American Standards is an American hardcore punk band from Phoenix, Arizona.

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

Brandon Kellum - Vocals
Corey Skowronski - Guitars
Steven Mandell - Bass
Tommy Mills - Drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to American Standards?

Before American Standards I (Brandon Kellum) was touring in a band called The Hostage Situation and Steve was in Ape Kill Ape. The other guys were patiently waiting...

How long has the band been around?

The bands been making noise for just about 5 years now.

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

Never changed the name. Not our style. We really wanted to have band name that didn't have a connotation to any specific genre. We mulled it over for weeks as we were writing for the first EP then it all came together as i stared down at a toilet. People always assume it's political or satirical. They think it's named after the style of music or the instrument. We leave it up to the listener to determine. If anything, I just hope someone stares down at a toilet 10 or 20 years from now and thinks of us.

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 play an equal share in the process. I've been in bands where it's one or two guys doing everything and teaching the others but for this band we like to have everyone's input to make it something unique. The topics range from social commentary to political and corporate satire. A lot of personal struggle and existentialism. I think as we grow as musicians and experience new things in our lives it'll natural change.

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

That's a tough one. We're listening to everything from Tom Waits to Slipknot. I think our eclectic tastes factors into the songwriting.

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

No one particular that comes to mind. Always been a fan of old punk and hardcore though like Refused, Snapcase, Fugazi, Frodus, Nerve Agents and Sex Pistols... That attitude and DIY mindset was really something that inspired us to do a band that focused on topics outside of just the standard themes of Love and Hate.

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

Always have to stretch the hammies... Don't want to pull something. We're starting to get old as dirt compared to some of these young gun bands though so we always feel it the next day.

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

There's been so many. As a broad statement, just the ability to tour and play places we never thought we'd go to, to people that seem to already know a little about us. That's awesome. Recently we also did an out of town gig with Every Time I Die though too, so that's still fresh in the mind as a high light.

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

I'd personally love to do something with At The Drive In or Poison The Well. Two big influences.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just thank you to you and people like you that help support bands. It's really appreciated. Also, everyone can pick up digital downloads of all our albums free this month on Bandcamp. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram