Interview: Days of Disaster

Interview by Karie Henkel

I had the opportunity to get some inside intel from Days of Disaster.  They are a new, up and coming band from the Michigan/Ohio area.  They have rocked at Piere’s Entertainment Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana multiple times.  They have already had the amazing opportunity to open up the stage for many nationally touring artists, such as Scotty Austin from Saving Abel, Josey Scott, the original voice of Saliva, Ill Nino, Hed PE, Tantric, Trapt, Plush and many more. The band is made up of Dan Stimmel (Vocals), James Gilliam (Guitars & Vocals), Jason Brooks (Bass & Vocals), and Paul “Smash” Cobb (Drums).  

What social media platforms can fans find your music?

Dan Stimmel mentioned, “All social media platforms.”

James Gilliam said, “TIKTOK, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram or the website www.daysofdisaster.com.”

Jason added, “Same, on all social media outlets.” Paul “Smash” Cobb says, “by searching for Days Of Disaster Band, you can find it anywhere.”

Where can we listen to your music?

Dan said, “On all the social platforms.” 

James added, “Spotify and YouTube.”  

Jason stated, “James can answer that better than I can.” 

Paul “Smash” Cobb mentioned, “By searching for Days of Disaster band, you can find it on YouTube and Spotify.”

What first got you into music?

Dan said, “Playing trumpet in high school. I learned how to play drums shortly after a traumatic life experience.” 

James added, “I went to a friend's house, Scott Hawkins and Jason Gillen (may they both R I.P.), and they were jamming Seek & Destroy. It sounded just like Metallica. The first thing Jason taught me was the beginning of "One" by Metallica. Then I heard Pantera, and I was hooked!” 

Jason says, “80's Hair Bands.”

Paul “Smash” Cobb stated, “Being involved in and around music at a very young age, and watching how everything develops and works contributed to this.” He thanked his brother.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?

Dan said, “Rock & Roll baby, no matter how you slice it!! You can bang your head or shake your ass!  You choose?”

James described it, “As If one took Pantera, Sevendust, Metallica, and a touch of COC, I’d say, that’s us!”  

Jason described the sound, “No bullshit, hard-rock!”

Paul “Smash” Cobb said, “Hard rock, power groove, in your face, foot stomping music with vocals that captivates you and draws you in.

Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?

Dan explained, “After about a year of learning drums, singing, song structure, learning all instruments, I just needed the door to open.”

James stated, “When I found out that I could release some feelings and such in the songs, it is my go-to and how I can vent.”

Jason said, “When I got my first guitar!”

Paul “Smash” Cobb said, “It's the greatest natural high I ever felt in my life. It's a release like no other. It pulled me in.”

Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?

Dan replied, “From everything that came before, and listening to a wide variety of music/sounds. We are a product of what comes before us.”

James added, “I'll come up with a riff and bring it to the guys, and they put their shine on it, and bam, we have a song.”

Jason said, “I sometimes hear melodies in my head when a song is coming together.”

Paul “Smash” Cobb said, “We work on everything together, which is great about this band. The melody, the hook, the chorus, and everything else about the song, we do it together.”

How do you balance personal expression and create something your audience will love?

Dan said, “It starts with what we want to hear and what sounds good to the band. If we don't like it, then it doesn’t translate.”

James added in, “I don't wanna sound rude by saying this, but...I write my music for like therapy for myself, and I hope people really like it or even relate to it, or it helps them through a situation or even helps relive a memory.”

Jason stated, “I never write a song with the intention of pleasing everyone. What comes out comes out.”

Paul “Smash” Cobb replied, “I just go with the flow and let it ride, unless it doesn't make sense.”

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

Dan vocalized, “Other than accomplishing proficiency on drums, and singing in tandem and learning to improvise, the 1st show I ever played.”

James stated, “Meeting my brothers I have! I have some solid humans in my life when it comes to the band.”

Jason said, “Hearing the cheers of the crowd. Talking to the people afterward.”

Paul “Smash” Cobb explained, “That we have been blessed to be able to play some high-profile events. Thank you, Jesus.”

Are there any specific milestones you're working toward in your career?

Dan said that he would love to tour to some capacity. He wants to play some places and venues he hasn’t played yet.

James contributed, “I'd really like to travel the world, playing every venue we can hit!”

Jason said, “Just to be able to play music for a living and tour the country.”

Paul “Smash” Cobb added, “Wherever we are guided to, I would love to tour the world. Let's make it a reality!!”

How do you prepare for a show or tour?

Dan asserted, “By warming up the voice and writing out a show script.”

James proclaimed, “I start by promoting the shows a few weeks before! Then I get my maintenance on my guitars going! Then, I pray for guidance for our shows.”

Jason explained, “I try to relax, but that's easier said than done.”

Paul “Smash” Cobb added, “I make sure all drum gear is ready to go and in tune. I warm up and do a mild drum exercise prior to the performance.”

Can you tell us about your latest project or release?

Dan hinted, “The guys know more details.”

James announced, “All I can say is we have about seven new songs in the works! If you like what you have heard so far, then hold on, we got some new music that you're really going to love.”

Jason joked, “Not sure, pulled an ass muscle jumping off the drum riser.”

Paul “Smash” Cobb added in, “We have a bunch of things in the works!”

Are there any collaborations in the works that you're excited about?

Dan concluded with, “The guys set all this up, and we have some cool stuff happening.”

It sounds like Days of Disaster are hard at work to continue putting out great things.  If you’re curious about checking them out live, you can see them September 27th, 2025 at Shenanigan’s Live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Much thanks to the band for this interview.