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

Amanda Gabel- Vocals

Vince Gudino-Drums

Daniele Boneddu-Bass

Dan Schiz- Guitar

Rikki Juarez- Guitar

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to We're No Gentlemen? How long has the band been around?

Amanda and the bands founder, Vince, have been in the band together for over 3 years. We're No Gentlemen’s current line up has been around for a little over a year and a half. We've all been in various bands/projects, but are happy to have found a group of like-minded, hardworking friends that are in it for the long haul.

Prior to joining We're No Gentlemen, Amanda Grew up going to performing arts school. She was a member in show choir and was in both a punk rock band and metal band. Rikki did a lot of studio work with various bands. Mainly fill-in or hired gun type of work. When he was looking for a permanent home, he was happy to find We’re No Gentlemen.

Dan Schiz played in the Pittsburgh based bands Amplifiers and Identity X prior moving to LA. We’re No Gentlemen was his first audition only 3 weeks after moving to California. Daniele is originally from Italy and played in a female-fronted prog rock band before coming to America. He won a green card lottery to move here and also hit the lottery when he joined We’re No Gentlemen.

Prior to starting We’re No Gentlemen, Vince was in a band called Right On Cue which also was female fronted. The other members of the band realized that it was too hard to make it in the music business and since the band wasn’t making any money, they decided to quit. Vince didn’t want to stop playing so he started his own band, thus We’re No Gentlemen was formed.

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

When Vince was trying to brainstorm name ideas with former members, one of them just happened to say, “well we’re no gentlemen,” and it just stuck.
 

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 all contribute to the writing process. Usually Rikki or Dan will come up with a guitar riff or song idea and get together with Daniele, who helps them record a demo. The demo is then sent to Amanda who comes up with lyrics and melodies. Then we jam the idea as a full band where drums are added and any changes occur.

Lyrics are usually written about life experiences so as our lives change, our lyrics evolve. For example “Disguise” off our upcoming E.P. was written about a fallout with a past member. Whereas our current single “Night” is about suicide since it has nearly affected every member of our band in one way or another.

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

We're all inspired by so many different genres and artists from Korn to HIM. Currently we've been listening to a lot of PVRIS and Escape the Fate.

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

Amanda- I've always been into rock and dreamed of being the singer of a band. After I saw one of my first rock concerts ever at 14, Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach inspired me to take my showmanship to the next level.

Rikki- My very first concert when I was 10 years old was Linkin Park, POD, Hoobastank, and Story of the Year at The Forum in Los Angeles. That concert changed my entire outlook on what a musician can be.

Dan- My first introduction to music was the Beatles and Michael Jackson when I was a kid. The first record I ever bought was Metallica’s Black Album and I wanted to learn to shred like Kirk Hammett. Overall, artists like Thrice and Tool inspired me to make art with integrity and to use my musical vision to bring about positive change to other people’s lives.

Vince- Green Day and Blink 182 were big inspirations for me growing up especially as a drummer. Also Rise Against in the most recent years has been a huge influence.

Daniele- During my first Radiohead concert I saw Jonny Greenwood sampling sounds on the fly, messing with synths and having so much fun on stage, and it was so cool that I had my first real “I wish I could be there and not in the crowd” moment.

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

Before a show we just try to hype each other up! Vince and Rikki have been known to take a shot or two of Jager beforehand. Whereas Amanda likes to show off her personal training experience and challenged people to push up contests (usually in a dress and heels!). Schiz usually jacks off. Daniele also warms up with a few drinks. Before we play, we do a “1, 2, 3 WNG chant,” or at least we try.

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

The highlight of our career so far has been winning Battle For Vans Warped Tour and getting to play the Vegas date of the tour. The release of our new video “Night” was also one of our favorite experiences so far.

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

In the past, it would have to be a legendary classic rock band in the 70’s like Led Zeppelin, Queen, or Aerosmith, where we’d go back in time and play in a huge arena.

Presently, we’d love to play with bands like Escape the Fate, Papa Roach, PVRIS, and Paramore because they are big influences on us.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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