Telle Smith of The Word Alive Photo: Halle Rogers
Telle Smith of The Word Alive revealed that the band will be celebrating 5 years of Deceiver by playing the album in its entirety. Smith announced that The Word Alive would be performing back-to-back home shows at Joe's Grotto in Phoenix, AZ on September 10th and 11th.
Over the past couple of years, The Word Alive has gained a global reputation for pushing the boundaries within their genre. But with new sophomore full-length Life Cycles, the Arizona quintet is set to join an elite club of heavy music luminaries ushering in the next evolution of melodic metal. We chatted with Telle about his hometown roots, challenges in writing Life Cycles, and their upcoming stint on The All Stars Tour
For the record, what’s your name and what do you do in the band?
My name is Telle and I’m the vocalist for TWA.
Let’s talk about your roots. I’ve never been to Kettering, Ohio before. What’s it like there?
It’s pretty much as blue collar and normal as it gets haha. I lived down the street from a popular venue called “The Attic” which I still play on tour today. Green grass, tons of trees, and not too hectic. It’s just a working man’s city.
What are some of the particular messages you tried to get across in the lyrical content of the new record? Are there any topics that you cover on Life Cycles that you haven’t in the past?
I covered a ton of new content I feel. I wrote every song essentially to be different, but at the same time tie together. Life Cycles has a lot to do with the progression of life, and the thoughts you have as you develop who you are and what you believe in.
What was the biggest challenge in writing the album?
I’d say just making sure that everything was a step forward and a step up from our previous efforts. I believe in this record like nothing before. I honestly understood at times when people weren’t fans of our last 2 CD’, but I have a very personal attachment to this record, the songs, the meaning behind the songs, and I really believe we created something special.
What was your experience like working with Joey Sturgis?
I actually didn’t work with him; the guys recorded the music in Indiana and I recorded the vocals in California with producer/engineer Allan Hessler. I visited the studio for a total of about a week and a half probably. The guys were really focused on making the record musically, the best that they could. I think they had a great time making this record and it shows.
Are the any guest vocals on the record that would surprise people?
We actually decided against guest vocals on this record. Seeing how much it meant to us, we wanted to make a statement with this album. We wanted 100% of this album to be credited to our benefit or demise, as something TWA made with no help.
How would you guys say you’ve grown as musicians just from the time-span between Empires and Life Cycles?
We know what we like and have a better understanding of how to create that. We are constantly practicing and trying to learn new things, new techniques and we tried a lot of that on Life Cycles. Empire we were “just kids” as they say; this record shows we’re growing up.
Who’ve you really been looking forward to seeing on The All Stars Tour?
I really love watching my good friends in Suicide Silence, they kill it. And I also am looking forward to seeing Stick To Your Guns, their new album is great.
You’ve toured overseas numerous times; have you found a favorite food/drink/etc there that you can’t get back home?
I live in Vegas, where everything from the world is made available, haha. Fortunately for me there are a lot of culturally diverse places here. Nothing I have found, aside from I’m sure a few obscure beers. But my favorite beer is available here.
It’s about mid-way through the year. What albums have you really been enjoying lately from 2012?
Stick To Your Guns’ new record, Architects new album just came out and it’s incredible. Outside of our genre, I’ve been jamming a lot of Crosses. It’s Chino from Deftones’ (my favorite band) side-project, and it’s too good.
What’s one thing you’ve never mentioned about you or your music before in an interview?
Well I’ve never given myself credit vocally in the past, but I feel this record was the coming of age for me as a vocalist. I am very proud of how hard I’ve worked and that might sound egotistical, but if anything, it’s meant to showcase that there isn’t anything that can stand in your way if you believe in yourself and are passionate about what you do. I hope people feel that way when they hear this album.
Last question: What is one book AND one band that you’d personally recommend to anyone that listens to TWA and what reasons do you have to support your choices?
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is my favorite book, and one band would have to be the Crosses. The book is really crazy, and it makes for a quick read even for the non-readers out there. And if you love Chino’s voice, or cool music, that’s good enough reason to jam them.
The Word Alive released a statement regarding the departure of their drummer and keyboardist:
Dearest TeamTWA,
We come before you, to officially announce the departure of our brothers Dusty Riach, and Justin Salinas. And that is exactly what they are, brothers. TWA and TeamTWA are a family, and it will remain that way. This might come to a shock to many of you, and that is ok. Member changes are never fun for fans to hear, or bands to go through. Reality is though, they happen. And in this case, we’re not only leaving on the best terms possible but as long as all the details get worked out, both Dusty and Justin will be playing EXTREME THING in Las Vegas NV on March 31st with us for their farewell show. So make sure you come out and support them, and us, as we all move forward!
