Interview with Another Option

Here are the band members:


Kyle Therrien
Andrew Calheta
Cameron Raubeson
Matt Dilecce


The names that are in bold are the ones that I was able to interview!!!


Here are the questions I asked Cameron and he answered them below:


1. what experiences do you have with the music industry and how has it changed your life?
2. what do you plan on doing to make the band: Another Opinion different and unique?
3. How did you get interested in music and who was your number one influence that helped your music abilities grow over the years?
4. What advice do you have for others that want to be in the music industry?
5. Why did you join the band: Another Opinion?
6. If you could describe the moment you found out that you would be a part of a band in one word, what would it be?
1). I've been in and out of bands, playing out, and touring for the past 10 years of my life. In those years I've met some amazing people, made friends I would have never made, and been to places I never thought I would have all because of my love for music and playing drums --and to think I almost threw out the towel recently.


2). Well its funny you should ask that because Ian and I have VERY similar styles when it comes to playing. Perhaps there wont be a change? Who knows though, I am excited to write music with these guys and tour my butt off with them!


3). I joined the elementary school band and picked percussion because it seemed to be the coolest instrument to play. This lead to playing a full kit in middle school and going on to jam around friends for fun with my spare time. This all lead up to me playing my first show in the 6th grade with my friends Jim and Sean, and to be honest ever since then I've been going strong playing.


4). My advice to someone young that wants to go out and play music is to just go out and do it. It does not matter what you sound like, what you look like, or anything like that. In my experience, parents would rather listen to the racket in the garage or basement a few days out of the week then have to worry about what kind of trouble their kids are getting into on the streets. Get together with your friends, play your instruments, and enjoy each others company because when it comes down to it, that's the best part about playing music, right?


5). I found out about Another Option through a kid I went to college with. I never listened to them or had any sort of inclination as to what they would sound like by their name but years later my friends played a show with them and I was completely blown away. I love this style of music, more so than other genres I have played, and that's what had attracted me to them.


6). I think ecstatic would be a pretty good adjective


Here are the questions I asked Andy and Matt and their responses are right below it:


1. what inspired you to play music?
2. how has music changed your life?
3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?
4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?
5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?
6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?
7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?


Starting with Andy:

1. What inspired me to play music was basically at 14 yrs old me and Kyle (also in my band), would listen to bands like Blink 182 and Green Day, all day long and pretty much where in love with everything to do with being in a band so we picked up some instruments and started jamming.

2. Music has changed my life more then anything, Because of music and this band I have been able to travel the whole U.S and U.K, Ive met so many amazing people and have gotten the opportunity to me and work with alot of my Musical Heroes

3. Currently I have been listening to bands like Hawkboy and Right Away Great Captain. They add an element of originality to their music which we also like to do and i listen to alot of Hip-Hop which helps with me making some groovy bass lines haha

4. Never give up, Always keep pushing. Its lots of work, stress, dedication, and money but as long as it is making you happy then keep going. I love it and would not change it for the world

5. Honestly we were young and not sure what to call our band the name kinda just stuck (haha)

6. I want my fans to know that I am a very sociable guy, so anytime you see me come talk to me and i also love meeting new people so don't be shy come say hi.


7. Before I go on stage there isn't much going through my mind besides lets have a good time, playing live is my favorite thing to do so my mind is nice and clear and I don't have a worry in the world when I am up there.

Here is what Matt said:

1. to be honest , my dad used to be in a band. and he started to teach me simple guitar chords.

2. music has changed my life so much. because of this band I have gotten the opportunity to travel around the country endless amounts of times, and travel all around the UK meeting so many amazing people. The best feeling is when someone says that your music has impacted their life. that's when you know that sleeping in a van, not eating or showering is all worth it.

3. the bands i mostly listen to are As cities burn, This Providence, and Daphne loves derby all for different reasons mostly in their styles of guitar playing.

4. some advice i would give would be to take any opportunity to play that you can. whether its to 5 people or 500 people all you need is that one person to see you. and most of all have fun and love what you do and roll with the punches because the music industry sucks financially and will send your life on a roller coaster.

5. the band name was already chosen when i joined in the band in 2009

6. i want my fans to know how much their support means to me. they will never fully understand how much each "like" or "play" or showing up to a show really means to me.

