Plagues of Endeavor is a Metalcore band from New York. With their latest song and music video that recently debuted, Vocalist Dan Callaghan had a lot to say in regards to the new song’s nature. “Our latest song and music video I wrote in regards to my experience of going through a divorce this year. The struggle of losing someone you have cared and loved for, over the years, and not being able to do anything to fix it really weighs heavy on your heart. The difficult thing is that I may never fully understand why it happened, but I just need to accept it and move forward. ”

When this happened to him there were no words to explain what he felt other than that he had felt that he had failed in some way. “I lost a big part of my identity and was confused about my future and who I am. These thoughts and all the emotions that come with it start to make you think that you’re not made for this world and that suicide is the only solution. The struggle of not being able to turn off what’s going on in your head is only compounded by thinking that you could turn it off by blowing your brains out. But that’s not the answer. When you go through something so tragic, you have to try and find a way to overcome it and better yourself.”

He now finds happiness at the gym and making music. And from knowing the guy personally, the guy loves food and always seems to drive me crazy with hunger with the amount of sweet and delicious food pictures that you will catch him posting from time to time. Dan is a down to earth military guy who simply loves to make music. Despite the setbacks, Dan remains optimistic with his life and future with his band. “I’m still searching for who I am and what my purpose is in this world, but I know there are beautiful moments and people out there. The amount of support from friends, family, and even strangers, that I have received, has been immeasurable...I still struggle sometimes, I don’t fully understand why or how this happened, but I’ve become more accepting and continue to grow stronger".

Dan is all about sharing his personal experiences and hopes that through his music he can help those with similar problems overcome their issues. He is living proof that you don’t need to stay stuck in a rut. Pain can be used as power to overcome even the most tragic of things. There is a light at the end of everyone’s tunnel of sadness, even when happiness doesn’t come when we expect it to. We drive and push on to create better things in our lives, and this band’s music is a product of that.

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So I guess we can start off with an obvious question, what’s your band’s name and what does it mean to you? Was there ever a time you felt like changing your name?

Plagues of Endeavor. To us it means having a sickness to achieve or overcome. I can't say we have, that's always been our name.

Ah I see, that’s very cool and unique. Where did you guys grow up at if you don’t mind me asking?

We all grew up in the Rochester, NY area, except Raj. He’s from India.

Wow India. That’s crazy, in a good way I promise. I happen to like India’s culture and the place itself looks gorgeous. I want to travel there sometime. New York is pretty cool too I guess, you guys are right next to us in New Jersey so we have to like you. Haha, Just kidding you seem pretty cool. But on a serious note I like that you all come from different places. So, on to the next question. What are some of your musical influences?

Metalcore. Some of our major influences are August Burns Red, As I Lay Dying, After the Burial, Parkway Drive, Veil of Maya and Born of Osiris.

Wow okay, okay, not bad. I’ll give you kudos for having good taste in music. Out of all of them though I tend to favor August Burns Red, Parkway Drive, and Born of Osiris. After the Burial isn’t too bad either I would say. So every band has a time and place where the magic just sort of happens. You meet like-minded people and you decide to start a band. When did you meet and how did that happen for you guys?

We’ve known each other for under a year. We actually all met through Craigslist ads, lol.

Probably one of the very few times in history that a Craigslist ad did something right. I mean you all are still alive, no one tried to scam or take money from you so I consider that to be an obvious plus. Heard too many horror stories and just all around bad stuff coming from that site haha. When did you officially say, you know, “we are a band”? What drives you to continue to make music?

Haha, Approximately a year ago. We all have similar music tastes and the desire to create our own music. We all have the passion to pursue a similar dream.

Are you currently signed?

Not currently.

Well I have no doubts about you guys getting signed sometime soon, your music is great. Alright, onto one of my favorite questions. Every band has a certain place that they just love to perform at, whether it be because of the town, the people, or the venue. Where can you guys say you have enjoyed playing the most?

We’ve only performed in the Rochester NY area so far. Venues such as Waterstreet Music Hall, Main Street Armory, Monty’s Krown, and Montage.

Ah okay, nice. So I want to switch gears a bit and talk about songwriting. What is that process like when you guys sit down to write a song? I ask because even though bands should all typically write together, you get a few cases where it isn’t like that. When you are writing, what major themes come up in your music?

The music is written collectively and I write majority of the lyrics. I base the lyrics off of personal experiences. We tend to use guitar pro with the writing process so it's easier to discuss parts back and forth even when we can’t get together.

What are your rehearsals generally like? Are rehearsals more planned out or are they just all over the place. Not saying that’s a bad thing. Obviously most band mates have jobs and lives outside of the music realm of things. We all have to make a living so I can understand how crazy that can get at times.

We would love to have a set schedule, but it has yet to happen. Our goal is to meet up a minimum of once a week.

Okay understandable. So we are going to switch it up a bit again and get somewhat personal. I know we aren’t clairvoyant and we can’t see what the future holds for any of us, but where do you see your band going in the next few years? What would you want people to take away from your new music?

I want to bring awareness to certain issues that I feel strongly about. I would also like to make people question themselves and continue to seek more out of life. I also just want to make heavy music, filled with passion and sick breakdowns.

Haha very nice. And I do like that you wish for people to seek more out of life. Many times we feel that this is all we got and never really bother to see what’s on the other side of things you know? Questioning ourselves is something many don’t like to do because many figure they are on the right path or are just afraid to see the worst in themselves. I’m glad that is something you want to do with your music. What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Communication. I believe communication is key for every band. Also, hard work. If this was easy, everyone would be doing it. But it isn’t. It takes work, effort, time, money and more.

No truer words were spoken haha. I agree, communication and working hard for what you believe in is the key to success. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Plaguesofendeavor.bandcamp.com. We’re also on Spotify, YouTube, etc.

Alright thanks Dan for your time, it’s much appreciated. Any last words before we end this?

We recently released our first music video for our song “Strength Through Struggle” You can check it out on our YouTube page (direct link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1N8tUlVUM ) You can also get our 3 song demo at https://plaguesofendeavor.bandcamp.com/album/demo and merch at http://plaguesofendeavor.bigcartel.com/