Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Interview with Set The Sun

Here are the members of the band:

Nate Anderson - Lead Vocalist
David Southern - Guitar/Vocalist
Arturo Pina - Guitar
Dakota Price - Bass/Vocalist
Brandon Daniels - Synth
Alex Summers - Drums

The highlighted names are the ones that I 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?

Start with David Southern response:

1. My Dad. I grew up around him always jamming and playing keys. He has been playing for well over twenty years and he is definitely the one where I get my musical talents from. He was part of the reason I was inspired to pick up a guitar.

2. Music has always helped me through my problems. Whether I have had a rough day, I can always come home to my guitar and forget all my problems. It helps me with stress, it is my escape.

3.  I listen to alot of The Devil Wears Prada, Underoath, The Word Alive. They are all awesome influences and shape the way I write songs.

4. Never give up. Dont settle for anything. If you want it, go get it.

5. We had a list of names we were thinking about and we actually combines the two and got: Set The Sun. I thought it was pretty cool and felt like it meant anyone can do anything they want. "You can set the sun" type of feel (haha).

6.  I'm not the most outgoing person. I wish I was, but the truth is I am pretty shy and reserved unless I know you well.

7. How can I make this show better than the last show? How can I make this show the best these fans have seen? My palms start to sweat. I get nervous just like anyone else does. But once the first note kicks in it is gone and it is a blast for me! I love always bringing something new to every show. 

Next is Arturo Pina response:

1. I had always loved music, but once I met a guy in 6th grade that played guitar and I thought it was the coolest thing ever so I picked one up and the rest is history :)

2. Music has basically made me who I am today in every way and I have decided to keep doing music and become an audio engineer

3.  My music taste is very broad! some of my all time favorites include memphis may fire, incubus, jason mraz and even fall out boy. All of them influence my own music in one way or another.

4. It is not easy but if you truly love it and its your passion definitely do whatever it takes to reach your goals and just don't give up!!!!

5. Set the sun if I am not mistaken came from a girl who suggested the band be called SWIM the sun and I guess the guys at the time changed that and came up with set the sun (hahahaha).

6. (Hmm) good question, probably that I tend to take my pants off at practice because it gets too hot (hahaha).

7. Man a million things! but mainly just a bunch of adrenaline and all the dance moves we have coordinated for that show (hahaha).

Last, but not least Alex Summers response:

1. I've been playing drums since I was 6 years old, but i didn't get serious about it until 9th grade. That was when I started getting into the "scene" and I was listening to bands like Underoath, blessthefall, and Bullet For My Valentine. Hearing drummers playing fast, heavy fills and beats was something I was not used to. I fell in love with it and knew I had to do it.

2. Playing drums has changed me in so many ways. I've met some amazing friends because of Set The Sun and I am so blessed I get to play music with them. The thing I love the most about playing music though is I can use it as an escape to my problems in the real world.

3. My biggest influences as a drummer are Underoath and The Devil Wears Prada. All of those drummers have such a unique style and are great musicians. With many bands I associate their music with a certain time in my life I want to remember and years on down the road I will listen to it again because it brings back good memories. It works the opposite way too, though. Lots of times I listen to certain bands just to forget about the things I am going through at that same time.

4. Find a dedicated group of musicians and make it your number one priority. You get as much out of it as you put in.

5. Me and David really wanted to book a show at a local venue, except we didn't have a name. So this girl we knew had a long list of band names she thought of and one was 'Swim The Sun'. We thought it was cool, but that it sounded too electro-popish. So we came up with Set The Sun, and thought it was catchy and good enough for the time being (haha).

6. That even though they may consider them just fans, they are the ones that make us successful. We wouldn't be where we are now without their support. And that they should definitely introduce themselves and hang out with us at shows, we love making new friends!

7. I generally try to keep a clear head before a show. I just remind myself that it's like practice, only with a couple more friends watching. I always drink an energy drink before though and it usually gets rid of my nerves, plus pumps me up instead.  
I listen to Set The Sun every time I wake up because it gives me the energy to wake up and be in a great mood!!! Listen to Set The Sun  because it is like your breakfast in the morning :)

Interview with Score 24

Here are the members of the band:

Rob Fox-Vocals
Paul Ruess-Guitar/Vocals

Thomas Angenbroich- Bass
Anthony Pasini - Guitar
Ryan Linzer - Drums
 
The highlighted names 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?


