Recently I spoke to Daniel Konstantinou, the front man for I Exalt. A Technical Deathcore band from Adelaide that have quickly become very recognised for both positive and negative doings, either way, they've been recognised. We discuss many things about the band including how they got started, controversy surrounding their live performances and what they hope to achieve. It's deep, emotional, personal and it tells you more about I Exalt and Daniel himself than most people know. Enjoy!
How did you all meet? Were you guys friends? What's the back story?
We were all in previous bands that kind of broke up around the same time. We didn't all know each other heaps well, but we knew of each other. Matthew and Mason were both in a band that I use to follow, I heard along the grapevine that those two guys were starting a new band, and I kind of thought it would be a good opportunity to audition and try get involved with some guys that took music a little more serious than the guys in my previous band. I auditioned to be in I Exalt, and found out shortly after that I got the position! Every one dreams of being in a successful band, and I guess I really thought it was an opportunity to do something musically with potential.
If anything, what influences I Exalt? Not necessarily music related, but other things as well such as social aspects, religion, personal things etc.
I can't speak too much for the other guys, obviously music influences us all to an extent. But for me personally, when writing music I try to find influence from sources that aren't necessarily music. I get a lot of my influence from various forms of art and lots of reading. Obviously a lot of my lyrical content comes from my personal experiences, that I work into the stories and concepts that I sing about. I've always wanted to make heavy music that had a lot of personal meaning to help me deal with a lot of things that I've experienced that haven't been easy to deal with in any other way!
Did you think there would be so much controversy regarding the noose when you started using that at live shows?
At the time when I first used the noose on stage I was dealing with quite a few personal struggles that resurfaced a lot of painful history from my childhood that I thought I had moved past, I used the noose as a way to release all of the pain that I was dealing with at the time. The moment the noose was used on stage, the crowd reaction and energy changed to a different vibe which I don't think anyone in the band could have expected - it was very intimate and majority of the crowd really connected with the band at that moment. We're obviously a band that plays heavy music, but the night we used the noose for the first time on stage, the show became a lot more than just five dudes playing music they love - we gained a spiritual and emotional connection with everyone in the room. We also learnt a lot more about our performance and imagery. Although the noose was used for me to personally escape what I was going through, we never really thought about the controversy it may cause. I've always heard that there's no such thing as bad publicity, and although some people didn't understand or agree with what we were doing - they were still talking about our band and promoting what we do. We've never spoke about the noose or what it meant until now, we left it for everyone to interpret in their own way. The noose was never used as a way to promote suicide, but it was my way of expressing that no matter what you're going through you can get through it and suicide isn't the option. People either love it or hate it, but regardless I'm always going to do my own thing and be myself and do what feels right for me. I Exalt is my art, and my escape.
Is there a certain message that you're trying to get across to fans with your music?
As I said earlier all the lyrics that I write are related to my personal experiences, and are open for the audience to interpret in their own way. Like I said, I Exalt is my escape and the method that I use to deal with everything that bothers me, our fans also relate to that and use I Exalt as an escape. A lot of our fans can relate to myself, and are comfortable to talk to me about what they're dealing with in their personal lives, which seems to help them overcome the struggles that they're facing. The general message that we try to promote is that you can overcome any of your problems if you get help and talk about it, every step you take to move forward is a step closer to being the best person that you can be. We like to promote that people should respect everyone around them.
We were all in previous bands that kind of broke up around the same time. We didn't all know each other heaps well, but we knew of each other. Matthew and Mason were both in a band that I use to follow, I heard along the grapevine that those two guys were starting a new band, and I kind of thought it would be a good opportunity to audition and try get involved with some guys that took music a little more serious than the guys in my previous band. I auditioned to be in I Exalt, and found out shortly after that I got the position! Every one dreams of being in a successful band, and I guess I really thought it was an opportunity to do something musically with potential.
If anything, what influences I Exalt? Not necessarily music related, but other things as well such as social aspects, religion, personal things etc.
I can't speak too much for the other guys, obviously music influences us all to an extent. But for me personally, when writing music I try to find influence from sources that aren't necessarily music. I get a lot of my influence from various forms of art and lots of reading. Obviously a lot of my lyrical content comes from my personal experiences, that I work into the stories and concepts that I sing about. I've always wanted to make heavy music that had a lot of personal meaning to help me deal with a lot of things that I've experienced that haven't been easy to deal with in any other way!
Did you think there would be so much controversy regarding the noose when you started using that at live shows?
