Interview - Rooney

I had the opportunity to speak with Rooney recently. Read on below to hear from frontman Robert Schwartzman about music, fame, and keeping true to yourself.


PPJ: Tell us about what went into creating your new album Eureka. Did you do anything differently for this album than you did for any previous ones?

Robert: Making Eureka was a new experience for us. It's the first record we've done completely in house....literally in house. We used my home studio, which was an old two car garage that's been converted into a small studio. It's got great sunlight and a good vibe...not a sterile ambiance. Although we've always been hands on with previous albums, we produced and engineered the entire album ourselves. It was tough to pick songs, since there's no one with us to be the bad guy, so it made for a more fragile experience. But in the end, we made it through all the drama and picked the best stuff. Even pushed ourselves to go back to the writing process and improve the songs we set out to record. Overall, we pushed ourselves to get away from the old model in the music industry and to bring down our overhead. We're not on Interscope anymore and we're looking forward to working this album with ILG. Musically, we wanted to keep the album organic, but also keep the Rooney sound that our fans and our inner fans like.

PPJ: When you put out The Wild One, you were label-less. How is the process and experience of producing and releasing a record different (or the same) when you aren't on a label versus when you are on a label?

Robert: We're feeling the difference now that we're a month away from releasing Eureka. It's hard to call Wild One a release, since we didn't promote it in anyway. We used TuneCore to get it up on online retail sites and blogged about it. It was really just a way to keep our core fans happy till the new albums hits the streets...the online streets. There's a lot more work when you self-release. Luckily, we're not alone and we have great people working with us at ILG to help get the message out that Rooney is back! Or, that Rooney is still here! I like to get my hands dirty and we have a long way to go on our new journey.

PPJ: You've toured with some pretty high profile bands. What's been your favorite or most memorable tour so far, and why?

Robert: It's been cool to have such a diverse touring history. I like all the tours for different reasons. There are always ups and downs, no matter how big the tour or how credible the opportunity. I would say touring in Europe was very memorable and playing on international tv shows was very exciting for us. I remember playing on this French TV music/talk show and looking at my band mates thinking, "this is nuts!" In a good way.

PPJ: When you were working with Rick Ocasek, what kind of input were you willing to take from him? What did you learn from working with him?

Robert: Well, we never actually got to make an album with Ric, but we was super cool to me and we hung out a bunch. We flew out to NYC to play for him, did a show at CBGB's with my brother old band Phantom Planet. I asked Ric if I could use his Pink Jazzmaster, which he lent me...I held on to it for a few years! He really liked the "demos" he got, If It Were Up To Me, Pop Stars, and Losing All Control. He said we should just use those on the album and record the rest. Having his stamp of approval was cool and led us back to Keith Forsey and Brian Reeves, who recorded the "demos." We did a rehearsal that Ric attended and he gave me some notes, like, for the song Simply Because, "change the word simply because of the drugs, to simply because of the trust." Which I ended up changing.

PPJ: Looking back on your past albums, is there anything you would change? Why?

Robert: Hmmmmm...it's hard to say. There's always something to change, but nothing major that's been bothering me all these years. It was a bummer to make 3 albums and only release one, Calling The World, but we made the better album in the end.

PPJ: What is your favorite thing about your new album?

Robert: I think it sounds really good and the songs are some of my favorite Rooney songs. It's got different sides, so it's always hard to pick one song to play for someone.

PPJ: Do you find you get recognized more for being in Rooney or for your famous relatives? Has that changed over time?

Robert: I think it would be weird to be recognized for having famous relatives...like why would that happen? I get recognized for having acted in a few movies, but I get recognized for being in Rooney too.

PPJ: Matt is leaving the band after this record. Are there plans for him to stay peripherally involved with the band?

Robert: Matt left the band already, but he made Eureka with us. He played great bass on the album and we had a good run together. He's now becoming a veterinarian, so he's off to a new life. We have a great new bass player with us named Brandon Quinn and he's really a great fit.

PPJ: How much say do you have in the movies and TV shows your music plays in?

Robert: We have full say and approval. Actually, I heard a song in a movie without approving it, but those were the Interscope days. Ned found a Chuckie Cheese that was playing I'm Shakin'...the robotic rat was singing our song! But I like when TV shows or movies or commercials use our music.