7. usually before i play a show, i listen to the band Emarosa to hype me up on the drive there. and right before i go on, all i can think about is playing songs and hoping I can see people singing along.

Another Option is a band that says that you have a place where you can go to look for real musical talent and  home of creativity.

Interview with Islands In Motion

Here are the band members:
Billy Malloy - Vocals/ Guitar
Rene Legault - Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Dan Ravenell - Drums

The bolded names are the people that got interviewed!!

Here are the questions that I asked Billy and Rene:

1. what inspired you to play music?
2. how has music changed your life?
3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?
4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?
5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?
6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?
7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?
Here are the questions I asked Dan:

1. what inspired you to play music and how has it changed your life?
2. what is racing through your mind before you go on stage?
3. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue music as their career?
4. what are your favorite bands and how have they changed the way you play?
5. If you could describe your life in one word what would it be and why?

First starting with Billy:

1. The constant melodies in my head most def inspired me to take on music full time

2. It's made me the person I am today..music is the only medicine I need always and forever lol

3. I teach music for a living so I'm constantly being introduced to new music so I really can't name any specific artist as my current influence...but main influences over all would be Boston Daryll hall Patrick stump Casey Crescenzo Paul Simon Michael McDonald the list can run a marathon....

 

4. Prepare to work your ass off and never expect to receive anything for it...

5. Rene thought of it....inspired by the tv series "lost"

6.I want our fans to know that we have big penises...that get hard when we perform for them....only them

7.should I use the bathroom??? Lol really ...that's the only thing I stress about before a show....

Then with Rene:

 

1. Actually it's kinda corny, when I was in middle school there were a few kids who were starting to play instruments so I pretty much tried to fill in whatever instrument needed to be played. But I stuck with it longer than most of them I believe hah

2. Music's been great for my life because I've gotten to travel a good amount to play for kids I never would have met otherwise. I've made a lot of good friends over music.

3. Hah this one, well... I actually listen to very little music similar to the types of music I play in bands. I'm a pretty mellow guy, most of the stuff I listen to is really instrumental-y acoustic indie music or jazz and whatnot.

4. ALWAYS. PLAY. Don't get comfortable with your abilities. You can always get better at something. Whenever me and my friends are hanging out, at the very least one of us is always randomly jamming.

5. Animal Empire was a collaborative effort between the whole band, we all like animals. They're pretty cool. Islands in Motion was my idea. I actually was intending to use it for my acoustic project, but when I started jamming with Dan and Billy, we needed a name. A lot of people have asked me about. It's not about LOST, even though that show ruled. It's not about tectonic plates moving all the landmasses either, although I am a nerd. I kinda thought of myself as an island, and I don't plan on staying in Rhode Island, it kinda stuck in my head.

6. I'm a huge nerd. Now ya know people, come hang out.

7. Usually just "Remember that new part!" because both of my bands are constantly changing little things in our songs to keep it interesting.

Last, but not least: Dan

 

1. I knew i always wanted to play drums. I have been playing them for over 10 years now. Once i started getting into playing more, it started to take more of an important role in my life. A few years later i picked up a guitar for the first time and i have been playing everything i can get my hands on since. Now it's the most important thing i do. If i can't play music whether it be write a song, record myself or somebody else then the day isn't complete.

2. Playing live music is the most exciting feeling! I always have a moment during any live show i play to take it all in and appreciate it. It's so awesome to see a ton of people singing the songs we wrote and having a good time. Just knowing that for a few minutes i influenced them to have a positive time is a really cool feeling for me.

3. Start with a few songs and build your way from there. Narrow your debut songs down to a handful of your bands favorites. Work on them until you all feel that they're ready to be presented to everyone. If you take your time and everyone is committed to the same goal and consistently working to get your band out there, then the listeners will come. Most important, always make sure you're having an awesome time. Being in a band is all about having making music and having fun!

4. The most influential albums for me have been by some great artists. Circa Survive, The Receiving End of Sirens, Protest the Hero and a range from very pop rock to hardcore have shaped the way i listen to and play music today. I'm always listening to music deeper than the average listener. Where most people hear a guitar i like to think of how that sound alone was created. What guitar was used, microphone placement, guitar amp used, effects applied in the studio, mixing and production techniques. It seriously never stops!

5. I have to go with Musician. There is honestly nothing i feel more confident about.

 

 

Dan Ravenell
Islands in Motion
www.facebook.com/islandsinmotion

Islands in Motion

From the ashes of Muriel, Islands in Motion came to be. See you at a show!

