Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Set Sail to March is:
Kody Archer (vocals)
Dillon Loucks (guitar)
Tyler Phillips (guitar)
Ryan Kennedy (bass)
JD Walker (drums)
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Set Sail to March? How long has the band been around?
Our band has been around for almost two years, the band birthday is June 26. The original lineup consisted of Dillon Loucks, Ryan Kennedy, our original vocalist Koby Crites, and myself (JD Walker). Dillon and I had been in a couple of bands together spanning back 4 years, and Kody (Archer, new vocalist) and I have been best friends/bandmates in various projects for about 6 years. We met Ryan through Craigslist of all places, but I'd say that it worked out really well! The newest addition to the band, Tyler Phillips, was well known through the Cleveland scene for his role with his previous band (and our very good friends), End in Echoes. We've all been friends with Tyler for a while, so it just made sense to have him in the band.
What's the origin of that name and have you changed the band's name before?
The name came out of a brainstorming session with our former vocalist, and we all felt it was a unique name that had a lot of character and marketability. At the time, we had a self-titled song in which the lyrics took place in the Trojan War.
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're all involved in the writing process, though our roles vary. Dillon and I typically work on the skeleton of the song together, where he'll come up with a couple of face-melting riffs and we'll construct it into a song. Ryan has always been the voice of reason in terms of songwriting, adding his input that makes the song solid. We're new to writing with Kody and Tyler, though the new song that we played at Marg Madness (3/4) was the culmination of the entire band. Our sound has definitely transformed over time, and the new additions to the band are pushing us in a direction that we're yet to explore. It'll be exciting to say the least!
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you're making?
We've all got our different inspirations musically. We're all heavily influenced by the early Of Mice & Men records, as well as the original Asking Alexandria record. Kody and I are very much into Periphery, Silent Planet, and Dayshell, as well as many other progressive and instrumental bands. Tyler brings a new sound to the band, with his influences ranging from Architects and Northlane to Beartooth and MCR. Ryan has been a part of the scene for a long time, and he shares many of the same influences. He's also very into old-school Gojira and Between the Buried and Me.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Dillon - Metallica, JD - Rush and Iron Maiden, Kody - Disturbed and Metallica, Ryan - Mudvayne, Slipknot, and Korn, Tyler - My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect?
We all like to prepare for a show differently. I typically find a secluded place in/around the venue to stretch out and do rudiments. Dillon and Tyler like to do basic finger and hand exercises, as well as scales.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band's career so far?
We've had a lot of amazing highlights so far, though our biggest would probably be when we opened for Ice-Nine Kills, or when we played with Alesana, Oh Sleeper, and Famous Last Words.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
The original lineup of Of Mice & Men, no question. That first record can't be beat! As far as present bands, we'd all love to tour with Dayseeker.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
9. Thank you so much to everyone that's supported the band thus far! We all love you and are thankful for the support. We wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for you!