Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Joe Reynolds: Vocals
Tyler Caruso: Lead Guitar/Vocals
Dillon DeSimone: Guitar
Rob Bryant: Bass
Billy Achille: Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Absence of Despair? How long has the band been around?
Absence of Despair has been a band for 7 years. Dillon and Rob were part of a band called “Watch Your Head” Prior to Absence of Despair
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
We wanted a name that had more of a positive impact and meaning. So we came up with Absence of Despair. It does not mean “happy” like most people misinterpret it. By saying Absence of Despair it means more of absence of doubts and negative things in life.
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?
We all participate in writing our music. The topics will always change since we will always be evolving as a band.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon, Led Zeppelin, Pantera, Motley Crue, Avenged Sevenfold, and so much more.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Seeing live performances have always inspired us to start a band.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Push ups, Vocal Warm ups, Stretches, Practicing to click tracks and a few drinks to loosen up a bit.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Opening up for Bullet For My Valentine and other big Nationals, and playing at the Legendary Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, Cage The Elephant. We would love to play with these bands because the attendance would be through the roof, and also it is a great mixed genre line up.