At the time when I first used the noose on stage I was dealing with quite a few personal struggles that resurfaced a lot of painful history from my childhood that I thought I had moved past, I used the noose as a way to release all of the pain that I was dealing with at the time. The moment the noose was used on stage, the crowd reaction and energy changed to a different vibe which I don't think anyone in the band could have expected - it was very intimate and majority of the crowd really connected with the band at that moment. We're obviously a band that plays heavy music, but the night we used the noose for the first time on stage, the show became a lot more than just five dudes playing music they love - we gained a spiritual and emotional connection with everyone in the room. We also learnt a lot more about our performance and imagery. Although the noose was used for me to personally escape what I was going through, we never really thought about the controversy it may cause. I've always heard that there's no such thing as bad publicity, and although some people didn't understand or agree with what we were doing - they were still talking about our band and promoting what we do. We've never spoke about the noose or what it meant until now, we left it for everyone to interpret in their own way. The noose was never used as a way to promote suicide, but it was my way of expressing that no matter what you're going through you can get through it and suicide isn't the option. People either love it or hate it, but regardless I'm always going to do my own thing and be myself and do what feels right for me. I Exalt is my art, and my escape.
Is there a certain message that you're trying to get across to fans with your music?
As I said earlier all the lyrics that I write are related to my personal experiences, and are open for the audience to interpret in their own way. Like I said, I Exalt is my escape and the method that I use to deal with everything that bothers me, our fans also relate to that and use I Exalt as an escape. A lot of our fans can relate to myself, and are comfortable to talk to me about what they're dealing with in their personal lives, which seems to help them overcome the struggles that they're facing. The general message that we try to promote is that you can overcome any of your problems if you get help and talk about it, every step you take to move forward is a step closer to being the best person that you can be. We like to promote that people should respect everyone around them.
What do you want I Exalt to become? How far do you want the band to go?
Like any band, we want to take music seriously while still having fun. We want to make our dreams and everything that we aspire for to become a reality. I mean, three years ago if you told me that I was going to be able to tour in a band I wouldn't have believed you for a second. We've already taken this band further than I could have imagined and we just want to keep moving forward one step at a time. To quote someone that personally inspires me "I always feel like it's two key ingredients when it comes to following your dreams, making something happen that the average person deems difficult. If you really believe it, that's step one. Step two, is, you know, the hard work that goes along with it". We just want to take the band as far as we can.
You're working on new material at the moment, what can we expect and what's the sound you're going for?
Unfortunately I can't say too much regarding the new material. We have been in the studio lately working on a new release. The new material is a massive step up from anything that we've done as I Exalt in the past. What you can expect is every element from I Exalt that you love stepped up. We've all pushed ourselves to progress and do the best that we can on this release. That's basically all I can say at this point, keep a look out for a release date in the next couple of months! We might have a little something for you a bit sooner, but who knows...
What motivates you as a performer to put on the best live show possible?
Every time I perform it's one step closer to my dream. I like to enter every show with the mindset that it's going to be better than the last show so that we're always pushing ourselves to progress that little bit more each time. Each time I perform I treat it as a blessing. I always pay tribute to everyone who has motivated me or had faith in me to pursue my dreams and reach my goals (dead and alive). I always push myself for the fans in the crowd that have confided in me and reached out to me about their personal stories of pain in confidence. I channel raw, honest, energy, and passion into every show. This helps me compete with my personal pain and become the best human that I can be.
Like any band, we want to take music seriously while still having fun. We want to make our dreams and everything that we aspire for to become a reality. I mean, three years ago if you told me that I was going to be able to tour in a band I wouldn't have believed you for a second. We've already taken this band further than I could have imagined and we just want to keep moving forward one step at a time. To quote someone that personally inspires me "I always feel like it's two key ingredients when it comes to following your dreams, making something happen that the average person deems difficult. If you really believe it, that's step one. Step two, is, you know, the hard work that goes along with it". We just want to take the band as far as we can.
You're working on new material at the moment, what can we expect and what's the sound you're going for?
Unfortunately I can't say too much regarding the new material. We have been in the studio lately working on a new release. The new material is a massive step up from anything that we've done as I Exalt in the past. What you can expect is every element from I Exalt that you love stepped up. We've all pushed ourselves to progress and do the best that we can on this release. That's basically all I can say at this point, keep a look out for a release date in the next couple of months! We might have a little something for you a bit sooner, but who knows...
What motivates you as a performer to put on the best live show possible?
Every time I perform it's one step closer to my dream. I like to enter every show with the mindset that it's going to be better than the last show so that we're always pushing ourselves to progress that little bit more each time. Each time I perform I treat it as a blessing. I always pay tribute to everyone who has motivated me or had faith in me to pursue my dreams and reach my goals (dead and alive). I always push myself for the fans in the crowd that have confided in me and reached out to me about their personal stories of pain in confidence. I channel raw, honest, energy, and passion into every show. This helps me compete with my personal pain and become the best human that I can be.
How do you feel about violence at shows? People hurting each other and yourself. Does it go too far sometimes?
I understand that heavy music is often used as an outlet. Movement is definitely a large part of heavy music, but people need to understand that there's a time and a place for everything - the place to move is generally in the middle of the area where there's a large open space, not into the crowd that are there to enjoy watching the band performing. I don't agree with hate moshing or targeting people that aren't participating in the movement. We're meant to be a community and we're meant to support each other and work together. There seems to be too many fights lately. Everyone just needs to relax and support each other.
I Exalt are a undoubtedly a misunderstood band, what would you like to say to people who give you a bad name?