PPJ: What are your plans after the album release?

Robert: Well, I'd like to make a new Rooney album and I'd like to put out some music on the side. I've been producing and writing for different projects and I'm enjoying all of it. Also, I wanna make a X-Mas album!


Thanks again to Robert for answering our questions, and thanks to Mary Thayer from the Independent Label Group for arranging the interview. Be sure to pick up their new album Eureka, and see if their tour is stopping near you.

rooney-band.com

Interview - Seabear

In case you missed it, which you probably did since I completely forgot to post it here, I did an interview with Seabear for Corduroy Magazine's blog. You can read it here.

Interview - Apl de Ap

I recently interviewed The Black Eyed Peas' Apl de Ap for Corduroy Magazine's blog. You can read the profile I wrote here. Enjoy!

Interview - Sherwood

It's been about a year since the last time I spoke with California's Sherwood, so there was lots to catch up on. Read on to see what they have to say about the past year, as well as years yet to come.


PPJ: First, please tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Mike Leibovich:This is Mikey. I play keyboards and tambourine in Sherwood.

PPJ: It's been a few years since A Different Light was released. What's been going on in the meantime?

Mikey: Since A Different Light was released in 2007 we have toured America five times, toured England/Europe three times and spent two weeks touring Japan. We spent the second half of 2008 and the first half of 2009 writing and recording our new record Qu.

PPJ: How did you go about writing songs for Qu? What was the recording process like?

Mikey: For this record we wanted to have more time to flush out songs and be creative with the knowledge that we would chase a lot of dead end roads, but that we would be left with the best of the best. We rented an apartment in Oakland, CA with a sound proof rehearsal studio so that we could spend the better part of seven months writing music full time. We set a schedule for ourselves, put in at least six hours a day (often much more than that), and wrote over 85 songs. When we were finally satisfied with the best twelve songs, we moved down to LA to record with Brad Wood at Seagrass studios for two months.

PPJ: How does Qu differ from your previous releases?

Mikey: Qu is comprised of better written songs. For the first time we really started to see the collective vision for Sherwood come together. There are more vocal harmonies and melodic hooks, more diverse instrumentation, more rock and more pop. The lyrical content of the songs is also much more mature, exploring topics outside of ourselves, more inspired.

PPJ: You guys tour pretty hard for most of the year. How do you find time to create new music while on the road so much?

Mikey: When music is what fulfills you the time just makes itself available. It is difficult to balance the creative part of the job with the business and entertainment side, but it becomes nourishing and cathartic in ways that can't really be ignored.

PPJ: What is it about California that gives it so much airplay in your songs?

Mikey: California (and really the entire West Coast) has been so inspirational to us. We wrote A Different Light while living in a beach house in Mexico for six weeks and spent this record-writing up near the Golden Gate. From Lake Tahoe to San Francisco to Santa Cruz to San Luis Obispo to San Diego....specifically the rolling hills and quiet ocean towns of central California. Just so incredible.

PPJ: What is your favorite part about the whole process of writing, recording,
and touring?

Mikey: Albums have always served as a marker of time for me. Writing an album is such a personal process and marks a period in our lives as the creators. Every record that means something to me has had emotions and memories attached that I hope people will find with this album as well. I still meet people who love to tell me where they were and who they were at the time they were listening to one of our earliest songs, "The Summer Sends its Love," written back in 2003.

PPJ: Why have you stuck with MySpace Records? I don't mean that in a bad way, but surely you've had major labels knocking at your door.

Mikey: MySpace Records has been such a supportive label that I couldn't imagine trying to do what we are trying to do on another label. The staff is like an extended family to us at this point and they give us so much independence. We have really been fortunate retain control of all of our creativity.

PPJ: What happened with The Sherwood Show?

Mikey: Nothing has happened! We are recording several more episodes for a second season. Keep an eye out for them!

PPJ: Do Dan and Joe still work with We Shot The Moon?

Mikey: When Jonathan first started We Shot the Moon he did not have a band with him. Dan and Joe were always just a temporary part of the beginning to help get that first record out. He has a really great band of guys with him full time now.

