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

Jake Salazar- Lead Singer/ Song Writer
Dominic Bono- Bass/Backup Vocals
Jay Sutherland- Guitarist/Backup Vocals
Joe Neglia- Drummer

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Approaching Troy? How long has the band been around?

Jake: I was apart of a few small projects here and there, but nothing that lasted long enough to be considered a full band. 

Jay: I was apart of a local Long Island band called, The Bottom Line, now known as Perimeter.

Dom: I was also in a bunch of smaller acoustic projects that never really got off the ground. 

Joe: I played in a local Long Island band called Island of Our Own. They are now no longer together. 

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

The origin of the name is actually very simple. Jake has always been fascinated with Greek Mythology, which is where the Troy aspect of the name comes from. We chose the Approaching part because we thought it was a good match, along with the fact that, if you really think about the name in it's entirety, we wouldn't be Trojans at all. Realistically, we'd be Spartans approaching the Trojan battle front. Kind of a little twist that most people don't realize, but we thought it was cool. 

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?

For the most part, Jake writes the songs. We'd like to think we have a good system though because Jake really writes the shell of the song (lyrics, melody, and structure), but the other parts of the song change a lot from the other members perfecting/developing their parts. As far as lyrics go, the three main topics of our songs would have to be, past relationships, being the underdog, and past friendships. All of which we strongly relate to. I can definitely see those inspirations changing in the future though. How long could you keep talking about the same girl who crushed you? 

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

We've all come from different musical backgrounds. We all have a pretty eclectic taste when it comes to inspirations. Right now, I think a lot of us can agree on Sleeping With Sirens, Pierce The Veil, Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, Mayday Parade and Saosin.

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

Absolutely! As a matter of fact, My Chemical Romance was pivotal in the inception of Approaching Troy. They really were so inspirational. Each one of us were really impacted by their music. 

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

It's really a huge mix of things. Sometimes we'll jump around a little to get loose, sometimes we'll stretch, and definitely vocal warm-ups. Can't forget those. 

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

Jake: I would have to say for me, it would be playing with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Growing up in the local music scene, I loved all those bands that really influenced our music, but it wasn't until Bamboozle 2006, that I went to my first concert. I saw a few bands during the day, but the first band I saw that i really loved was Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. It was surreal to play with them after such an amazing childhood experience. 

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

Dom: A Day to Remember. The Maine, Norah Jones, Twenty One Pilots and Coldplay. I'm a huge fan of all of these bands and Norah Jones I'm pretty much in love with. 

Jake: Definitely Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, The Used, Chiodos, and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Mostly because I grew up listening to these bands, and i think they would be great to tour with. Musically, we all would get along very well. 

Jay: I'd love to tour with Attack Attack because they are one of the only bands I can listen to on repeat, Of Mice & Men because they seem like nice guys, and Taking Back Sunday because I really think musically they would be the best fit for us. We met John Nolan a few times, and he's a really cool guy. 

Joe: Three bands i'd be thrilled to tour with are Avenged Sevenfold, The Browning, and Billy Talent. Avenged Sevenfold is my all time favorite band. Their live shows are absolutely incredible. Billy Talent really packs a huge punch especially live. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, absolutely. Our new EP, Best Intentions will be out August 19, 2016. We're so excited for this EP. We really feel like its a huge step above any of our past material both creatively, and musically. 

Upcoming Shows:
August 11 – Portland ME @ Matthews Pub
August 12 – Manchester, NH @ Bungalow Bar and Grill
August 13 – Nashua NH @ Dolley Shakers Bar and Grill
August 14 – Revere, MA @ Sammy's Patio
August 17 – Trenton NJ @ Backstage/Championship Bar
August 18 – Hamden, CT @ The Space
August 19 – Patchogue, NY @ 89 North (Best Intentions EP Release Show)