Cold Kingdom

Danielle Engum - Vocals

Evan Ogaard -Guitar

Aaron Schultz - Guitar

Patrick Murphy - Drums

Jason Michael - Bass

1. When and how did Cold Kingdom form?

Dani: We formed last winter. Evan (guitars) and Pat (drums) got together and recorded two demos and wanted to try out some vocals. Our producer knew me from some other projects we worked on together and asked me to come down. It ended up working out better than expected and we decided to make it a band. We auditioned Jason(bass) and Aaron (guitars and vocals) and they nailed it. That audition was only 9 months ago which is just crazy to think of where we are now.

2. Who are your biggest musical influences?

Dani: We all definitely have different influences. Evan and Aaron pull more from radio rock whereas Jason, Pat and I listen to a lot of heavier stuff. Personally, I am influenced a lot by the vocals in Periphery, Protest the Hero, Deftones, and Flyleaf's old singer Lacey.

3. Do you have any pre show rituals? Or anything you must have with you on the road?

Dani: As a singer, I have to have a lot of weird elixirs and things to keep my voice in tip top shape. One of them is a mixture of real pineapple juice, warm water and Manuka honey that I bring with me on stage along with a stick of peppermint gum. The world stops if I don't have gum. We all warm up differently though, some put in headphones and play though the set whereas others do jumping jacks and push-ups and some just goof off.

4. What is the craziest thing that has happened at a show?

Dani: A dude pointed a knife at me while I was on stage. I took it from him and then he tried to get it back. He was pretty hammered. My little 90 pound friend tried to jump on his back to save me. Hahaha. Pretty funny.

5. What is the hardest thing about being on the road?

Dani: Sleeping. I haven't yet harnessed the ability to crash anywhere anytime. Eating is pretty tricky too for me. I am vegan so I have to make sure I pack my food ahead otherwise I eat protein bars and bananas from gas stations every meal.

6. Have you ever met a fan that has changed your life? If so, how?

Dani: Every single person has. The amount of support we get is unreal. Seeing those faces from the stage and then being able to connect and chat after the show is just the best. All I ever wanted was to share the music and the words with people hoping it would translate emotionally and we get to see that every show. It keeps me going.

7. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when being on the road?

Dani: That this isn't just a dream, we are at work. It's so easy to have a ton of fun and get carried away in the city we are in. (And we certainly do have fun) but at the end of the day, if we didn't make sure that we were working as hard as possible and making sure that the people that payed for a ticket are getting their money's worth, then we don't deserve to be on stage.

8. Are your songs more general written or personal?

Dani: Personal. I try to make it vague where people can put themselves into the lyrics and the situations, but they are very personal. I think experience is what makes good art.

9. What is the craziest thing or body part you have autographed?

Dani: A boob. Though, as a girl in a band with guys, it's pretty funny that I was the only one to do it. We have also signed a guitar which felt crazy to us. We kept asking the guy, "Are you sure? Us?"

10. Any advice for teens or young adults wanting to get into the music business?

Dani: Work as hard as you can and never sell yourself short. Put you blood, sweat, and tears into it. Get ready for people to shoot you down and to stab you in the back, but if you keep working, it is everything you dreamed of and more.