PPJ: What are your plans leading up to and following the release of Qu?

Mikey: We are just finishing a two week tour supporting Better Than Ezra and begin a tour with Hanson and HelloGoodbye from Oct 1- Nov 12. Our album will be out on Oct 13th, and we may be looking at possibly doing a headline tour early next year.

PPJ: What do you hope people will take away with them when they listen to your music?

Mikey: Ha ha. I have about five cliché sentences that come to mind, about being sincere, or about being classic. But really, I think we made a really good album and I would be delighted to find out what you take away with you.

PPJ: Finally, please tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Mikey: Grizzly Bear, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Passion Pit. Each of their latest
records are outstanding.


Thanks again to Mikey for taking time to answer my questions, and to Gary at Stunt Company for arranging the interview. Be sure to pick up Qu on October 13th and to catch Sherwood on tour this fall.

Interview - Mark Capicotto

Glamour Kills Clothing is probably one of the most recognizable brands in the music scene - everyone knows and loves those bright colors and bold designs. Most people, however, don't know much about the company's creator, Mark Capicotto. I asked him a few questions about what it's like to be one of the leading clothing designers out there right now.


PPJ: First, tell us who you are and what you do.

Mark Capicotto: I am Mark Capicotto and I am the owner and Head Designer here at Glamour Kills Clothing.

PPJ: What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How did you get involved in the current scene?

Mark: I grew up listening to punk rock in all its forms: NOFX, Bigwig, Osker, blink-182 to name a few. All of those bands had a huge influence on me. A lot of my friends were in bands and locally we had a great music scene with a lot of shows. It was a weekly tradition to go see as many bands as I could.

PPJ: How did you come up with the idea to start designing clothes and creating your own lines?

Mark:I did a lot of designs for my friends in bands growing up and started working freelance for some bigger acts. Everyone seemed to love my artwork so I questioned, "Why don’t I do this myself?" and Glamour Kills was born.

PPJ: What does the name Glamour Kills mean?

Mark: It really has no significance, haha! I had the idea, concept and tee designs down but didn’t have a name. It sounded cool so it stuck.

PPJ: What are your inspirations as a designer? Do you have any favorite designers?

Mark: I draw a lot of inspiration from everyday things; music and pop culture in general fascinates me. If I had to pick a designer it would be Rob Dobi. I grew up loving his work - he is Godly!

PPJ: How do you choose which bands Glamour Kills will sponsor?

Mark: Well first off, we have to dig the band musically. They also have be genuine hard working good people.

PPJ: What do you look for in employees? How do you keep a team following the same design aesthetics?

Mark: It’s difficult, but as the company grew I started hiring a lot of my friends who share the same interests and visions as I do. You get a few bad eggs along the way but the team we have now is amazing and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

PPJ: What sort of trends do you look for to stay ahead of the thousands of other clothing companies out there?

Mark: I wouldn’t say trends, but we try to stay ahead of everyone and think what we would like to see - create the trends so to speak. There are a lot of other companies out there big and small that like our stuff so much they make it their own, haha.

PPJ: How have social networking sites helped Glamour Kills?

Mark: Amazingly. When I was starting out I had little to no money, and with social networking I was able to reach thousands of customers without spending anything in advertising. If you use it right social networking can be a very powerful tool.

PPJ: Are you planning on opening any more physical locations?

Mark: Yes, we have plans for moving to NYC and California in 2010 and across the pond in 2011.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Mark: The Dangerous Summer, The Dangerous Summer, The Dangerous Summer.


Thanks again to Mark for answering my questions, and to Jay Taylor at Quite Great Communications/Decade PR for arranging it. Be sure to check out GK and all their great clothes!

glamourkills.com

Interview - Dance Gavin Dance

You might think Dance Gavin Dance are just another generic band with a weird name. I think you should take a second look and see what these guys are all about - genuine music, a love for what they do, and yes, a funny name.

PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Zachary Garren: Zachary Garren, I play guitar and yell random things when I can.

PPJ: How did Dance Gavin Dance get started? What drew you to this style of music?

