Kill The Music

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Unsigned Spotlight: The Nightmare Police

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

Ian Washington – Vocals/Guitar

Joe Berti – Bass/Vocals

Jesus Arancibia - Drums

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

Jesus - I've been playing in bands from a young age. The Frantix, The Artifact, and a lot of others. 

Joe - I haven't been in any other bands. 

Ian - I was in an old pop punk band called Days Gone and a rockabilly punk band called American Sex Machine. This band has been around about 2 years now. 

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

Ian - I was driving around going to bars in December 2013 with my friend and we decided we wanted to write uplifting songs and wanted the name to be something that went along with that mentality. So The Nightmare Police was something we thought of that we are getting rid of your bad dreams and making you feel better or related to with our music. 

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?

Ian - we all write the music and lyrics. There may be different ways to say the things we say. We write based on life experiences so if those change so will the topics. We just want to get our story out there. 

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

Jesus - The Menzingers, Brand New

Ian - I tend to draw a lot of different influences. From Paramore to State Champs to The Menzingers and Alkaline Trio. 

Joe - My iTunes has been messed up so I haven't been listening to a lot of music lately but when I was writing this record with the guys I was listening to a lot of Saves The Day and Blink 182.  

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

Ian - listening to Blink 182, Alkaline Trio and Sum 41 in high school. 

Joe - I joined a band on accident. 

Jesus - The Offspring was sick! Green Day and Bad Religion also.  

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

Jesus - a shitload of different paradiddles. Warm up with a metronome by myself. 

Ian - I always stretch my body out and warm up my voice with weird noises and pops. 

Joe - I eat a big bowl of spaghetti and get a good nights rest. 

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

 Ian - my favorite time so far has been making this record with my best friends. I'm so proud of what we created together and excited to put it out. 

Jesus - the Show we played with Broadside last year. 

Joe - when we played with Matchbook Romance for their 10 year anniversary show 

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

Jesus - Mouse Rat, it would be a fun time. 

Ian - Alkaline Trio, they're my all time favorite band and that would just be cool

Joe - Gorillaz, because I wanna see what they look like 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Ian - Thank you for interviewing us! Check out our bandcamp for preorder and to listen to our newest song "Medicine Cabinet"