 

 

Interview with Ashton Beekhuizen (Guitarist) of Unicron

Here are the band members:

Courtney LaPlante Jackson LaPlante Lee Henwood Ashton Beekhuizen  Kenneth Walker Here are the questions I asked him and this is how he responded: 1. what inspired you to play music? 2. how has music changed your life? 3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music? 4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career? 5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band? 6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already? 7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage? 1. I think growing up in a musical family was one of the biggest reasons I started playing music. My grandmother was a music teacher all her life, and when I was younger I was a pretty good piano player. Around the time of middle school I decided I wanted to be in a band, so I took up the drums. I was no good at that, so I picked up the family acoustic and kind of just taught myself. 2. Music has become such a large part of my life I couldn't imagine myself without it. Music has basically given me a motivation to get up everyday and work a crap job to make money just to tour. Playing music and being on tour makes is the one time I can say I'm truly happy, I just love every minute of it. 3. Well my absolute favorite artists ever would have to be converge, the Dillinger escape plan and Matthew good (his solo stuff) it's hard to say how these artists shaped my music because it is so different from what I play, but I'd be lying if I told you those weren't my two biggest influences in music. I'd have to say lately though I've been listening to a lot of the contortionist, and Tyler The Creator. 4. It's a hard business, and basically you just have to be persistent. Obviously having good music is a plus, but you have to put everything you have into it. If you do it half ass, then what's the point? Before any of these bands "make it", especially in the metal/hardcore scene that were in, those guys work crappy full time jobs and work their asses off promoting themselves and touring and recording whenever they can. The best advice I can offer is just keep at it, and yes play to as many people as you can, but don't forget that as much as we want it to be about the music, these days promotion and image are just as important. 5. Well I didn't actually have a part in naming "unicorn". Before their first show, the original members ( Courtney lee and Jackson) needed a name. They left it up too their younger brother who presented them with two names, one of which being unicorn. It comes from an old transformers film, although Jackson could explain it better than I could. 6. I really can't think of anything but if anyone has any questions they should feel free to ask! 7. I've played enough shows now that I rarely think to hard before hitting the stage. Generally were setting up our gear then we want to start asap. I do have a tendency to start the set playing s little fast though so lately I've been focusing on slowing everything down, and playing everything spot on, while not forgetting the choreography!

Unicorn is not a fairy tale because of the many hardships that this band had to go through to get their name out there. So by giving them a chance, you will show them that miracles do happen!!!

Interview with Sienna

Here are the band members:

	Viana Newton- Vocals Rob Stubbs- GuitarGregg Vigneau- Drums Zach Brock- Bass Alex Beattie- Guitar

The names that are bolded are the ones that got interviewed!!!

Here are the questions I asked them:
1. what inspired you to play music?
2. how has music changed your life?
3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?
4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?
5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?
6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?
7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?

This is how Viana Newton responded:

1. Music is something that I grew up around and I was immediately passionate about. My mom's a singer and her side of the family is extremely musical. My great grandfather was a trombonist who played with some of the greats like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Desi Arnaz. There was no way that I could grow up and not have a passion for music!

2. I don't think that I have enough space to write all of the ways that music has changed my life, to be honest. I'm just glad to have something that I'm in love with doing and something that makes me feel alive. Music has given me an outlet that enables me to express any feeling that I might be having. There aren't many things that can express any emotion possible. I'm blessed to have music in my life.

3. I listen to EVERYTHING from Say Anything or Boys Night Out, to Copeland, Blink 182, Lydia, Good Old War, Circa Survive, Pierce the Veil, Something Corporate, Weezer ( The list is far too long to continue! ) Listening to all different kinds of bands help shape your sound and also lets you appreciate different kinds of music.

4. To those who wish to be musicians... Well, just always remember to do what you love, and never forget to stay passionate about what you do, that's what it's all about.

5. No great story here! We needed a band name, and I was reading an article about Siena, Italy. I liked the way it sounded. The boys didn't like it at first, but it grew on us, and here we are!

6. I'm actually still in High School, and I'm the president of my senior class! Total nerd status over here :)

7. The second before I go on stage, I am SO excited and pumped up... I'm literally just counting the seconds until our set starts so I can run out on stage and rock out!