Zachary: The band started like most every other band, people who liked music playing music. A handful of member changes have happened over time for the better. We don't really know what "this style of music" is because we're trying to just play things other people aren't playing, but bands like At The Drive-In influenced us in the beginning, and then we just kept going from there. We listen to as much music as we can and try to throw that all into a blender. We recently tackled weird hip-hop on our new CD, hopefully we can throw in some dub next?

PPJ: You've had quite a few member changes. How did you manage to keep going and to keep the band going in the same direction?

Zachary: We've been lucky to always find really talented people to replace those who have to leave. It's basically just survival of the fittest. Right now our line up is pretty solid, I don't see anything happening any time soon.

PPJ: How did you get hooked up with Rise Records?
Zachary: I think Craig was looking for some new bands and Eric Rushing from Artery Foundation told him to check us out and that's as complicated as it gets. Maybe?

PPJ: What do you say to people who complain about how unoriginal music with screaming in it is these days?

Zachary: I'd probably agree. The state of screaming music has become a huge joke. This scene used to be about intelligence and being different than the mainstream, but now it's just as bad as the mainstream. Musically, it's kind of like when you copy a VHS tape multiple times and the quality gets worse each time... bands copy other bands that copied other bands that copied other bands and it just keeps getting dumbed down and worse. Bands rely more on their looks and fleeting musical trends rather than actual creativity, talent, and experimentation. I guess I can't be mad at the bands, it's the listeners' fault for supporting them.

PPJ: Tell us about recording "Happiness." How do you think you've grown as a band and as people since your previous albums?

Zachary: There wasn't really anything different about the writing process, we just get together and jam. The only difference is that we've become better musicians and have grown in our musical tastes.

PPJ: How did you react to your album leaking so early?

Zachary: We were just stoked that we weren't the ones that leaked it. It happens, I guess we're just happy to be in the position to where people care enough to do that. We figure if the music is good enough, people will buy it anyways. We're just glad people get to hear it and enjoy it.

PPJ: Are you excited to play on Warped Tour this summer?

Zachary: Very, aside from the heat. I don't know about the other guys, but I grew up going to Warped Tour so it's exciting to play it finally. Plus, one of the bands that made me want to start playing music 8 years ago, Thrice, is playing for about a week.

PPJ: What do you think are the pros and cons of playing festival shows versus club shows?

Zachary: We enjoy both. I like playing outside, I feel more free. The sound can be bad, but that happens in clubs, too. I guess this would be a better question to ask us after Warped Tour since we've only played a few festivals.

PPJ: Do you have any plans for after Warped Tour?

Zachary: We're doing a tour with a certain old singer's new band, I don't know if we're supposed to say?

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Zachary: Tubelord. They are from England and they've been blowing my mind lately. Foals. They are also from England and they are also mindblowing. Mystery Jets. They, three, are from England and they also participate in the blowing of the mind. Americans, take some notes from England... Thanks for the interview, sorry if anything doesn't make sense, that tends to happen when you're typing all your thoughts out at once and don't proof-read!

Thanks again to Zachary for answering my questions, and to Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for setting it up. Be sure to check out Happiness, and to go see Dance Gavin Dance on Warped Tour.

MySpace

Interview - Jean Reno

I recently did an interview with French actor Jean Reno for Corduroy Magazine. The profile is in Issue #5, which is on sale now in their store. It's a great magazine full of interviews, art, and fashion. Please pick one up!

Interview - Karate High School

Karate High School might just sound like a novelty band name, but it's been a long time since I've heard a band as genuine as this one. Take a minute to hear what they have to say and maybe you won't judge a book by its cover.


PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band?

Paul McGuire: Hi, I’m Paul, and I’m the singer/songwriter/producer guy.

PPJ: Karate High School is a band that's often described with lots of hyphenated genres. What exactly do you think your style of music is? How did you arrive at that sound?

Paul: Billy Joel said it best: "Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound / Funny, but it's still rock and roll to me." It’s all just different sub-genres of rock music, right? After that, my head starts to hurt and my vision gets blurry. For example, I honestly couldn’t tell you the difference between the genres of Industrial and Post-Industrial music. I mean, I know that a difference exists – but I can’t listen to an electronic European noise track and tell you which sub-genre it falls under. I just don’t care enough to learn which details shove a band from one yard and into another. If I like it, I like it. I’m well aware that I’m not doing anything shockingly original with my own tracks. I’m just playing music I like to listen to, that’s all. I’ll allow the three people that actually listen to my music to decide how many hyphens that deserves.