Don't jump to conclusions, do some research before you judge us and what we do. Listen to the music, and listen to the message. There's no such thing as bad publicity, and negative word spreads a lot quicker than positive words. Thank you for promoting our band.
Who are some of your personal favourite bands and artists?
Personally I have a very vast taste in music. Some artists that I've been bumping regularly include Disentomb, Childish Gambino, Asgeir, Behemoth, J. Cole, Explosions In The Sky, Joey Badass, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Abiotic, David Bowie, and the Weeknd. I could go on forever, but that's my main playlist for now.
As an upcoming band yourselves, what are some tips for younger acts who are trying to make it in the heavy music scene?
To be completely honest, just do something that you enjoy. It isn't a competition. Keep progressing at your own pace but do the best you can. It's very rare for a band to 'make it' big, make sure you're having fun but try and be 'professional'. Make sure you support each other in anyway that you can, and remember that hard work pays off.
Who are some other bands around Australia that you've played with that people should keep an eye on?
There's so many bands in Australia that are killing it right now! You should get behind (in no particular order - but make sure you check them all out) I Valiance, Hindsight, Void of Vision, Briarcliff, Semper Fi, A Night In Texas, To The Grave, Iconoclast, Sleep Talk, Reactions, Internal Devour, Isolated, Graves, Keepsake, Dreading Oceans, Impaler, Daybreak, Failure, Elegist, Tomb of Doom, Ocean Grove, Dalloway, The Despot, Belle Haven, The Stratagem, Athenas Wake, and Blind Oracle. I'm sure that there's plenty more, but that should get you started!
If you were to choose 3 bands to tour with, who would they be and why?
Speaking for myself personally, I would love to tour with Disentomb because their album Misery is one of my favourite Australian releases to date - I talk to Jawd on a regular basis and he inspires me! Next up let's go with Behemoth because I would kill to watch them play every night on a tour. Lastly, Katy Perry for the same reason that I'd want to tour with Behemoth - amazing musicians and I back their tunes.
When can fans expect a taste of new I Exalt material?
I can't say when, but it won't be much longer - I promise.
Any last words for the readers and those that continue to support the band?
Thank you so much for your support, without you we wouldn't be able to do what we do. We'll see you all soon!
I understand that heavy music is often used as an outlet. Movement is definitely a large part of heavy music, but people need to understand that there's a time and a place for everything - the place to move is generally in the middle of the area where there's a large open space, not into the crowd that are there to enjoy watching the band performing. I don't agree with hate moshing or targeting people that aren't participating in the movement. We're meant to be a community and we're meant to support each other and work together. There seems to be too many fights lately. Everyone just needs to relax and support each other.
I Exalt are a undoubtedly a misunderstood band, what would you like to say to people who give you a bad name?
Don't jump to conclusions, do some research before you judge us and what we do. Listen to the music, and listen to the message. There's no such thing as bad publicity, and negative word spreads a lot quicker than positive words. Thank you for promoting our band.
Who are some of your personal favourite bands and artists?
Personally I have a very vast taste in music. Some artists that I've been bumping regularly include Disentomb, Childish Gambino, Asgeir, Behemoth, J. Cole, Explosions In The Sky, Joey Badass, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Abiotic, David Bowie, and the Weeknd. I could go on forever, but that's my main playlist for now.
As an upcoming band yourselves, what are some tips for younger acts who are trying to make it in the heavy music scene?
To be completely honest, just do something that you enjoy. It isn't a competition. Keep progressing at your own pace but do the best you can. It's very rare for a band to 'make it' big, make sure you're having fun but try and be 'professional'. Make sure you support each other in anyway that you can, and remember that hard work pays off.
Who are some other bands around Australia that you've played with that people should keep an eye on?
There's so many bands in Australia that are killing it right now! You should get behind (in no particular order - but make sure you check them all out) I Valiance, Hindsight, Void of Vision, Briarcliff, Semper Fi, A Night In Texas, To The Grave, Iconoclast, Sleep Talk, Reactions, Internal Devour, Isolated, Graves, Keepsake, Dreading Oceans, Impaler, Daybreak, Failure, Elegist, Tomb of Doom, Ocean Grove, Dalloway, The Despot, Belle Haven, The Stratagem, Athenas Wake, and Blind Oracle. I'm sure that there's plenty more, but that should get you started!
If you were to choose 3 bands to tour with, who would they be and why?
Speaking for myself personally, I would love to tour with Disentomb because their album Misery is one of my favourite Australian releases to date - I talk to Jawd on a regular basis and he inspires me! Next up let's go with Behemoth because I would kill to watch them play every night on a tour. Lastly, Katy Perry for the same reason that I'd want to tour with Behemoth - amazing musicians and I back their tunes.
When can fans expect a taste of new I Exalt material?
I can't say when, but it won't be much longer - I promise.
Any last words for the readers and those that continue to support the band?
Thank you so much for your support, without you we wouldn't be able to do what we do. We'll see you all soon!
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