Lets start with Rob Fox:


1. Growing up every member of this band loved music, what inspired me most was watching Blink 182 perform either on T.V. or live in concert. They had something about them that made me want to move.

2. Music has not changed my life, it has taken over it. Most people don't know how much work goes into being in a touring band, its pretty much 24/7 work....but I love it!!!!!

3. Every member of the band has a different taste in Music and that's why because most of our albums come out with a different kind of sound every time. I was brought up with Blink 182 , Greenday and New Found Glory but now I listen to almost everything that makes me want to move around.

4. Work, Work, Work, and when all else fails: Work even harder. This is a very tough industry to get started in and it is even harder to be successful in. You never know when you have actually made it or not.

5. We came up with the name Score 24 while we were all still in high school. The big thing that was on most of our minds while we were trying to start this pop rock band was the SAT's. School was taking up a lot of our time while we were trying to get started with the band and not to mention the horror of the SAT's creeping up on us. We originally came up with the name " To Score a 2400" which was the highest you could get on the SAT's when we were taking it. But we figured that was way too long so we shortened it to "Score 24"

6. We want our fans to know that we are just like them and we are a little bit less normal than they are. We are out here to have fun with everyone and spread the sound of our music.

7. The one thing that races my mind before I go on is that I am hoping the crowd is ready to have a fun time and they are ready to participate. There is nothing worse than going out on stage with all of this energy and getting nothing back in return.

Last, but not least Paul Ruess:

1) Music was always a passion for me, ever since piano lessons when I was very young. Since then, it took over my life and inspired me to do other things such as write songs, and learn instruments like a Guitar and Saxophone. Creating a band was something that came from a lot of previous history and a lot of passion/confidence that I gained from it.

2) Music has given me the confidence and the creativity to talk about what I want and at times get out my frustration. Back in high school, I used to be quite a strange kid and didn't have any confidence or any public speaking/communication abilities. Since then I feel like music and being in a band has improved all those aspects of my life and more! I'm more responsible and am able to take care of myself simply because I have had many more experiences than other people in different lines of work.

3) Ever since the beginning and even now I have listened to Blink-182. They were my main role models and I have molded myself after many of their aspects. A lot of their music techniques and ideas are in my music as well! Today however, I listen to many other bands in all different varieties. Some of my favorites are Creed, Eleventyseven, In Flames, Alterbridge, Honor Society, and etc. The list will go on and on. In all of the songs I write, I always try to add different aspects from all of my favorite bands. People need to understand that nobody wants to listen to a copy of another band, they want to listen to something new and fresh. My music is my personality put onto paper.

4) My greatest advice would have to be, never give up. It's a pretty general phrase, and also a very typical phrase for someone like me to use, but it is very true. Everyone who is going to attempt to make a career out of music needs to understand that everyone goes through their ups and downs. Nobody can write a hit song EVERY time they sit down to put their feelings on paper. Sometimes it takes me days or even weeks to get past a writers block, so nobody should give up just because they can't seem to get a good melody or write good lyrics. You never know, the very next day you can sit down and write the next hit song. But all in all, it takes time, confidence, and believing in yourself. "To be successful, a person needs to be able to listen to everyone and ignore everyone"

5) The name actually has a double meaning. In the beginning when the band was started, me and our ex guitarist Joe Fox wrote the first score of music on the 24th day of the month. At the same time, there were only 2 members in the band, but then we felt like we "Scored" when we met the next 2 members. So, armed with the double meaning, we became known as "Score 24".

6) Not too many people know, but me and Rob Fox both met through boy scouts when we were younger and we both became eagle scouts. So kids! There is no shame in being in boy or girl scouts!! It actually HELPS you become a better person! Too many people quit or never join because they are worried that they will be ridiculed and made fun of. Kids need to worry more about themselves and less about what everyone else thinks!

7) My mind is literally blank before I play a show. I know it sounds funny, but the most important thing for me to think about is setting up my equipment, and smiling. THATS IT! Thinking too much about playing a good show, will guarantee that we don't.

You want to score good music and a great dance party with your friends then listen to Score 24!!!!