Next up is Rob Stubbs:

1. Even growing up I loved and was drawn to music. Since I've started playing I haven't been able to stop!

2. Music has changed the way I see my outside world and everything around me.

3. Lately I've been listening to Thursday, Rufio, The Starting Line, and Lil' Wayne. Everyone got to have a little gangsta in them! They helped shape who I am today as a musician by laying a basic foundation on how to write a hook. Any band I listen to, all I do is study them and how they perform.

4. My advice would be to never give up. No matter how pointless everything seems, you just got to follow what you believe in. Cause if you don't believe in yourself, who will?

5. Hahaha where did the name come from.. ok well . . it kinda just came out of no where one day at practice. I had brought it up and it somehow stickied so we just naturally ran with it.

6. In the winter, we practice at Viana's house in front of the Christmas tree. It is the most incredible thing. ever.

7. Before I go on stage all I can think about is "I can't wait to get out there, and feel the rush" There's honestly nothing like hearing hundreds of people singing out your lyrics.

http://www.facebook.com/brocklobster

Zach Brock

King Philip Regional High

Last, but not least: Alex Beattie:

1. I was inspired to play music by feeling the emotion connection it made to me when I listened to it, and seeing that it could do the same in others. I wanted to be a part of that!

2. Music has changed my life by introducing me to almost every friend I have to this day, and giving us lots of great memories and lots of things to look forward to.

3. I listen to so much different music these days it's hard to pin down what inspires me, but I learned to play guitar by playing along with bands like Weezer, Blink 182 and Thursday, just like many other kids my age!

4. My advice to folks who want a career in music is to pursue it because you love music, that's all. Sometimes there's no money to be made, but if you love what you're doing you'll be just fine.

5. We must have thrown out about 300 names while we were trying to settle on something, and this was the one that we could all agree on. It doesn't really have any deep meaning behind it, but I think that the way it sounds fits the tone of the band, and it really rolls off the tongue!

6. Something I want the fans to know that they might now know already: The whole band loves and appreciates everyone that takes the time to listen to us, and we also love kisses and hugs, so if you're at a show, don't be shy!

7. Before I go on stage, I'm usually focusing all my attention on not peeing my pants from all the excitement.

Sienna is a band that is committed to their fans that they go out of their way to make sure that they are loved in every way!!!

Interview with Alan Ashcraft (Drummer) for Across The Sun

Here are the members of the band:

Brandon Davis-Vocals Shane Murray- Keys Sam Hafer- Guitar John Malloy- Bass Alan Ashcraft- Drums Alan Ashcraft said that he would like to speak for the band and so here are the questions plus answers he typed: 1. what inspired you to play music? 2. how has music changed your life? 3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music? 4. where did you get the name of your band from? 5. What do you want your fans to know about you that they might not already know? 6. what is going through your mind when you go on stage? 7. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music? 1. I was inspired at an early age to play music. I purchased my first drum kit at the age of fourteen. My step dad, who was in several local bands growing up, taught me the basics of songwriting, and showed me many of his old live performance videos. 2. It's kept me out of trouble sure. Haha. It consumed much of my teenage life. It's also taught me how to work with others in a creative setting, and the persistence required for such endeavors. 3. I listen to a ton of European influenced Metal and Ambient Hardcore. I love the subtlety behind each genre. They tend to both utilize bombastic tones/notes that greatly appeal to my ear. 4. The name just sounded as epic as we planned on being musically. :-) 5. I want them to know that I have a knack for eating disgusting items off the ground. I've even placed a contact case in my mouth that was IN Dennis' (singer for Affiance) penis. I'm easily the Jackass of the group. ;-) 6. I'm usually scoping out the crowd and hoping they're as stoked to see us as I am to perform for them. 7. Don't do it. It's really hard. Across The Sun is a band that understand tough economic times because their cloths/accessories are 30% off and that is basically a steal!!!

Interview with Tom Davin (Drummer) for The Sophomore Beat

Here are the members of the band:
Daniel James: Vocals, Bass (@DanielBeat)
Mike Prue: Guitar, Vocals (@tsbrocker)
Andy Bohren: Keyboards, Vocals (@Andybeat86)
Tom Davin: Drums (@TomDavinSays)I put the most important parts of his answers in bold lettering to make his real messages come out!!!!

Here are the questions I asked him and he responded right under them:

1. what inspired you to play music?

