strong and is supportive of one another."
Ryan: "Both. There’s been the fair share of scene splits and spats but nothing that didn’t end [up] eventually coming back together again. These couple years have been hard on everyone but [at] end of the day, metal still comes back together to support each other so I’m excited."
photography by Maq Brown Photography
We would sincerely like to thank each member of the band for answering our questions. Check out Dying Oath on YouTube and Spotify, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
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