MISS MAY I to Headline THE AP TOUR FALL 2012

Cleveland-based youth-culture magazine ALTERNATIVE PRESS has just announced MISS MAY I as the headliner for their annual fall tour, THE AP TOUR FALL 2012, sponsored by PETERSAYSDENIM. The tour, featuring a line-up handpicked by the AP staff, will be heading out on a 32-day trek that kicks off mid-October till the end of November. Tour dates will be announced soon.

MISS MAY I will receive direct support from California heavy hitters THE GHOST INSIDE, melodic metal act LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES, Australia’s modern metal quintet THE AMITY AFFLICTION, and technical metal up-and-comers GLASS CLOUD.

Once again, THE AP TOUR includes built-in incentives for both the fans and the bands. Presale purchasers will be given the first opportunity to buy a limited VIP package along with an exclusive add-on offer.  With the purchase of a ticket and an additional $17, fans will receive a one-year subscription to AP and all three covers of the AP TOUR FALL 2012 issue.  In addition, AP is offering a limited VIP Package with the purchase of a ticket and an additional $48. This package includes all three covers of the AP Tour issue, a one-year subscription to AP, access to a meet & greet with MISS MAY I, a sit-in on MISS MAY I’s soundcheck, a signed copy of Miss May I's new record At Heart, a VIP laminate and an AP Tour USB with exclusive MP3s, videos and additional content from all your favorite AP Tour bands.  Don’t miss out on this first-come-first served opportunity before they sell out!

Pre-sale tickets go on sale from August 7^th through 9^th at http://theaptour.ducatking.com/ and go on general sale on August 10^th at 10 am local venue time. To read more about the tour, please visit www.altpress.com/theaptour and www.twitter.com/theaptour.

 Guitar World Magazine and DRUM! Magazine recently posted exclusive videos highlighting MISS MAY I’s gear that they are using on this year’s VANS WARPED TOUR. You can check out the guitar/bass video here and the drum video here. Take a behind-the-scenes look at specific gear the band uses and hear explanations straight from the guys on why they use the gear they do and how it shapes their signature sound.

Additionally, MISS MAY I posted their third official VANS WARPED TOUR video update today! Head to the band’s official YouTube page right now to check out the video.

MISS MAY I’s most recent album, At Heart, was released on June 12, 2012 with Rise Records and reached #32 on the Billboard Top 200 it its first week.

See below for all current VANS WARPED TOUR dates:

2012 VANS WARPED TOUR

7/26 -Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

7/27- Orlando, FL @ Central Florida Fairgrounds

7/28 -West Palm Beach, FL (Miami) @ Cruzan Amphitheatre

7/29 -St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa) @ Vinoy Park

7/30 -Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

7/31- Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

8/01 -Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheatre

8/04 -Redmond, WA (Seattle) @ Marymoor Park

8/05 -Portland, OR @ Rose Quarter Riverfront

Warped Tour Interviews

We got confirmed for Vans Warped Tour tomorrow in Atlanta! Still needing questions for Every Time I Die, After The Burial, Taking Back Sunday, The Ghost Inside, and Born of Osiris. Submit yours here

http://killthemusic.net/post/22713938480/vans-warped-tour-interview-questions

Review: Pierce The Veil - Collide With The Sky

Pierce The Veil - Collide With The Sky
Record Label: Fearless Records
Release Date: July 17th, 2012

Pierce the Veil is breaking down walls with their 3rd album, Collide With The Sky, announced for the first time back in December of last year. Earlier this year in February, they updated us all on the producers they’d chosen to work with, Dan Korneff and Kato Khandwala from House of Loud in New Jersey. I have to give them all a round of applause, because the album came out awesome. When I heard PTV for the first time ever, I was automatically drawn to Vic Fuentes’ unique vocals and the exciting instrumentals the band offers. Thankfully, the band kept this same edge-of-the-seat sound for the new album - a fantastic display of the energy they’ve always had, and even added a bit more heaviness. The first single released off the new album back in early June, ‘King for a Day’, really allowed every band member to shine, even with guest feature Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens. As I kept listening, I noticed this is a reoccurring theme with each song, where every one gets to show off without drowning the others out. This is exactly where a good song comes from, so others should be taking notes.