PPJ: What drew you to start making music?

Paul: If you’re like me, music is all you have. It’s what keeps you sane. It’s the only real thing in a world of zombie neighbors, co-workers, and bosses. It allows you to vent when you’re bummed out, to laugh when you’re happy, and to dance alone in your room as you sing Britney Spears at the top of your lungs. Music is the only loyal companion you’ve ever known. Music was there for you when you totaled your dad’s Ford Focus after you stole his keys last Halloween, it was there for you when you won that karate tournament by one roundhouse kick, and it was there for you in eighth grade when you told everyone that Jodie Meyers had sex with Derek Micklebee even though it wasn’t true, and then everyone found out that you lied and wouldn’t talk to an established gossip hound for six weeks. And perhaps most importantly, music was there for you when your girlfriend decided not to be. All of these things inspire me to write music. To establish a connection, to express my own thoughts and ideas the way all of my musical heroes have. Because I want to give back, and create something timeless for myself. In other words, I have absolutely no idea.

PPJ: What do you think touring so hard to support your first two albums did for you as a band?

Paul: There is no substitute for quitting your job, neglecting every important, personal relationship in your life, and hitting the road in your disgusting, filthy van and playing shows in basements and VFW halls around the country to three kids at a time. The experience has allowed me to become both a better musician and a better person. Once off the main interstates, there are endless amounts of beautiful open roads and generous, loving people that connect with your music and invite you into their homes. Do I sound like a hippie yet? Good, because I haven’t showered in three weeks and I thought I’d start acting the part. But really, touring and performing is one of my favorite things, just under (or perhaps tied with) creating the actual music itself.

PPJ: How did you hook up with Eyeball Records?

Paul: After touring for two years with absolutely no support whatsoever, we decided to contact the one label that we’ve loved and respected for years. Ray (my keyboard player) contacted Eyeball, and both parties decided to meet each other and see if our vision and passion for music matched up. Luckily, everyone at Eyeball is super awesome and the experience has been amazing. I couldn’t be happier.

PPJ: Tell us about what went into recording "Invaders."

Paul: That’s a big question. Like, how is the album made from start to finish? I usually lock myself in my room in front of my keyboard and guitar, and I stare at the wall until inspiration strikes. And no, I’m not kidding. During the writing of the new KHS record, I didn’t leave my room for weeks on end. I’d get up at 6:30am, and just play and write and play and write until 8:00pm. Then I’d take a walk around the block, read for a while, and go to sleep just to do it all over again the next day. That seems to be a very clear pattern in my life: I work all day until I’m satisfied with something, then wake up the next morning and think that everything I created the day before was absolute garbage. And then...repeat. In other words, it’s exactly like the average person’s work day, except I don’t get paid and 13 year old kids criticize the things I create from the comfort of their laptop-equipped bedrooms.

PPJ: What do you think sites like Facebook and Twitter have done for your band?

Paul: Social networking has completely revolutionized the music business. But I’ll spare you a 10,000 word topical essay on the rapidly changing corporate music business model. Instead, I’ll simply say that as a band, the entire point is to get your music heard by as many people as possible. Web 2.0 has allowed this to happen with incredible, stunning ease. In other words, it’s a good thing.

PPJ: On your myspace, you talk about how there are no original sounds left and that you'll never write a "Hey Jude" level song. So what makes you keep doing this? And how do you try to make yourselves interesting in all the repeated sounds?

Paul: Just in case someone reading this hasn’t read what you’re referring to, I’ll be insanely pretentious and quote myself here: "But c’mon, folks, let’s face it: there are no original sounds anymore. Everything has already been done. The Beatles already wrote every great song many years before I was born. I’ll never write a Hey Jude. Heck, I’ll never write a Yellow Submarine. The only thing I can do is put as much honesty and creativity into the songs that I can, and hope that they connect with you." The last sentence answers your question, I believe. Just because every song and story has already been written, it doesn’t mean that you can’t put your own unique spin on a timeless tale. For example, you can reduce the television show LOST down to simply being about the timeless struggle of Good VS. Evil. That doesn’t mean the way they told that story wasn’t fresh and original, it simply means they put their heart into articulating a universal theme and made it their own. That’s the same thing I try to do with my songs. Expressing yourself never gets old or boring, it’s an exhilarating and necessary part of Trying To Understand What Life Is All About.