Interview with Eric Grava (Lead Singer) of "Love Via Dance Machine"

 These answers are from Eric Grava, the lead singer of "Love Via Dance Machine"

1. Who inspired you to play music? First and foremost my mother, she introduced me to singing at very young age.
 
2. How has music changed your life? Well, it had given me an outlet. Its  always been there for me when I needed it. It has gotten me through some tough times. I guess in a way music is like a best friend that never lets you down.
 
3. What bands do you listen to and how have they shaped your music? Well, honestly I listen to mostly pop music. Specifically I’m really into Augastana, Katy Perry, and Blink 182 right now.
 
4. What advice do you have for others that want to pursue music as their career? If your going to do it then go all out. Make music your life. It’s also really important that you find a Manager that understands your needs and the dynamic of the group.
 
5. What is racing through your mind before you go on stage? All I can think is about is the crowd. You know people spend money to come and see us and I really want to make sure they have a great time. Oh yeah and I’m also usually worried about my in-ear monitors falling out.
 
6. If you could describe how you feel when you go on stage in one word what would it be? Crazy
 
7. Where did you get the idea for the name of your band?  It came to me in a dream!
 
8. What do you want your fans to know about you that they might not know already? I love to bowl!
 
Here are the members of the band and ways to contact them!!!:
 
Eric "E-3000" Grava www.twitter.com/LoveViaE3K
Jimmy Coberly www.twitter.com/LoveViaJimmy
Alex Badanes www.twitter.com/LoveViaAlex
Izaiah Yelle www.twitter.com/LoveViaIzaiah

Interview with The Ever After

Here are the band members of The Ever After:
Armando Soler - Vocals
Steven Richardson - Guitars/Vocals
Eddie Castineira - Guitars
Michael Thomas - Bass
Nicky Cedeno - Drums
 
I interviewed Eddie Castineira and he said that he will be speaking for the whole band!!!!
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. 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? 
 
This is how he answered:
1. When I was a kid, I used to visit my uncles house every other weekend. He would often be playing songs on the guitar by The Beatles, The Monkeys, and CCR to name a few. I wanted to be just like him, playing the guitar and just having fun with it. The rest is history!

2. Dramatically. It's everything and the only thing I know. I invest so much of everything into it. I wouldn't change it for the world.

3. I actually have been listening to a lot of classical music. Mostly Mozart and Haydn. I've also been listening to a lot of The Maine, A Rocket To The Moon, and Acceptance to name a few. Our music is more or less in vain of those bands, but I would have to say that just every day life shapes our music.

4. I was making a list of band names. We had so many to pick from, but one caught our eye. I found the book "The Ever After" and with everything that has happened to us as a band, we felt that the name was fitting. It just stuck.

5. I am extremely goofy at times, and have an obsession with coffee! It's more like "love" than anything else :P
 
6. Usually, I think about how lucky I am to be able to do what I do. I just focus on the music and enjoy life for the time that I'm up there!

7. I say go for it! If it makes you truly happy, then you'll never give up on it. Your soul won't let you. Keep dreams alive.
The Ever After is one Happily Ever After that is sure to come in their future because part of their fairy tale is already taking place!!!!
















Saturday, May 14, 2011

Interview with The Color Morale

Here are the members of the band:

Garret Rapp - Vocals
Ramon Mendoza - Guitar
John Bross - Guitar/Vocals
Steve Carey - Drums
 
I interviewed Garret Rapp and he is answering for the whole band!!!!
Here are the questions I asked Garret Rapp:

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. If you could describe your band in one word what would it be?
 
Here is how he responded:
1. Real life experiences and the opportunity to help others through music.

2. Music have given us the opportunity to connect to an audience and tell stories, which in turn has helped us tremendously. It's given us a purpose and mission, and that's what drives us.

3. I'm really into Misery Signals at the moment. We are heavily influenced by a looooooot of different bands.

4. Don't ever make it about anything, but your passion for music. It's what drives you. If you worry about money or popularity, you should stay home.

5. We wanted something that reflected our mission as a band, the word "color" would actually be taken in context as a verb.

6. Hmmm, I would say that if they don't know it already, without them we wouldn't be playing music at all.
 

7. That is a tough question! I would have to say, imperfect

A band here for the right reasons and singing with a passion that can't be bought: The Color Morale

Interview with Upon Glory!!!!