It seems to be a popular new addition for a handful of bands, so yes, some electronics make their way into Collide With The Sky. But if that’s not your thing, have no fear, because it’s not an over whelming amount and it fuses into their structure really well. Not only are synths and electronics found on a few tracks, but they’ve added some moderate breakdowns in their heavier songs, as heard in track number 7, “Tangled In The Great Escape” featuring Jason Butler of letlive (who has a great voice that complements Vic’s very well). I’ve got a feeling this will go over really well with mosh-lover fans like myself, it certainly doesn’t bother me. The best part is that even with these newer sounds mixed in, you’re going to want to keep the album playing on repeat anyway. The band has a truly captivating sound.

It wouldn’t be settling if I told you not to check out all 12 new songs on the album, but hey, if that’s not your plan, definitely look into “I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket” and “Hell Above,” which happen to be my favorites. Luckily for all of us, PTV’s infectious sound and energy is currently present on the Van’s Warped Tour, which still has a good month or so left to it. I’m sure they’ll put on a sweet show for their fans. I haven’t seen any setlists from the tour with any new songs besides “King For a Day,” but who knows, they could surprise us. So make sure to go and check them out if you’re planning on attending!

9/10

- Kim

Kevin Lyman discusses Blink-182/Warped Tour

Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman recently did an interview with The Gunz Show where he discussed the logistics of Blink-182 playing the festival.

Everyone always says, ‘Bring Blink!’ And just as a sheer economics project, think about what Blink would cost and what you’d pay for a Blink ticket compared to a Warped Tour ticket. It doesn’t work economically for Blink. They’re always welcome to come back. The door is never shut for anyone, but they’ve just gotta figure out how to come be part of it and still make it work for that $40 ticket at the door.

Interview: Sleepwalker

Sleepwalker is an alternative rock band from Tempe, Arizona, formed in early 2010. Members include Brian Blevins (lead singer), Joe Gerhard (bass, backing vocals), Michael Gessert (guitar, piano, backing vocals), and Matt Horn (drums). This dynamic rock quartet has an aggressive, yet melodic style, and is known for their energetic live performances.

The band is characterized by professionalism and hard work, which manifests in a minimalistic style that provides a solid foundation for Brian’s vocal melodies and piercing lyricism, focusing on social issues that impact us all and to lead and inspire the movement to change and overcome them. The songs meld elements from genres such as hard rock, punk, and progressive rock, while also experimenting with softer moments featuring piano and acoustic guitar. Known for their “tight” live sound and expert stage presence, Sleepwalker makes fans out of sound engineers, concert promoters, and music fans alike. Brian took some time to answer questions over email.

State your name and role in the band

My name is Brian, and I am the singer of Sleepwalker. The other members of the band are Matt Horn on drums, Joe Gerhard on bass, and Michael Gessert on guitar.

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Sleepwalker? How long has the band been around?

Sleepwalker has been around for just about two years now, however we have all been a part of local bands in the past such as Yellow The Vertical, At Least We’re Dreaming, The Ivy, The Anatomy of Suffering, Mi Amor, The Rescue Plan, and a handful of others along the way.

What’s the origin of the band name?

In the context of our band, the name is more of a comment on the state of humanity today—particularly in America. People seem to have forgotten what it means to truly be alive and think for themselves instead of taking what they see on cable news and in newspapers as fact. A “sleepwalker” to us is someone who lives their life being content with working a job they dislike, never seeing the world for what it has to offer, and choosing which side of the line they fall in terms of politics, socioeconomic class, race, religion and so forth. Those lines are a means to divide us as people and only hold us back, and some are slowly waking up and realizing that.

How did you meet each other?

Joe and I have known each other since early high school when our first bands played backyard shows together. Not long after that, we found ourselves in the same band and went to record demos with Michael—who was getting into audio engineering. We stayed friends throughout the years and all three of us were in the same band a few years back which had just parted ways with our drummer. I got contacted by Matt, who had heard about the opening and wanted to try out. Minutes into playing music in the same room together, we knew we had our guy.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

The music is a huge collaboration between Michael, Matt, and Joe. I write all the vocals and lyrics which is either the starting point for a song or the final piece. As far as topics, I try and write things that are empowering to the open-minded individual, or maybe even a spark that causes a listener/reader to think outside their box for the first time. Our earlier songs have some lyrics associated with girls and social experiences, but the transition from that mindset to a more forward-thinking and relevant array of themes is apparent on our debut album “New Age Inertia”. Listen to “Black Plague (Miss California)” and then to “New Age Inertia” and you’ll see what I’m talking about. We grew up as a band during the recording process, but it adds a cool dynamic to the album as well as a glimpse of what we’ll be diving into going forward.