PPJ: What are your plans after the record release?

Paul: Well, the new album, Invaders, is on sale on iTunes right now, or you can buy the retail copy in stores on May 19th, 2009. We’ll be touring for the rest of the year in support of the record. In other words, my immediate future will be comprised of sleeping in a disgusting van, "showering" in Wal-Mart bathrooms, and eating two hot dogs for one dollar at 7-11s across the country. Oh, and I’ll be doing my part to thwart the (hopefully not) inevitable robot takeover of the human race. Are you in?

PPJ: What do you hope people will take away with them when they listen to your CD or see your shows?

Paul: Pretentious Answer Alert: I suppose the ultimate goal is to inspire. When I went go to shows, I love watching music be performed. I connect with the music, and I feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself. Music has always been there for me: it’s pulled me through the toughest of times and comforted me when no one else could. In a sense, I feel like performing is my way of giving back, my way of trying to contribute something that has genuinely moved me and affected my life in a real, meaningful way. If someone sees my band play, and is inspired enough to think, "hey, I want to do that too," then every night I spend sleeping in Wal-Mart parking lots is worth it. Oh, and if they can walk away with some merch too, that would be awesome.

PPJ: Lastly, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Paul: I’m going to limit my choices to one, since I don’t have any cool, hip band suggestions that you aren’t already listening to. That said, I would like to continue my streak of plugging The Streets in hopes that Earth enters an alternate reality where Mike Skinner finds this interview due to placing a Google alert on his own name, and finds it charming that an American rock producer with absolutely zero money, fame, or talent wants to record a song with him. If so, then hey Mike, please email me. He’s a personal hero of mine and I think his work is ridiculously underrated in America. Everything Is Borrowed was one of my favorite records last year. Brilliant stuff.

Thanks again to Paul for thoughtfully answering these questions, and to Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for arranging the interview. Be sure to pick up Karate High School's new album and to catch them on one of those endless tours.

Website | MySpace

Interview - Attack! Attack! UK

The U.K.'s Attack! Attack! play music that sounds just like their name - hard, fast, and fun. I caught up with them recently to see how things are going in their fast-paced world.

PPJ: First, tell us who you are and what you do in the band.

Neil Starr: I am Neil, singer and guitarist in Attack! Attack! UK

PPJ: I don't know much about Cardiff, Wales. What is it like for someone growing up there, and in terms of the area's music scene?

Neil: Growing up in South Wales was great fun! the local music scene here is amazing, just think of all the great bands that have come from a 20 mile radius of each other: Lostprophets, Bullet For My Valentine, Funeral For A Friend, Skindred, and loads more including Tom Jones, haha! It's inspiring growing up and watching bands like Lostprophets become international stars; it really gives you belief that you too can, with hard work, become an international success.

PPJ: How did you arrive at the kind of music you play in Attack! Attack! UK?

Neil: We are all into the same kind of bands and really love melodies and rocking out. We just love writing catchy songs with passion and energy!

PPJ: How do you go about writing your songs?

Neil: 2 main ways. Either one of us will write something that resembles a song and bring it to rehearsal to show the rest of the band and jam it out or we just write spontaneously as a collective whilst in rehearsal. To be honest there are no rules with song writing we just go with the flow.

PPJ: What was it like working with Stuart Richardson from Lostprophets?

Neil: Awesome! He had some really good ideas for our songs and took the album in the direction we wanted! I have known Stuart for a long time from being in other bands, and we used to hang out a lot growing up. When he moved to LA I didn't get to see him very much so it was awesome to spend a month together hanging out, having fun and of course recording the album.

PPJ: What's it like to hear your songs on the radio and to be nominated for
awards?

