Approaching Troy is an alternative/pop/punk rock band from Long Island, NY.

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

Jake Salazar- lead vocals/song writer

Jay Sutherland- rhythm guitarist/ back up vocals

Sean Doherty- lead guitar

Dominic Bono- bass/ vocals

Joe Neglia- drums

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

We were all in bands prior to Approaching Troy but none that are worth mentioning. We appreciate the time that was spent with those bands but have moved onto bigger and better things now with AT that we could have never have dreamed of before.

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

The origin of the name is much more simple then people think. It comes from Greek mythology of course. We came up with the idea for it because, well, who doesn't love Greek mythology? As kids we were always interested in Ancient Greek society when we learned about it in school. An interesting fact about the name is, most people think we're Trojans but if you really examine the name, Approaching Troy would mean we'd have to be Spartans if we're on our way to Troy, right? The bands name has remained constant over the past few years and seems to catch everyone’s attention so we’ve kept it.

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?

Generally our singer Jake Salazar is the main songwriter but everybody brings their own spin to the songs and adds to it at least musically. The main themes of the songs are generally about love, past relationships (friendships, family) and anything that you might encounter if you were a teen to 20 something year old. I absolutely think the topics will change over time as we evolve and mature as a band and add to our life experiences and personal relationships.

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

We generally tend to get a lot of influence from bands from the early 2000s. That would be artists like Taking Back Sunday, The Used, My Chemical Romance, MxPx, Blink 182, New Found Glory, etc. but you can absolutely hear more relevant influences such as Pierce The Veil and Sleeping with Sirens.

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

The band that really got me into the scene as well as the music would have to be My Chemical Romance. They really defined a generation with their music. I'll never forget the first concert I ever went to. It was Bamboozle 2006. I saw a cluster of my favorite artists ranging from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to TBS and MCR. 

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

Each of us has a different routine. Jake likes to do a couple of jumps to loosen up as well as some leg lifts. Most times we’ll huddle up and pep talk before a show. 

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

There have been a few huge moments for us this past year. Things ranging from, playing with our childhood idols Hawthorne Heights and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at club Revolution in our hometown on Long Island to playing with The Ataris at Webster Hall in NYC.

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

It would absolutely be Pierce The Veil. They not only seem like the most chill, down to earth dudes but they are also so talented.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We have a new EP coming out May 3rd. We are so excited to share these songs with everybody. It's been a long process but it's finally ready! We are also in the process of planning a 2-3 week east coast tour this August. We're so excited to see all the beautiful faces we saw last tour in January. We will have more videos out soon and maybe some acoustic surprises for our fans coming up as well.