SAINT ASONIA – INTERVIEW WITH ADAM GONDIER

SAINT ASONIA – INTERVIEW WITH ADAM GONDIER

By Ralph Beauchamp

Adam Gontier is the lead singer of the hard hitting band, Agia Asonia. Adam's previous gig was with Three Days Grace. Former Staind member Mike Mushok takes over guitar duties. The band is rounded out by Cody Watkins on drums and Adam's cousin Cale Gontier on bass. Agia AsoniaHis sound is a dynamic mix of galvanic guitar licks, driving vocals and a driving beat. All their songs deliver magical beats and catchy hooks. Their commanding positions of songwriting and hymns Agia Asonia to be the forerunners in today's new music scene.

In 2022, Agia Asonia released two EPs to great success. Extrovert it featured their huge hit “Devastate” which is a pulverized rager with ferocious guitar licks and sonorous vocals. He also dropped another killer track, “Wolf” which features a ruthless beat and furious guitar riffs. Introvert is a seven song juggernaut. “Above it All” delivers an addictive beat and devastating vocals. This weekend's 'Blinding Lights' is a repeat tour. Agia AsoniaHis performance is both brutally bold and acoustically melodic. Agia Asonia is a band that unloads cinematic dynamite with a barrage of wild textures.

AMP was honored to speak with Adam Gontier for this informative interview.

AMP: The band is constantly billed as a 'supergroup'. Do you feel the label fits?

ADAM: This is a strange question because we have all played together in many other bands. We're friends before we're a band. I certainly get that, although I find it odd that they're trying to slap that label on us. It's just a bunch of friends making music. It really doesn't matter to me anyway.

AMP: What do you think is the main ingredient in the band's dynamic?

ADAM: Ah, now that's a good question. After years of playing music and touring, we are able to not allow any outside influence or drama into our camp, which is very important. We are all professionals and know how to keep a level head. Apart from the music, this is an important part of the picture.

AMP: Saint Asonia released several interesting covers, including The Weekend's “Blinding Light.” How does the band decide which songs to reimagine?

ADAM: When we were recording this EP with “Blinding Lights”, we decided to do a cover. It's very easy to take a classic rock song and make it a little heavier. We just wanted to do something a little different. I think these days there is a lot of crossover of genres that are cool. We thought that making a pop song and making it heavy was the way to go. I think it turned out pretty good. Also, The Weekend is another Canadian like most of us. So props to Canada.

AMP: Your last EP was Extrovert. Can you give us a little insight into the release?

ADAM: We wrote most of the songs Introvert during covid. Once the pandemic subsided, we co-wrote with other songwriters for the Extrovert ER. We worked with writers from Nashville and other places. So the songs sound a little different from our usual material. It was an apt call Extrovert because we weren't the only ones writing in one room. We really enjoyed working with other artists. It was fun.

AMP: Today's music scene seems to have a sink or swim mentality. Does this type of realism have any effect on the band's movement?

ADAM: It's definitely very different in today's market. There are so many bands out there and listeners have so many streaming options. Basically the only way for bands to make money these days is to hit the road and try to sell tickets and merchandise. We want to play shows as much as possible. It's hard for bands to survive and I guess that's why we're always touring. Being out there is important. This is today's reality.

AMP: The band has worked with a number of great artists such as John Cooper. Is there an artist, past or present, that you would like to record with?

ADAM: I was a big fan of the Seattle music scene. Grunge bands were a widespread influence during my formative years. I think the opportunity to play with Eddie Vedder would be a dream come true. He has been one of my major influences for years. I have a lot of respect for his music.

AMP: Saint Asonia is on a pretty extensive co-headlining tour with Black Stone Cherry. How excited are you?

ADAM: It's nice to be able to do a headliner set. We spent most of 2023 with Skillet and Theory and our sets for those tours were about half an hour. We didn't get a chance to experiment with different songs. So on this tour we get to play songs that just weren't possible last year due to time constraints. We're only a few shows in and it's been great so far. We are excited to be out there and meet the fans.

AMP: Is there anything about the band that no one knows?

ADAM: I feel like everyone knows everything about all of us (laughs). I know a lot of bands on their days off would come to restaurants and bars, but we tend to look for casinos. We have some players in camp. Today is a day off and we are in Memphis right now parked next to a casino. We enjoy a board game every now and then.

AMP: What's next for the band?

ADAM: We are currently on tour with Black Stone Cherry for about a month. Then we have some free time. We're back on the road in April with Staind and Seether. It will be a great time. Tim Montana is also on this tour and he's awesome. Just a ton of touring and playing a few festivals. Additionally, we write new material as we go along.

AMP: Any last words for your fans?

ADAM: We hope to see everyone on these tour dates. We have always had great support from our fans over the years. Like a bunch of bands, we're putting out new material right before Covid hits. We haven't been able to give them some life until now. We truly appreciate the love and loyalty of our fans.

Saint Asonia and Black Stone Cherry will be playing in our area at Wally's Pub in Hampton NH on Friday 3/1/2024 and The Webster Theater in Hartford on Saturday 3/2/2024

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