Neil: Kind of surreal to be honest with you. Personally for me the most satisfying thing is to hear positive things from fans and things like radio and awards can only help you expose your music to new people and help you grow as a band.

PPJ: Are you still on tour with Funeral For A Friend, or are you out with Save Your Breath now? Where are you now, and how is it going?

Neil: Right now we have a few weeks at home, which is amazing because we get to see our family and friends again! We finished the Funeral For A Friend tour and go out with Save Your Breath in 2 weeks. As much as we are enjoying being home we can't wait to get back on the road again!

PPJ: You guys were also just at SXSW. Was that your first time there? How was it and who did you see?

Neil: Yes, and it was an amazing experience. It was also our first ever live show in America and we really loved the experience. We drank a lot of alcohol and generally had a blast whilst watching bands like Gallows, You Me At Six, Fighting With Wire, The Meat Puppets, Cancer Bats, Alesana, plus loads loads more.

PPJ: What is your favorite venue to play at?

Neil: London Astoria was an amazing venue and we were lucky enough to play there twice before they closed it a few months back. It was such a shame they closed it, especially as it was destroyed to make way for a train tube station for the Olympics in 2012! Wrong in my opinion!

PPJ: What are your plans after this tour?

Neil: We basically are gigging until September, plenty of shows and festivals in the UK and mainland Europe. We plan on writing more new songs as we are the kind of band that likes to release things sooner rather than later so expect new tunes from us towards the end of 2009.

PPJ: Your MySpace says you're going to be on Guitar Hero. What song, and how did that happen?

Neil: It's "You and me" and we are SOOOOO stoked about it. Its a game we have all been fans of for ages and is always on whilst we are traveling to venues in the tour bus. To cut a long story short we were chosen by the top guys and gals at Activision (the game makers) from a whole host of bands that submitted to be on the game. It was very flattering that we were chosen over hundreds and hundreds of bands.

PPJ: What do you hope people will come away with when they listen to your music?

Neil: We hope after hearing the CD they will be inspired by the music and that it can offer them something positive. From the live shows we try and be interactive with the crowd so we hope people go away with a smile on their faces, covered in sweat and ready to spread the word of Attack! Attack! UK to everyone they see.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Neil: Fighting with Wire, Twin Atlantic, and The Blackout.


Thanks again to Neil for answering my questions, and to Melissa Berlin at Rock Ridge Music for arranging the interview. Be sure to check out Attack! Attack! UK and try to catch them on tour!

Website | MySpace

Interview - Breathe Carolina

Lots of bands choose one style of music and stick with it. Breathe Carolina take a bunch of different styles and smash them together. What they come up with is their own unique brand of sound. Frontman Kyle Even happily took a break from all this creativity to answer a few of my questions.


PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Kyle Even: I'm Kyle and I sing in Breathe Carolina!

PPJ: What initially got you interested in music? Who were some of your favorite bands growing up?

Kyle: My step brother was a huge influence because he would show us all kinds of bands and groups - started me on Green Day, White Zombie- then got me into 2pac and Bone Thugs! Those were some of my favorites as well!

PPJ: How did the music you were playing with your old bands evolve into what you're doing now with Breathe Carolina?

Kyle: Screaming in other bands helped! But musically nothing really stands out - I wouldn't be here without those people believing in me though! But the music is so different in writing, recording and playing that we had to figure out a lot on our own.

PPJ: You have a bunch of musicians who tour with you. Are they different people every tour? Do you ever consider making them permanent members - why or why not?

Kyle: They are the same every tour unless they don't want to come out- but it's been the same for a year now so I don't see it changing any time soon!! They are permanent to us - just 'cause they aren't in pictures doesn't make them less important- they'd still be doing the same things and nothing would change- we'll have to see what the future holds.

PPJ: What went into writing and recording It's Classy, Not Classic?

Kyle: We had to finish the record on the road cause we did it ourselves - David wrote, recorded and produced the whole record.

PPJ: Where did you come up with the name for your album?

Kyle: David thought it up- it's about living life as hard as you can without worrying about the past and future.

PPJ: What do you think of your fairly rapid rise to the public eye?

Kyle: Things have definitely grown quickly! I just hope people are having fun with what we've created! It's been amazing getting to play venues that we could have only dreamed about!