When I was about 10 years old, a good school friend of mine got a guitar for Christmas. I thought it was so cool that he was learning how to play, and I wanted to learn an instrument as well. A few months later, my mother helped me buy a cheap drum kit from a pawn shop so my friend and I could start a band. The rest is history.

2. how has music changed your life?

Music has changed my life in every way imaginable. I’ve been performing for over a decade now, and it has been the center of my life ever since I started. I would have never visited parts of the world, or met the incredible people in my life had it not been for music.

3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?

Well, it’s a bit cliché, but my favorite band is The Beatles. They’ve inspired me to become a more creative musician.

4. where did you get the name of your band from?

Our singer/bassist Dan dropped out of college his sophomore year to persue his musical career. He started the band and named it The Sophomore Beat, hence he would be a sophomore forever.

5. What do you want your fans to know about you that they might not already know?

That they have made my life worth living and I love every single one of them.

6. what is going through your mind when you go on stage?

I want to have as much fun as possible. I’m concentrated on making sure everyone watching us is having just as much fun as I am.

7. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music?

To not give up. There is a lot of hard work involved and it can be tough, but if you have as much fun as I do, then it’s all worth it.

The Sophomore Beat have a variety of music that will make you want to listen to them and they are a band that keeps growing constantly!!!

Interview with Brandon Walden (Guitar) of Amely

Here are the members:

	Petie Pizarro Patrick Ridgen Nate Parsell Brandon Walden

Here are the questions I asked him and he answered right below them:

1. what inspired you to play music?

When I initially started playing music what was most inspiring was all the life experiences I was enduring at the time. I was going through a lot of different extremes and I found music and art as a way to express myself and control my understanding of the things happening around me.

2. how has music changed your life?

Well I've been studying and practicing music heavily for over 10 years, which is almost half my age, and over that time music has changed me in many ways. The greatest impact it has had is keeping me stable when nothing else feels like it is. Music hasn't only changed my life, it's saved it too.

3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?

I listen to a lot of bands that our fans might not expect. I listen to all genres of music but at the top of my most played list are - Tom Petty, Brad Paisley, Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, Minus The Bear and Coldplay. The list goes on and on but those are a few. Every form of music I listen to shapes me and the music I create. I'd say the way it affects most is by inspiring me to work harder to achieve the things they have. When I hear something great it makes me spend more time writing and trying to find something great to call my own.

4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?

If you completely sure of what you want to do I have always believed you should spend all your time and energy pursuing it. Like anything, having music as a career isn't all that you would expect, but when you love something you know how to get through those things and focus on whats important. I'm not seasoned enough to be giving at this point I would say if you want music as your career be prepared to work as hard as you will have to anywhere else. That and also ask yourself how patient of a person you are and if you think you really have it in you. A lot depends on that.

5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?
Amely is a name Petie came up with as the title of his solo side project during his first band. It stands on it's own, it doesn't have a definite definition. He wanted something that wouldn't label the band without someone listening.

6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?

I'm a black belt in Karate. True story. Don't pull pranks on me.

7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?

The same thing every time, please don't sweat too much tonight and let's see how crazy I can get tonight without looking like a complete fool.

Amely is a band that fearless records help bring to the spot light and so you know they are exceptional!!!

Interview with Justin Calalay (Guitar/Vocals) for SO CONTAGIOUS

Here are the members of the band:

-RYAN MCMANUS - 19 - Vocals/Bass
@RyanLMcManus

-JUSTIN CALALAY - 20 - Guitar/Vocals
@JustinCalalay

-TJ ROUTON - 20 - Guitar/Vocals
@TjRouton

-WESLEY MOORE - 20 - Drums
@WesleyMoore
Here are the questions I asked him and he responded right below them:

1. what inspired you to play music?

I was inspired to play music from a young age. My mom would take me to whatever concerts I wanted and that is what started it all for me.

2. how has music changed your life?

Music changed my life in a very big way. I started playing in bands when I was 15 and by the time I was 19 I dropped everything in my life to play music full time.

3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?

I listen to everything from rap, rock and country. The older music got me started for sure, but music is just a continuation of something that was already there, so I guess that's how it shaped my music.
4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?

I would say before pursuing music as a career just make sure it's a passion and not a hobby. Also, if you are in a band make sure that all of the people in your band are 110% committed and know what the consequences are.5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?