What was the very first concert you attended and how much of an impact did that have on you musically?

Going to see friends play in someone’s backyard was an extremely common event when we started high school, but the first “real” concert I went to was to see Taking Back Sunday play at the Marquee Theater. It was the first time I saw a great band play a big stage with big amps, big lights, banners, the works. It gave me a mental picture to set goals around and start working towards.

What are some of your favorite venues/cities that you like to play in? Any standout experiences that you’ve had (good or bad)?

We’ve had some great shows in Arizona since being a band, namely Tempe, Scottsdale, Prescott, and Tucson. We’ve met so many people that are excited about our band or music in general and it’s a great feeling that has pushed us over personal hurdles along the way. Playing out of state is still something that we’re doing when we can, and we had an amazing time playing Hollywood back in December for the finals of the 2011 Ernie Ball Battle of The Bands. Everyone who was involved with the event made us feel at home there, and we made a lot of new friends in the other bands, local music lovers, people involved in the business, and more. We can’t wait to play in towns and states we haven’t been to before, the excitement involved with playing a new stage and to fresh faces is always on our minds.

How to does feel to be on Vans Warped Tour a for week?

It’s unbelievable. We had a great, sweaty time playing the AZ date last summer and are ecstatic to be branching out this year. It’s a great feeling being a rookie band on the same tour as so many groups that we look up to (Taking Back Sunday, The Used, New Found Glory, Every Time I Die), and hopefully we get the chance to learn as much as we can from the veterans while we’re out there. We plan to make the most of the experience and gain as many fans as possible along the way.

Last question: What is one book AND one band that you’d personally recommend to anyone that listens to Sleepwalker and what reasons do you have to support your choices?

1984 by George Orwell is a good one, because it warns of various dangers involved with people giving up their freedoms and turning into a brain-washed and paranoid society that has forgotten what the other way of life was like. It at least exposes your mind to a lot of “what-ifs” that don’t get brought up on an everyday basis but are thoughts that everyone should at least entertain during times like these. When it comes to bands, there are SO many we love and hope others listen to. I suppose a current band that has a lot of similarities to us at least when it comes to having a social-oriented message is Enter Shikari. The topics they touch on in their songs, especially on their new album “A Flash Flood of Colour”, seem to be pro-society, anti-tyranny and promoting sustainability from what I’ve taken from it. It’s awesome hearing and seeing another band attacking the problems in the world and calling others to action like we try to do. It’s become a goal of ours to play with them someday and hopefully sit down and hear what they have to say, I think it’d be refreshing. Until then, everyone should check them out and LISTEN to what they’re trying to communicate. We as a people are sharing this planet and we have a lot to learn from one another, I think that we forget that at times.

http://facebook.com/facewalker

http://Twitter.com/SleepwalkerBand

http://reverbnation.com/sleepwalkeraz
http://Youtube.com/WatchSleepwalker
http://Myspace.com/Sleepwalker
http://Purevolume.com/Sleepwalkerband
http://sleepwalkeraz.blogspot.com
http://Sleepwalkerstore.BigCartel.com

http://onesheet.com/SleepwalkerBand/

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sleepwalker

http://www.itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-age-inertia/id501342835

Miss May I to play Main Stage on this years Vans Warped Tour

Troy, Ohio melodic metal band MISS MAY I has just been confirmed for a slot on one of the Kia main stages at this year’s 2012 Vans Warped Tour! View the full announcement at www.vanswarpedtour.com and stay tuned for more updates and MISS MAY I exclusives coming in the next few weeks.

 “We are more than excited to play the Vans Warped Tour this year, especially main stage with the bands that got us into music in the first place,” comments frontman Levi Benton.  “Summer will be a hell of a ride and all we can say is…. CIRCLE PIT!”

 MISS MAY I recently announced details about their new album entitled At Heart, now being released with Rise Records on its new release date of June 12^th, 2012. At Heart was produced by famed record producer Machine (Lamb of God, Every Time I Die, Suicide Silence) this past winter at Machine Shop in Belleville, New Jersey. The newly released album artwork was created by graphic artist Zac Schwiet.

