Meet William Liermann | Metal Drummer and Professional Dog Bather

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Liermann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My whole life, from the first time I heard music I liked, I knew I wanted to be a musician. As much as I could comprehend at such a young age anyway. When I was 5, my dad is actually the first one to put drumsticks in my hands, and headphones over my ears.. I was addicted right away. In 6th grade I started school band, and stayed in the program until my 2nd year of college. It’s definitely been a huge part of my life, and is in my blood. It’s been a semi-fulfilled lifelong dream.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d have to say my experience is what sets me apart from others, I’ve been touring intermittently since my early twenties, and have been playing for over 30 years. I’m most proud of the tours I’ve done in Europe, and China. I’m really excited about a new project I’m working on called The Unnamed Horrors, with ex Cradle of Filth guitarist and founding member, Paul Allender. Connecting with him came out of nowhere, and gave me new hope after a bad experience with a previous band. We are almost done with our first single. I’m also working on a project called Angels on the Battlefield. We will have a full stage show with live performers of all types, acrobats, fire dancers, actors, etc… I always say it’s going to be like a metal cirque du soleil live silent film. It will also connect and benefit mental health charities and awareness. To get where I am, I just practiced all the time, and looked for ads for bands needing live musicians to tour. But I got just as many gigs through friends and acquaintances. The main challenges have to do with putting enough effort into your art, while also working a full time job to be able to live. Some lessons I’ve learned, would be to say yes until you have to say no, and take what people tell you with a pinch of salt. i.e., Believe it when you see it. Don’t be afraid to reach out, like the old saying goes, you miss every shot you don’t take. About me, I just want to tour and play the world. I’m not worried about becoming a millionaire, only to make what I need to live comfortably. I will always be a musician until I just can’t physically.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Can always see the usual sights around Hollywood, music venues, beaches, trails, etc.. definitely Disneyland haha. But I’m a serious homebody when I’m not playing, so I’m not a good reference for going out at all. Sounds like an oxymoron right? A heavy metal guy who doesn’t go out partying? Haha. I love my little family and being home mostly. Home, or different country.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, it would be my Father. But I’ve also been lucky to have such amazing band directors throughout school. Mrs. Shirley Newby, Mrs. Julie Massey, Mr. Bob Bruce, then in college, Mr. David Dueitt, Mr. Clifton Taylor, as well as clinicians Sean and Josh Harris, and Tim Parkman. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Dino May, without whom I would never have moved to Los Angeles. Twice. I also need to thank the bands I spent time on the road with, who were always kind and just good people to be around. Gothminister, Samael, Orphaned Land, Crisalida, Imperial Age, PAIN, and my former project, Voodoo Kungfu. Of course i owe much of my life to my beautiful wife Kimberly, who sticks by me and supports me. And last but not least, I owe thanks to my friend and boss of the last 14 years, Jessica Rona.

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