1.) Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Evan Cerwonka: Lead Guitar
Patrick Farace: Drums/Auxiliary Percussion
Joey Hreha: Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
Garrett Lennox: Bass Guitar/Vocals
Timothy Watts: Keyboard/Vocals
2.) For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Come What May? How
long has the band been around?
Our former guitarist was in a band called Of Machines, and we’ve all been in various groups around the Southeast. We’ve been around since May of 2009.
3.) What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
We discussed a lot of names prior to arriving at Come What May. It stuck long enough to take on a meaning of it’s own. We’ve discussed a name change once or twice, but feel as though Come What May suits us.
4.) 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?
Musically, every member has contributed to the songwriting process either by bringing a song to the group to be fleshed out, or by working with the group to arrive at a song structure we’re happy with. Lyrically, all of the material is written by me (Timothy). We used to have multiple lyricists, but the styles didn’t always match up in the most cohesive way, so the band has been incredibly gracious in letting me take on that duty. A great range of topics are covered from very personal issues, to Faith, to romantic love. We don’t feel that harping on one topic is conducive to our growth as artists. The human experience is so varied and vast, why write the same love song over and over when other people are doing that?
5.) What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Everyone says this, but we listen to a wide variety of music. Some bands/artists that come to mind are The Most Serene Republic, The Smashing Pumpkins, Every Time I Die, Copeland, As Cities Burn, Thrice, Underoath, The Beatles (of course.) Animal Collective, letlive., Broken Social Scene, The Pixies, Tera Melos, Architects (UK), Hail the Sun, I, The Mighty, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis. . . the list goes on.
We don’t feel as though listening to the same artists over and over is helpful to exploring what we can do as a band, so we’re constantly searching for new music and re-visiting old favorites to find inspiration.
6.) Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I can’t speak for everyone, but I’d have to say that there were a few artists that really inspired me to make music and they are As Cities Burn, Underoath, Thrice, and Emery.
7.) What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Before a live show, we always do stretches, run through our scales, and talk about the set as a group.
8.) What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
We’ve had a few milestones we’re proud of. We’ve played the Atlanta date of the Vans Warped Tour, we’ve been a featured band in Alternative Press, as well as Substream Music Press. We’ve also had the good fortune of opening for some bands we really respect, local and national/internationally touring acts. Our life as a band has suffered some major hits and seen some great successes, but I think our greatest accomplishment has been how long we’ve lasted. We’ve seen so many artists come and go, and I think that the fact that we’ve weathered so much is a tribute to the great guys in the band. I don’t know where I would be without them.
9.) If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
If I could personally build a package for us to tour with, I’d have to say I’d like to open for Every Time I Die, letlive., The Chariot, I, The Mighty, and Thrice. I know that that would be a huge feat, and some people might not think it makes sense, but I can’t imagine a line-up that we would have more fun playing with.
10.) Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d just like to say thank you for the opportunity, and thank you to anyone and everyone who has ever had a conversation with us, about us, come to a show, listened to a song and loved or hated it, or given us the time of day. I can’t express how much time and heart we put into what we do, and for people to give us a chance is extremely humbling and gratifying.
We have free music available at http://cwmrock.bandcamp.com, including two brand new songs! Oh, and catch us on tour this summer! Dates up soon at http://www.facebook.com/cwmrock