We were all really into a band called Acceptance and they coincidentally had a song called, So Contagious so we went with it.6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?

I usually try and stay connected with fans, but I guess one thing they may not know is that I am in to meditation as a way of staying centered and stable. 
7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?

Before I hit the stage, I am just focused on giving the crowd a good show. Maybe thinking about what I am going to have for dinner after lol.

So Contagious is a band that's name says it all because after one song of theirs you are so addicted to the way they play music and sing!!! 

Interview with Armando Sanchez (Drummer) for Before the Flood

Here are the members of the band:
Jara Jurado (Guitar/Clean Vocals)
Calder Pearce (Synthesizer)
Fruittari Tommo Itoh (Bass)
Vincent Bombolo (Guitar)
Armando Sanchez (Drums)
Here are the questions I asked him:
1. what inspired you to play music?
2. how has music changed your life?
3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?
4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?
5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?
6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?
7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?

This is how he responds to them:

1 I would have to say my cousin tony. I got into playing every instrument, but my main is DRUMS :)

2. Music has changed my life in so many ways. Like meeting new cool people and working with different types of musicians. I have been on tour once and I love it/miss it.

3.I listen to R&B, Rap, Rock: Hardcore and Post-Hardcore, Jazz, Inde, Alternative Rock, and Experimental Bands. I pretty much listen to anything, but country. I do listen to Johnny Cash and Elvis, but there more like counrty rock I think (haha).

4. Don't try to play music unless you are thinking big because if not go home (Just kidding haha). If you get into playing any type of intrument and you feel like it is a part of you, then keep it up. Always be open minded about any type of music, even country (Just a little though haha).

5. The idea for my bands name came from my old front man, Blake Levy from, TODAY WE LIVE and my current band mates Jara and Calder from, BEFORE THE FLOOD.

6. I'm a drummer with a passion for music and I have been through a lot. Almost died twice, but I'm still playing music and I'm a nice person if you ever see me after playing a show. Don't be afraid to say hi or if you see me anywhere else.

7. Does my drumset look good and not like its all slanted/weird. To not get to excited because then I will play to fast lol.

Before the Flood will flood your brain with real music that is emotionally based and will keep you wanting more!!!

Interview with Elenora

Here are the members of the band:
Alex - Vocals
Justin - Bass
Casey - Guitar
Victor - Keyboards
Curtis - Guitar
Nick- Drums

I interviewed Nick Taylor and he is representing the band!!!

The answers that I thought were very interesting are in bold lettering!!!

Here are the questions and Nick's responses are under it:
1. what inspired you to play music?

I lived in a small town right after my parents' divorce when I was 11 years old and music was really my outlet at that time because it seemed to express a lot of the same things I was feeling. I started the 5th grade and it just so happened (and I'm very thankful) that music class was mandatory at this particular school. I got started playing percussion in the school Concert Band. I guess I must have liked it.
2. how has music changed your life?

Music has really been the only way for me to fully express myself. I don't know where I would be if I had never discovered music. Probably dead. At this point it's becoming a career choice as well, so I guess in short it is really just BEEN my whole life.
3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?

Growing up, I was always a fan of bands like The Fall of Troy and The Number 12 Looks Like You. Always been a fan of progressive music, especially very EMOTIONAL progressive music. To date, they are the only two bands I've ever seen live.
Nowadays, I think my musical influences have widened quite a bit. Pop music from any era is something our whole band enjoys a ton because of how creative the vocals are. Really in pop music the vocals function as the main instrument. I think like a lot of metalcore bands, we draw a lot from hip-hop as well. Heavy hip-hop tends to be very similar to music with breakdowns. We all also have a genuine affinity for all types of indie music and I think that will come out quite a bit in the newest set of songs we are finishing up.
4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?

I guess if you are looking to make money doing music you better get used to letting a lot of the artistic side of things fall by the wayside. If you are truly in it for love of the art be ready to live with your parents for as long as they'll support you. All of the touring bands do it. From day one, I'd say get the best gear you can get. It's really all about how much money you can put into self-promotion at first and you have to be ready to make a lot less than minimum wage for most of the time you're in a band. As well, hanging out in a van with a bunch of other people is very very stressful. It's not for everybody.
5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?