 MISS MAY I is currently on tour with Whitechapel, After The Bruial, The Plot In You, and Structures. The tour will travel through the United States until March 30^th, taking a month long break while MISS MAY I heads to Europe to tour with Parkway Drive, The Ghost Inside, and Confession, and kicks back up again on May 3^rd in Louisville, KY. The tour closes with two east coast shows, including the 2012 Bamboozle Festival in Asbury Park, NJ.

 The band’s first album, Apologies Are for the Weak, reached #29 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Their 2010 sophomore release, Monument, charted on the Billboard Top 200 and hit #10 on the U.S. Hard Rock chart. Churning out over 450 performances since 2009, the band is regarded as one of the hardest working young bands in the metal genre.
 

REMAINING 2012 TOUR DATES:

W/ WHITECHAPEL, AFTER THE BURIAL, THE PLOT IN YOU, STRUCTURES

3/22 - Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theatre

3/23 - Fresno, CA @ Club Retro

3/24 - Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre

3/25 - Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Café – Vegas Strip

3/26 - Farmington, NM @ Top Deck

3/28 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit

3/29 - McAllen, TX @ El Rey Theatre

3/30 - Corpus Christi, TX @ House Of Rock

EUROPEAN TOUR W/ PARKWAY DRIVE, THE GHOST INSIDE, CONFESSION

4/6 - Amsterdam, Holland @ Melkweg

4/7 - London, UK @ Indigo2

4/8 - Birmingham, UK @ HMV Institute

4/9 - Glassgow, UK @ ABC

4/10 - Manchester, UK @ Academy

4/11 - Cardiff, UK @ Uni Great Hall

4/12 - Obergausen, Germany @ Turbinenhalle

4/13 - Paris, France @ Bataclan

4/14 - Lyon, France @ Transbordeur, Rockstorm Fest

4/15 - Madrid, Spain @ Sala Heineken

4/16 - Barcelona, Spain @ Sala Razzamatazz

4/17 - Toulon, France @ Le Vox

4/18 - Milano, Italy @ Alcatraz

4/19 - München, Germany @ Tonhalle

4/20 - Wien, Austria @ Gasometer

4/21 - Leipzig, Germany @ Agra, Impericon Fest

4/22 - Wurzburg, Germany @ Posthalle

4/23 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ Pumpehuset

4/24 - Gothenburg, Sweden @ Trädgårn

4/25 - Oslo, Norway @ John Dee

4/26 - Stockholm, Sweden @ klubben

4/27 - Hamburg, Germany @ Große Freiheit 36 

4/28 - Meerhout, Belgium @ Groezrock Fest

W/ WHITECHAPEL, AFTER THE BURIAL, WITHIN THE RUINS, THE PLOT IN YOU

5/3 - Louisville, KY @ Expo Five

5/4 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

5/5 - Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco

5/8 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues

5/9 - Jacksonville, FL @ Freebird Live

5/10 - Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm

5/12 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall Indoor Stage

5/13 - Huntington, WV @ Big Sandy Supercenter Grand

5/15 - Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights

5/16 - S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground

5/17 - Portland, ME @ State Theatre

5/18 - Asbury Park, NJ @ North Beach (Bamboozle 2012)

5/19 - Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon (NO Whitechapel)

MAIN STAGE -  2012 VANS WARPED TOUR

6/16 Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah State Fairpark

6/17 Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field at Mile High

6/20 Las Vegas, NV @ Luxor Festival Lot

6/21 Irvine, CA @ Orange County Great Park

6/22 Pomona, CA  @ Pomona Fairplex

6/23 San Francisco, CA @ AT&T Park

6/24 Ventura, CA @ Seaside Park  

6/27 Chula Vista, CA (San Diego) @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

6/29 Las Cruces, NM @ N.M.S.U. Practice Field

6/30 San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center

7/1 Houston, TX @ Reliant Park - Main Street Lot

7/3 Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

7/5 Maryland Heights, MO (St. Louis) @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

7/6 Auburn Hills, MI (Detroit) @ The Palace of Auburn Hills

7/7 Tinley Park, IL (Chicago) @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

7/8 Shakopee, MN (Minneapolis) @ Canterbury Park

7/9 Bonner Springs, KS (Kansas City) @ Sandstone Amphitheater

7/10 Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis)  @ Klipsch Music Center

7/11 Cuyahoga Falls, OH (Cleveland) @ Blossom Music Center

7/12 Burgettstown, PA (Pittsburgh)  @ First Niagara Pavilion

7/13 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center

7/14 Montréal, QC @ Parc Jean Drapeau

7/15 Mississauga, ON (Toronto) @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7/17 Darien Center, NY (Buffalo) @ Darien Lake PAC

