Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Zilla: Emotions run high at music shows, and anything can happen—which makes a touring band the perfect setting for David Kummer’s horror novel The Band. David, it’s great to have you back! Can you tell us about your latest book?

David: While my last two bestselling novels were part of a series, my newest book, The Band, is a new and exciting novel about a cover band touring in Appalachia. The novel is from one character’s point of view, Aidan, who follows the band as their sound guy. He’s in love with Kate, the lead singer, and when they all stay in Oakville for a week, they run into sinister and mysterious danger. To make matters worse, they brought their own with them.

Zilla: What inspired you to write this book?

David: I got the initial inspiration for this book after my wife and I took a trip to West Virginia. We explored the New River Gorge and one of the small towns nearby. This adventure and these places inspired me to write this story with a touring cover band and all the secret, dangerous history they carry with them.

Zilla: Aidan, Kate, and Johnny each sound like fascinating characters. If you could meet them, what would you say to them?

David: I would love to meet the characters, because they’re one of the best cover bands anyone has ever seen. I love concerts, and it would be a lot of fun. I’d probably just ask them about the tour. And how they’re still alive!

Zilla: And what would they ask you?

David: Probably, “Why did you try to kill us off?”

Zilla: Hah! So would you say that your books are character-driven stories, then?

David: My books are driven by both plot and characters. While tons of crazy stuff happens in The Band with a thrilling and unpredictable plot, the characters are the best part, and they’ll likely stick with you. I always wanted to focus on my writing style for this book and try to mimic some of my favorite authors who write such beautiful prose, especially Denis Johnson and other minimalist authors like him.

Zilla: What’s your next writing project?

David: My next writing project is to finish The House on the Hill trilogy! The first two novels have been bestsellers, and I’m super excited to finish working on The Empty Room, coming this October.

Zilla: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

David: I’ve got a blog where I review lots of horror movies (and other types), as well as active social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. You can find me at davidkummer.com or check out my books on Amazon or Goodreads.