Long before I ever joined the band, it was called Marietta. Due to a lot of things, the band eventually decided they'd use the name "Eleonora," taken from an Edgar Allan Poe poem. As far as I know, it turned into "Elenora" due to a need for a simpler spelling. There is another band right now called "Eleonora" that's pretty awesome too. It's unclear to me whether or not they were around before we were.
6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?

I guess that doing interviews is such an amazing thing and that it means a lot to me.
7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?

I think it's usually something along the lines of "I sure hope I've warmed up enough." As I'm getting on stage, though we usually get some cheers and stuff.. that part is really great.. something like, "I'm stoked to put on a show for all of these people" most often pops into my head. I still get butterflies too. No matter how many shows we play.

Elenora is such a great band that it seems like everyone wants a piece of what they are offering. Don't be left out and see how they can fill your music requests!!!!

Interview with Showbread and Gwen Stacy

Here are the members of Showbread:
Josh Dies - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Patrick Porter - Bass
Garrett Holmes - Synthesizer, Guitar
Drew Porter - Drums


Here are the members of the band Gewn Stacy:
Brent
Geoff
Pat
Matt
Brett


The band members that I interviewed have their names in bold lettering!!!


The important information I got from their answers are in bold lettering as well!!!!!


Here are the questions I asked them and how they answered them is below it:


1. what inspired you to play music?


Patrick: At first I was inspired by my brother Matt, who played trumpet in our high school. I guess just being around all of the parades and summer programs, made me want to do it as well. Later on, the music I was listening to in high school made me want to pick up the guitar, and play in a band of my own.


Drew: Not to sound cliche or anything but my inspiration for playing music is Jesus. If it were not for doing his work.  I would put my college degree to use and actually make money (Hahaha...but for real). Also, when I was young my uncle would always bring his guitar over to my grandma's house and play old gospel music, while everyone sang along. I remember thinking that was the coolest thing in the world. So when I was 12 or so I began taking guitar lessons from my uncle and that started it all.


2. how has music changed your life?


Patrick: Due to music and Gwen Stacy in particular I have been able to see and do a lot of things most people can only dream of. I'm very thankful, and extremely happy to have had those opportunities!!!!


Drew: It has given me the opportunity to see almost every state in the U.S. (I'm lacking only 2 or 3). I've been able to travel to Europe. I've been able to play drums in front of crowds of thousands of people. I get to do things most people only dream of doing


3. what bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music?


Patrick: My music tastes constantly change, but as far my time with Gwen Stacy. I would have to say Poison the Well, Thrice, and Every Time I Die were the biggest influences on what I wrote for the band.


Drew: I like straight up rock n roll bands: Foo Fighters, Queens of The Stone Age, and Weezer are a few of my favorites. We take influence from many bands. For our last record, I listened to Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, and Weezer almost exclusively because I wanted to project their drum styles on our record. I think it came out pretty good.
 
4. what advice do you have for others that want to pursue in music as their career?


Patrick: Strive to be unique!!!  since there is so many bands out there.  They are all starting to sound the same. Focus on creating and honoring in on your own style. You will stand out more that way.


Drew: Don't try to recreate what someone has already done. People don't want to hear the same thing over and over. If you look at the really big bands, most of the time, they are credited with bringing something completely different to the table. The perfect example of this is Nirvana. They invented a brand new genre when they showed up.


5. where did you get the idea for the name of your band?


Patrick: The original members wanted a name involving comic books, and landed on Gwen Stacy. I don't think anyone was super stoked on it at the time, but the name just stuck I guess.


Drew: Back in the day, some of the early guys were sifting through the bible looking for band names and came across showbread. They thought it sounded funny. It stuck.


6. what do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already?


Patrick: If they don't know already and I am sure I can speak for everyone else when I say this. We all really appreciated anyone that ever had an interest or cared about Gwen Stacy. They're what made the 6 years of the band's existense worth it, and very fulfilling.

Drew: I don't enjoy talking about drum gear like most drummers do. When other guys start trying to bring me into their conversations I'm mostly thinking, " I don't care about your fancy stands, just play the dang drums."


7. what is racing your mind before you go on stage?
Patrick: Depends on the situation or what show it was. I was always just excited to play soon and focused on having as much fun as I could.


Drew: My last thought before starting the first song is usually: "I wonder if there's food after the show?"
These two brothers are on the path of making a real difference to the music industry, by their dedication to bringing music all across the countries!!!