Here are the members of the band:

AJ Lafell - Lead Scream Vox
Austin Crowe - Backup Scream/Clean Vox
Jay O'Connor - Guitar/Clean Vox
Corbin Calcutt - Guitar
Will Wright - Bass
Dalton Oldham - Drums

I highlighted the names of the people that I interviewed!!!!!

Here are the questions I asked them individually:

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. If you could describe your band in one word what would it be?


Lets start with what AJ Lafell said:


1. Well, basically I have always had a pull torward music. It was something I could confide to when I was down or happy. Just something that's always been in my life.

2. It's given me something to actually want to accomplish in life, cause I can't have a normal job. haha

3. For Today, because of the reason they play. The Devil Wears Prada, and Relient K has always been one of my top 3 bands. Theses bands have kept me jamming to great music, with the Jesus side still there. Which is what I like. haha

4. Just got for it, don't stop.

5. It just came up. We have Christian inspired lyrics, so the name is kind of fitted. haha

6. I'm not sure. But they should know that we are coming, and to be prepared. haha That is if we have fans. haha

7. Epic. 

Next up is Austin Crowe:

1. Probably bands that I love, my favorite band since like elementary school has been Green Day (even though they are nothing like our band) they are probably my main influence.

2. It changed me entirely in every way, I don't go a day without music.

3. I have really been into bands like "minues the bear" and "circa survive" lately. Also I have been addicted to For Today's latest album breaker. I lovvvve Asking Alexandria's newest album!!!

4. Do it, to it

5. No idea, didnt name it (haha)

6. We are all sexy bros;]

7. BALLER

Last, but not least: Jay O'Connor:


1. My grandpa. he played some pretty big shows in Vegas back in his day. Opening for Johnny Cash and others... He passed away before I was born, but he has always been my biggest inspiration behind music.

2. Music IS my life. I have not gone a day without music, since like 6-7th grade when it became an interest to me. Every rough and happy time I have ever went through in my life I have always had music by my side helping me with everything.

3. I listen to everything from acoustic, to pop rock to the most hardcore bands out there. Underoath will always be my number one. the amount of emotion and meaning behind every note they play is so inspiring. They don't scream to be trendy, they do it because there is no other way to express the amount of emotion they put in their songs. They are the best group of musicians I have ever seen and heard. In everything I play, I strive to achieve what they do in their sound.

4. Never give in to what other people say or want you to be. If you are trying to pursue music. Do it for what you believe in, not for what others want.

5. We are a Christian related/positive message type band I guess you could say. The name kind of went with the message we were trying to send to people. Plus i mean, it sounds pretty epic ;)

6. We are trying to send a positive message and you should not be so quick to judge people based on appearance or the sound of their music.

7. ♥ I'm using that as my word. I love these guys more than anything. they are my family. You cant be a successful band if you don't get along or are not united 100%. That is the most important thing and I could not ask for better people to create music with.

A band that not only plays great music, but loves each other: Upon Glory!!!!

Interview with Blind Witness

Here are the members of the band:

Vocals - Jonathan Cabana
Guitar - Maxime Lacroix
Drums - Eric Morotti

I interviewed Jonathan Cabana and he is speaking for the whole band!!!

Here are the questions I asked Jonathan:

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 answers:

1. I knew I wanted to play music when I went to my first hardcore metal concert. It was in an awesome venue we used to have here in montreal called l'x the bands were zao, remembering never and scarlett! That was in 03 I believe I was 16!

2. Since I got my first guitar at 10 I knew I wanted to be on stage and play in front of people.

3. I grew up listening to number of metal bands like korn, limpbizkit, 40 below Summer so I always wanted to play the same music as those bands got me in the metal scene when I was 10. So all of the new metal band and metal and hardcore band I grew up listening to, shaped the music of our band.

4. My advise for someone who wants to play music full time is : tour, tour, tour and dont be afraid to put money in your band, go on the road 10 months a years and after years go by it will pay off. Plus don't be afraid to live off 5$ a day forever haha..

5. The band name was found before I joined rhe band Blind Witness. It used to be a punk core band before I joined!

6. I m always super stressed when I go on stage, so I try to visualized our performance!

7. "Don't mess up.." haha

Take some time out of your day to listen to Blind Witness and you will have a pop rocking day!!!