Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band:
Andrew Joyce (guitar, vocals), Chris Senador (bass guitar), Chad Miller (drums)
For starters what bands were you guys a part of prior to Antarcticats? How long has the band been around?
I met Chad during my time playing with the Merry Go Rounds; I've also played saxophone for Champagne Room for a brief time before that project ended. Chris also plays bass for Small Time 'Capone in addition to Antarcticats. We've been playing around for almost a year and a half (since September 2014), and in that time we've released two EPs - 'Short Stories' (March 2015) and 'Irregardless' (November 2015).
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
We've always been Antarcticats; the backstory isn't really too interesting. It started out as a typo of "Antarctica's" and it fit as a band name because we're a group of cool cats.
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?
I usually come to the band with song ideas, or basic song structures, and we work together to fully flesh out the songs. Our songs cover a variety of topics, some serious, other not-so. 'Quarter-Life Crisis' deals with transitions in life, getting older, and reconciling the dreams of youth with the reality of adulthood; 'War Stories' is about the loss of a loved one. I also like to challenge myself and write stuff that's out-there and a little esoteric - for example, 'Stardust Surfing' is actually about the monotony of working a boring job, and feeling trapped in a rut, but it's disguised as a silly song about outer space.
As for the future, I definitely want to keep changing things up. A lot of my song-writing is observational and context-sensitive, so I can see us writing more songs about our experiences with touring and maturing as a band in the Atlanta scene. I've always toyed with the idea of a concept album, so maybe I'll get down to writing that someday soon (but don't hold me to it).
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
While on tour in Chicago, we played with this rad band called Truman & His Trophy, and I've been listening to their most recent record almost non-stop since we got home. We're also influenced by bands such as the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and Surfer Blood.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
When I was younger, I got the opportunity to play onstage with Weezer, and a bunch of other local musicians, as part of their "Hootenanny" concert series; it was such a surreal and amazing experience, and I knew I wanted to get up on a stage and play music again - I was hooked. I've been playing music with friends and in bands ever since.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing exercises etc …
We don't really have any pre-show traditions; I'll normally do some vocal warm ups, and then give a little pep talk to the band before shows, but nothing major.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
During our Winter 2015 tour, we played a house venue called the SEXX Mansion in Indianapolis. We played with some amazing, high-energy Indy bands, and the crowd was absolutely amazing. They didn't need any warming up - they were dancing and going crazy within the first minute of our set, despite having never heard our music before. I swear at one point during the set I had a quasi-out-of-body moment. It was just a magical experience, and we were lucky to get to play for such an enthusiastic group of people so far from home.
If you could tour with any bands past or present who would they be and why?
blink-182, during their heyday. 'The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show' is one of my all-time favorite live albums, because they just put on such a crazy show, it's hilarious and crude and they just meshed so well as a band during those days. Also, Nirvana, because they were one of the first bands I ever obsessed over.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to thank anyone that's listened to our music, come to our shows, or supported us in any way. I know it's unoriginal and a bit of a cop-out, but we've had the pleasure of making some amazing friends during our time as a band, and we've had some great opportunities thanks to them.