That being said, what everyone wants to know, aside from juicy drama, which we’re sorry to report there is none… Is what are we doing moving forward, and how will this effect going into the studio in a couple days. So here you go:
The fact is that Dusty and us mutually agreed to part ways a month ago, after we decided the writing process and touring just weren’t working out. Dusty is a great keyboard/synth player, and has always added a good amount to the band. He’s a great performer, and as you know, nobody does keyboard handstands like him. He’s also an original member, and will be missed. We wish him the best of luck as he pursues different paths in his life. As he states below, we’re always going to be a family.
As for Justin, you’ll read in his statement below that he just fell out of love with drums. He definitely was a light in our band. He’s one of the funniest people we’ve all ever known, good hearted and when he came into this band we knew he belonged right away. He’s one of the hardest hitting badass drummers out there, and we appreciated all of his hard work in TWA. He’ll be starting a new life post-touring in Portland OR and we wish him the best. DG4lyfe.
WILL TWA STILL HAVE SYNTH/KEYS/ELECTRONICS!?
YES we will. Tony and Zack have been programming some of the most insane parts along with writing guitars and drum parts for the new record. We’re very confident that you guys will be more than happy with what we produce for this album in that department. That being said, we will not be replacing Dusty on the keys. We will be sampling our keyboard/synth/electronic parts completely and moving forward as a 5-piece.
As far as drums go, we’re a band that tour constantly. Mostly all the drums were programmed in, and then recorded by Justin on the last cd. This process will be the same. We’re having a close friend of the band, and great drummer record the drums on this album for us, most of which Zack and Tony have written for their perspective songs. We DO have a new drummer who we will be welcoming in after the studio process, and once you see what he can do, you guys will be even more excited to see us live with what he can bring to the table. We’ve always been a band, that while we appreciate what our past members have done for the band, we try to progress and improve if we’re going to replace someone. That isn’t a shot at any of our past members, but we know that you guys deserve the best, and we’ll make sure we provide that. We’re really excited about the future of the band, and stand by the statement that this will be our best body of work so far. We hope you’re ready to dominate 2012 with us, because that is exactly what we intend on doing. Thank you so much TeamTWA for standing by us, we will continue as long as you guys remain the best fans in the world. Over and out, Telle Zack Tony & Daniel.
Justin’s statement:
“The past two years have been the most insane, amazing years of my life. I’ve made so many new friends and toured the entire world with my best friends.
While writing for the new cd and having time off in Arizona I found myself at a crossroads. Continue doing what I was doing because it’s all I’ve known the past 8 years of my life and tour… or come home for the first time and hang up the drum gloves. I’m hanging up the drum gloves.
I fell out of love with drums. Thats the only way I can explain it. I wasn’t playing them if I didn’t have to. I was feeling like playing drums was a burden, I had no more passion or drive to play.
I wish I had a juicy drama filled story of some badass band beef, but I don’t. I love Telle, Tony, Zack, Dusty, Daniel and our entire crew, yes, even brian;) with all my heart. I love our music. I love the new music. But PLAYING drums for a living is not what I want to do anymore. I’ve been touring full time since i was 18 and now im an old, old, tired 26yr old man that just wants to take another path for once.
My band are my brothers and they would do ANYTHING for me and I would do the same for them. Being gone constantly is just too much for me these days and seeing our year planned out kept eating me up inside.
I thank every single person that i’ve had the pleasure of meeting at shows, all the bands we’ve toured with and all the companies that went the extra mile for me/us.
From the bottom of my heart, you all truly changed my life and gave me an experience I will never forget.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being in The Word Alive it’s; never play music for any reason other than you genuinely LOVE it. These are the hardest working, passionate, talented, genuine people and musicians i’ve ever met. Support them because I guarantee to you they put every ounce of themselves in every song and thats what music should be about.
Thanks for every single memory we’ve shared across the world together. Time for me to stay home. :)”
Dusty’s statement:
“I know people are waiting for me to make a statement about not being in the word alive anymore but im just going to leave it at that, I’m not in the band any more. I’ve decided to explore myself and try other things… Everything was mutual and we are still family… And everyone should just listen to music for music and continue to support the things you enjoy. I really thank everyone who has come out and supported me in my time in the band I hope we can make new times in the future as I will always be making something… I will miss seeing you at shows and I will miss jamming with my brothers…”
Always A Family.
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
