Across the Dawn's fusion of rock and electronic music is as diverse as the seasons of the year. Ranging from slow softness to guitar driven intensity, their music comes together to create a sound with power, melody, and atmosphere.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Josh Morris - Vocals, Guitar

Shawn Minerd - Guitar, Keyboard

Alexis Smith - Bass Guitar, Keyboard

Andrew Reed - Drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Across the Dawn? 

Hi there! This is Josh, thank you for having us! Across the Dawn was formed by my cousin Johnny and me as the spiritual successor to the band we used to have called Etiera. Shawn was also in Etiera in the early days. I'll never forget us talking about starting it in our high school cafeteria many years ago.

How long has the band been around?

Etiera ended in 2009 but things really started to take shape for Across the Dawn in 2011.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

We thought of some other names but Across the Dawn was the one that stayed. It is something lyrical that makes you think about a new beginning and what waits for you afterwards. It's not too literal though. I like to keep mystery in things and be open to different interpretations.  

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?

Normally, I come up with the main chord progression, melody, and lyrics and we all build on it and share ideas but it varies too. Shawn wrote our instrumental song "Fading" and I wrapped the lead guitar part around it. The lyrics to the verses in our song "No Matter Where" were written by Shawn and our friend Derek who was the drummer of Etiera and did most of the drums on our album.

It became something very deep and special. The group effort always makes the songs better. The themes of the songs on this album vary but there is a strong presence of hope when going through dark times.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

We are inspired by a lot of artists. Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins are big inspirations and they showed us how to make an album that is diverse yet unified. One artist that I would like to mention is The Anix who is incredible and has helped inspire us musically and creatively. There are a lot of bands that we love and are influenced by.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

The music we love from the 90s.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

We like to almost get into accidents, get lost on the way to venue, and have our vehicles breakdown before shows. 

Haha that was Andrew's response to this question and was exactly what we experienced for both his and Alexis's first show with us. Normally though, we just like to get to the venue and take time to relax and get mentally situated and prepared before we play.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Releasing our first full length album and music video to our single "Horizon."

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

We would love to tour with our friend's bands! There is a band here we love called All in Uniform and they are great guys. The singer actually helped us record, mix, and master our album. He helped us capture the sound we were looking for.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just follow the things you love to do and never stop!