7/18 Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion

7/19 Mansfield, MA (Boston) @ Comcast Center

7/20 Camden, NJ (Philadelphia, PA) @ Susquehanna Bank Center

7/21 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

7/22 Hartford, CT @ The Comcast Theatre

7/24 Columbia, MD (Washington, D.C.) @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

7/25 Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live

7/26 Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

7/27 Orlando, FL @ Central Florida Fairgrounds

7/28 West Palm Beach, FL (Miami) @ Cruzan Amphitheatre

7/29 St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa) @ Vinoy Park

7/30 Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

7/31 Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center

8/1 Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheatre

8/4 Redmond, WA (Seattle) @ Marymoor Park

8/5 Portland, OR @ Rose Quarter Riverfront

MISS MAY I is:

B.J. Stead - rhythm guitar

Jerod Boyd - drums

Justin Aufdemkampe - lead guitar

Levi Benton - lead vocals

Ryan Neff - bass guitar, clean vocals

For more information on MISS MAY I, please visit these sites:

 www.facebook.com/MissMayIMusic

www.twitter.com/missmayiband

www.youtube.com/missmayiband

Interview: Andy Williams of Every Time I Die

Every Time I Die are keeping busy these days; they put out a new record, Ex-Lives (which sold nearly 14,300 copies in its first week, landing them at #20 on the Billboard 200) finished up a headliner with Stray From The Path, and now are direct support for The Devil Wears Prada. I had the chance to chat with Andy about their new video, Revival Mode, Warped Tour and his opinion on the current music scene.

You just put out a video for Revival Mode; was the guy in the wheelchair inspired by Breaking Bad or is there another story behind the video?

To be honest, I have no idea. This dude hit us up and wanted to do a video where Keith, Jordan and legs were killers and Steve and I were victims. That’s pretty much all I got from it.

I saw your recent interview where you defended Sonny Moore (aka Skrillex); any chance you’d ever collaborate with him?

I’m not sure. Dudes voice is cool, but I’m not a big fan of dusted. So I’d rather him sing on something, and then cut it up. He’s a good dude though

When I interviewed Tom from Stray From The Path; he told me he saw you guys playing a garage when he was growing up and now you’re touring together. It’s crazy how things come full circle.

Yeah, he was kind of blowing my mind on that tour. He’s been around a long time to. I had no clue they liked the band, I was really into Stray and then we played a fest in Michigan together and kind of jerked each other off there!

How does feel to be playing Warped Tour again this year? Are you gonna write a blog about generic, autotuned bands like Keith did in 2010?

I don’t think I really have to with how saturated the world is with dog shit. I’m more concerned with slaying mother fuckers sonically. I’ll probably talk shit here and there though.

Speaking of, what is your opinion on the current state of the music scene?

To be honest, there are REAL bands on the rise. letlive, Stray From The Path, The Ghost Inside, Balance and Composure, Title Fight and then the current hardcore scene is stronger than ever with bands like Cruel Hand, Bitter End, Terror, Trapped Under Ice, Alpha and Omega and such. Then metal has Black Breath, which are making metal real again, cause that scene is about as watered down as ever, but Black Breath are the real fucking deal.

What do you feel has contributed to your long career as a band? Bands like Haste The Day, Thrice, and Thursday have recently broken up, bands that had been at it for a while.

I think it’s because we never let the major label world get involved. We never gave a fuck about anything but slaying, dicing, pulverizing, and decimating ear drums. A lot of bands get caught up in bullshit business and forget about being a band of dudes.

When appealing to different sets of fan bases, new and old, young and old, what is the thought process when trying to write something that has an appeal to both, but also embodies what ETID is?

We just play. Honestly, we get up and play. No thought goes into who is coming to see us.

You’ve been in this band since 1998 — there have definitely been some hard times along the way; have you ever considered quitting the band, and if so, what things encouraged you to stick with it?

There’s been a lot of hard times, but I’m no quitter and when I have thought it might be time to hang it up, I have a great band of guys that make it easy not to. I surround myself with the best band on the planet.

The music industry has changed significantly since you guys started out. What advice would you give upcoming bands— musically and business-wise?

Just remember why you started riffing. It wasn’t to open for Metallica or make a million dollars and if it is what you’re in it for, then I hope you get electrocuted plugging your laptop and Pro-Tools rig in on stage.

