Remlia is a local metal band hailing from the Bridgeville/Seaford areas of Delaware.  They classify themselves as “Neapolitan” metal, which basically means that they don’t classify themselves as any particular genre of metal. Today, I was joined by the bassist of the band, Robert Fillis. While interviewing Fillis. I got to talk to him about his time in Remlia, his musical achievements, his goals in music, and many more!

Q: So how you doing, man? It seems like everything is going pretty well for you ever since you joined Remlia. How's the experience so far?

Robert Fillis: Thanks for having me, Shane! I’ve been doing pretty great! It’s been a whirlwind of a month but it's been a lot of fun with joining the band. The experience has been amazing. Zach and Jimmy took me in since day one and treated me like family which made the transition very easy.

Q: That's awesome to hear, man!  Glad to hear that everything is going well! Alright, tell us a little bit about yourself. Describe what you do in Remlia for those who are not already affiliated with your work.

RF:  Sounds good with me. So, I'm 23 and just graduated college from Salisbury with a degree in Elementary Education. As for the music part of it all, I am the guy who slaps the bass guitar for Remlia and also do some backup vocals for a couple songs. Oh, and I'm also the designated drink grabber for Zach and Jimmy.

Q: *laugh* Sweet sweet. Well, surely it must be a party when Remlia performs, am I right? Lol speaking of, how would you describe the band’s music for the public audience if they’ve never been to any of your shows before?

RF:  Well judging from our practices so far, it definitely is a party. The public has been very receptive to this band. People love our border less style and that our music is in your face. Its a breath of fresh air and not just the same kind of music that we hear so often. First time comers to a show of ours would definitely enjoy us. We have many different styles that we use in our music and it's all put together to create the beauty that is this band.

Q: Very nice to hear man! I've actually been to a Remlia performance or two before and I love the energy that it displays. So now, I'd like to get a little personal. What made you first realize you wanted to pursue music as a career? How did you become involved in the type of music you play? Are there any other bands that you have been a part of?

RF:  That means I better see you at our show at Shay’s Pub in Salisbury on Sunday. *laugh* Well, music has always been a love of mine. I've sang since I was little and I got my first [bass] guitar when I was 13. I was raised on classic rock and then fell in love with the 80s music and then I really enjoyed metal and quite a bit of today's metal. As for other bands, there hasn't been much but I used to play with a group of guys that slowly turned into a pop punk band called “Days in May” about a couple years after I left. Then I played a couple shows to fill in with a band called “Storm the Seas” before their bass player came back.

Q: You know I will definitely try and be there, my man! Sounds like you've had a lot of experience with music! I like that a lot dude! Do you have any short term or long term goals for your music career in the next couple of years? What are those goals and how do you hope to achieve them?

RF: I would love to see us get signed and be a part of a major tour. The best way for us to accomplish that is to keep putting in the work and keep getting our name out there for people.

Q: If you put your mind to it and apply yourselves, all your goals shall be achieved! Do you have a favorite type(s) of music that you like to listen to? Is it any different than what you perform?

RF: I'm a believer in never having favorites. With that being said I literally listen to everything from big band to heavy metal.

Q: A very bold answer! I like that a lot man! What other interests or talents do you possess that you would like to share with us? How do you like to unwind?

RF: I knew you would appreciate that! Well I do a lot of work with children, whether that is private tutoring or volunteering at places where's kids are focused on. I guess you can say that I have a heart for the upcoming generation. I have also been told that I am a good cook. My ideal way to unwind would be to sit back, listen to some music, have something to drink or eat and be in a quiet place.

Q: A humanitarian in every way! That’s what I like in a musician: someone who’s good with people, especially for the upcoming generation. Is there a strong influence to continue performing? If so, who/what is it that drives you to perform?

RF: I think the one thing that really drives me is when people tell me I'm going to fail. So, my desire to prove them wrong is a big motivator for me and the same goes for the one who believe in me. I want to do everything I can to prove them right. It helps a lot when you have a support system close to you always saying that you could do it. That support system really came from my family and my inner circle of friends outside of the band and that means the world to me.

Q: That is a very positive way to prove all the naysayers wrong! I agree with what you say when people told me that I'd never amount to nothing when it comes to music. Basically, we just tell the naysayers to stick it where the sun don't shine, you know? *laugh* Anyway, how would you define “success” as a musician?

RF: Oh wow, that's a really good question. Success has a different meaning to everybody. It could be money, power, marrying the dream girl, have the dream job, etc. You know what I mean. To me, success is whether or not I am able to make a positive impact on people’s lives, whether it is through the music or something I do. Of course all of those things, I mentioned earlier, are important but if you weren't able to make a positive impact on someones life, then what's the point? To me as a musician, seeing the fans sing our songs and walk away from it with a positive outlook on life is all I need to feel successful.

Q: I like that answer a lot dude. It shows how much you actually care about people in general. Is there anyone in particular influence your talent?

RF: Oh wow there's a lot of them. Guys like Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith), Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), Duff McKagan (Guns N Roses), and Sting are huge influences on me. Oh wow there's a lot of them. Guys like Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith), Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), Duff McKagan (Guns N Roses), and Sting are huge influences on me.

Q: Great musicians! I can identify with a lot of them! If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

RF:  I would want to tour with the Big Four (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax) because they laid the foundation for what we do. Touring with Motley Crue would have been nice too. Too bad they're hanging it up at the end of the year.

Q: Yeah, that is a bit of a blow. But let's get a little more positive, shall we? What is this band’s wildest story with each other?

RF:  Well, Zach and Jimmy would be better to ask in that department since I've been with them for just a few weeks. But we recorded a video after practice one night, where we went on this political rant and it turned into us laughing at people and joking around. Zach has the video and we literally watch it every practice just for something that Jimmy did. We will have crazy memories though. Guarantee that!

Q: *laugh* Sounds like a good time! Alright, so what we here at “From DelaWhere?” Interviews, we like to end these interviews with a little fill-in-the-blank scenarios. I’ll start a sentence and then you finish it, then you explain why you say what you said. So here’s the first one: “Music is...”

RF: Music is an escape from my problems. We all have problems in this world and we all have different ways of coping with those issues. That’s music for me.

Q: Very nice, man! Alright, next one: “Without music, life would be...”

RF: Without music, life would be dull and completely boring. What are we supposed to dance to; people talking? That’s what I thought. *laugh*

Q: *laugh* Too true, man! Alright, last one: “People should support the local music scene because...”

RF: People should support the local music scene because without a local scene, we won't have big bands. Every musician needs to start somewhere, and the support of a local scene makes that happen! So support your scene because somewhere down the line, you could be able to say "Hey, I knew them before they got big. I went to their local shows and they were awesome."

Q: Awesome! And just like that, those are all of the questions I have for you! Thanks for doing this interview with us! Please feel free to add any other information you would like to share with the public audience. We extend our warm wishes for this band’s success! We hope to attend one of your band’s shows in the future, so please let us know on your updates!

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