Musically and lyrically, what are some of the personal things that had an effect on the outcome of this new record? How does Ex-Lives reflect the sound or message?

Coffee, I drank coffee for the first time ever while writing and recording this record.

What are some of the particular messages you tried to get across in the lyrical content of this record?

Riffer madness

Last question: What are one book and one band that you’d recommend to anyone that listens to your band?

Spray Paint The Walls. It’s a book about Black Flag that’s done by every person involved, not just Henry Rollins. Balance and Composure; they’re the best band out now.

Interview: Telle Smith from The Word Alive

This interview was originally gonna take place on the Dec 8th stop of the Fearless Friends Tour in Atlanta but then they broke down in Florida and couldn’t make the show. Thankfully, Telle was cool enough to make it up with an email interview. We discussed their setlist for the tour, his clothing line (Resist and Rebel), and why they chose a new producer for the upcoming record.

Please state your name and role in The Word Alive 

 Telle, I’m the vocalist for TWA.

What are some of your music influences and how involved in music were you growing up?

 I wasn’t really involved with music until I was about 18-19.  But I always loved it.  Some of my influences today are Deftones, In Flames, Soilwork, Underoath, Thursday and many others (as far as this genre goes).

How was the Fearless Friends tour for you guys?

 It was great, 1st US tour after Warped tour and we had a lot of fun.  Our fans sang louder than ever.

How hard was it picking the setlist for the tour? I know it can get tiring playing the same songs over and over  again. Looking over the setlist for the tour, you had the crowd favorites like “The Wretched” and “2012”, etc. 

 We try to pick a mixture of fan favorites, high energy songs and songs we enjoy playing live.  Especially on a support tour we want to play songs that keep our set flowing and bringing a lot of energy to the crowds.

With that in mind, what’s a few songs that weren’t in the setlist that you would’ve liked to play if you had more time? 

 We wanted to play “The Only Rule Is That There Are No Rules” but couldn’t squeeze it in unfortunately.

What’s one song that you haven’t played off the Deceiver yet that you’d like to? 

 We Know Who You Are, which I hope we can one day.

Deceiver is a year old; what are some misconceptions people have about the album?

 I’m not sure of misconceptions really, I haven’t heard anything along those lines.  I think the only thing people might think is that I didn’t do all of the singing/screaming.  There was a misprint once upon a time saying that I only did singing; I do it all.  

 Are you on good terms with Greeley Estates and In Fear and Faith and would you ever tour together in the future? 

 We’ve toured with IFAF since I joined TWA twice now I think, and just haven’t been on any tours GE were on.  We’re all friends though so of course. We’ve been on great terms for a long time now.  It’s good to know everyone is happy where they are at.

You have a clothing line, Resist and Rebel; how did that get started?

 Andrew from Woe, Is Me was in Abandon All Ships at the time, and on our Smartpunk Tour headliner.  We met, became friends, and discussed starting a line, and then decided to do one together and the rest is history.  Just released several new items yesterday actually!

Your main priority is obviously TWA, but do you always plan on continuing your solo work/side project in whatever form you can?  

 I definitely will always create all kinds of music, but TWA is where my heart is and where I belong. I don’t really focus on the other stuff unless I have a ton of free time. I used to have that, but we’ve been writing a new record, I own a business and produce bands on the side now so I don’t have a lot of time for writing my own things.

You guys played Warped Tour this year on the Advent Stage; are you playing the tour next year?

 Nope, we’re taking a year off.  We played the last 2 years and while it would have been great to come back again, Warped Tour is all about staying fresh and we’re taking a year off to try another summer festival tour.  It’s gonna rule.  We love Kevin Lyman and he’s been a fan of our band for the past few years, his support has meant so much to us.

Speaking of touring: in your opinion, which is the best/worst run venues from a production and band point of view?  

 Venues who take huge merch cuts because they want to make up for a lack of promoting.  

You’re set to record with Joey Sturgis in February; what made you decide to choose him over Andrew Wade?

 It wasn’t really a him over Wade thing, we love Andrew and we wouldn’t be what we are today without him.  We just wanted to try something else and see what effect it had on us.  We’ve only ever recorded albums with Andrew.  It was between Joey and a couple other producers, we chose Joey ultimately because of his love for metal, with a huge genius for the production side of things and that was important to us this time around.

Last question; pick two songs; one from your catalog, that you want new fans to check out after reading this  interview. And one song from any band/genre.

 ”Lights And Stones” by us, my favorite and “Disconnect” by Soilwork

Interview: Stray From The Path

Thomas, the guitarist of Stray From The Path (one of the best hardcore bands on the scene) talked with Kill The Music to discuss their new music video, his view on the current music scene, and his thoughts on Warped Tour.

You guys just filmed a music video; any hints as to what song it is? Is it one of the three songs with guest vocalists?

Tom: It is one of the 3 songs on the record that has a guest appearance, and yes they will be in the video. That’s all I’ll say!

What is your opinion on the current state of the music scene?

That’s a difficult question. I usually judge it by “am I mad all the time or stoked?” lately I’m stoked. This week alone lots of great records coming out, lots of great tour packages together and I didn’t re-new my alternative press subscription, so I’m not as angry. A lot of people have bought our new record, more than we expected, so I’m stoked on music and the people.

Growing up, how was the scene back home in Long Island?

Growing Up? Phenomenal. Local bands would sell out shows, and the bands were so good. Any tours that came into town were in small clubs….I saw Norma Jean, Bleeding Through and Every Time I Die in a fucking garage. I saw American Nightmare and Poison the Well in a cafe! Shit ruled…but it is coming back, for awhile long island was AWFUL, but now it’s really great.

Would you guys play Warped Tour if you got offered a spot even though you’d be out of your element surrounded by bands like the ones in iMember?

We are trying very hard to get Warped Tour. The kids that like these bands, like them because the scene that they know are the Warped Tour bands. We want to infiltrate and show kids that there is more out there than characters, gimmicks and Black Veil Brides. Our element is where the people are, we want to tour with everything, from underoath to terror, we have no restrictions, just as long as we feel we have a purpose on the stage.

Who are a few bands that you feel everyone should be listening and/or not listening to right now? Like say, the bands you call out in iMember…

Should be? Structures new record is amazing, Counterparts new record is amazing, Backtrack, Close your Eyes, Sights and Sounds, The Contortionist.

Shouldn’t? Do I have enough space? Haha..no there is a fine line between calling out and shit talking…and shit talking is juvenile….so I’ll leave it at that. You know the bands that suck, fake, weak, full of gimmicks, characters…it’s endless. But one thing we want to avoid is judging the people that actually enjoy that music. We aren’t elitists, and it would make us dick suckers to make fun of someone because of what they listen too. We just want to open their eyes and ears and show them our opinion that they are being deceived, lied to, and in a sense…stolen from. A lot of our fans listen to Asking Alexandria or Attack Attack just as much as Deftones or terror….last thing we want is to make them feel like we are making fun of them. 

Is iMember aimed at any bands on your record label? (Sumerian)

The song was not aimed at anybody specific…not even Attack Attack. We used that clip because it is evidence that these people in these bands don’t have a single clue of what this scene is about. The bands are everywhere .

I think this would make a great tour: The Chariot, Stray From The Path, The Ghost Inside, Cancer Bats, and Your Demise. What do you think of it?
We have toured with all those bands except YD. Would be a fantastic time for sure. 

Speaking of which; I read somewhere that you’re doing a US Tour with Norma Jean, Lower Than Atlantis, and Close Your Eyes. Can you confirm or deny this and give us a timeline of when this tour takes place if it’s actually happening.
Yep and Oh Sleeper; this winter. 

What’s the top five most well received songs generally when playing a show?
Damien, Negative and Violent, Fraudulent, Rising Sun, Mad Girl. 

In your opinion, which is the best run venues from a production and band point of view?
Great question; there is The 7 Venue in Douglasville, GA….great venue, great staff…not the best sound, but it’s coming around for sure. The Loft in Poughkeepsiee, NY, and Kingdom (formerly Alley Katz) in Richmond, VA. Those come off the top of my head. 

Last question; pick two songs; one from your catalog, that you want new fans to check out after reading this interview. And one song from any band/genre.

I would say…. Damien or Bring It Back To The Streets. Those are my personal two favorites off Make Your Own History and Rising Sun, and from any band; Be Quiet and Drive from the Deftones. Put on a good pair of headphones and turn the song up as loud as it can go, and enjoy. One of my favorite musical experiences.

Kill The Music caught up with Of Mice & Men frontman Austin Carlile and guitarist Alan Ashby for an interview