PPJ: How do you think you managed to grab peoples' attention so quickly?

Kyle: I don't know? I think that secret is with the people who have been listening to our songs! I have no idea!!

PPJ: How did you get in with Rise Records?

Kyle: Our manager is good friends with Craig from Rise- he sent our songs to him and he sent us a contract! We signed about 3 months later but he was the first to offer us a deal!

PPJ: What's the music scene in Denver like? Is it easy or hard to break out from there?

Kyle: It's easier than some places- the local scene is great! People are very supportive! No matter where you live it's gonna be hard to break- but Denver definitely gave us a step up!

PPJ: Have you been writing new songs? What are you hoping to do with your music now?

Kyle: Ya we have! We just want to make fun songs - songs we want to write and play - hopefully they'll reach someone on a deeper level- but as long as they hit us hard then that's all I can ask for!!

PPJ: What do you hope people will take away with them when they listen to your music?

Kyle: Have fun and be yourself!

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Kyle: Bring Me The Horizon, Emarosa and Anarbor.


Thanks again to Kyle for answering these questions, and to Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for coordinating the interview. Be sure to pick up a copy of It's Classy, Not Classic and to see when Breathe Carolina is playing near you!

MySpace | PureVolume

Interview - K'NAAN

I've recently done some work for the wonderful Corduroy Magazine, and you can see my interview with the artist K'NAAN over on their blog. Enjoy!

Interview - The Love Willows

The duo known as The Love Willows are trying to make a splash in pop music with their delightfully sugary, catchy tunes. Check out my interview with them and see if they don't put a smile on your face.


PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Hope Partlow: Hope Partlow, vocals.

Ryan Wilson: Ryan Wilson – guitar, vocals.

PPJ: What got you interested in music? When did you decide you wanted to write your own music?

Hope: My dad is the reason for my interest in music. He was always hanging around the house with a guitar in hand. I sang my first song, “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash, on stage at the ripe age of five. I made $25 in tips and that's when I made up my mind to be a singer. I wrote a few songs growing up, but it never really came together until I met Ryan.

Ryan: For me it was my older brother. He played guitar in a band when he was in high school and I thought it was cool, so Santa brought me a guitar for Christmas that year. I got my brother to show me a few things, but for the most part I taught myself. I started writing music in high school, when I joined my first band.

Tell us about how you guys met and started The Love Willows.

Hope: I met Ryan in 2005, when he tried out to be my touring guitar player for my solo record. We instantly hit it off and became great friends. Then when I turned 18, I moved from my hometown of Drummonds, TN to his hometown of Griffin, GA and we began to write songs that would later developed into the unique sound of The Love Willows.

PPJ: Where did you come up with the name for your band?

Ryan: “Willows” comes from our last names – Wilson & Partlow. If you cut them in half and glue them together with “love,” you've got The Love Willows.

PPJ: What went into writing and recording Hey! Hey!

Hope: All of the songs on our record were written by Ryan and I over the span of year. Once we had a significant amount of material, we decided to make a record. We didn't have the funds to record at a major studio, so we decided to save up and do it ourselves. I worked at a hair salon and Ryan did carpentry work with his dad, as well as playing cover gigs on the weekends. We made the entire record for less than $1500, including the computer.

Ryan: We tracked the drums at a friends home studio and brought the files back to our house on an external drive. The rest of the record was done on our Pro Tools/Mbox rig. I had a couple of other friends play on some of the tracks, but all of the other instrumentation, arrangements, editing, and production was done ourselves.

PPJ: Is The Love Willow's music very different from what Hope was doing as a solo act?

Hope: Very much so. I didn't write any of the songs on my solo record. I feel way more connected with this new record, mainly because it's true moments and emotions that I vividly remember and, with the help of Ryan, I got to capture those feelings in nifty little songs.

PPJ: What's it like to be dating each other while on tour? Does that ever get tough?

Hope: I know this sounds really corny, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Ryan is my best friend and, although he does get on my nerves sometimes, we both know how to separate our business relationship from our personal relationship.

PPJ: How did you get signed to Decca Records?

Ryan: Our manager found us on MySpace and he really liked our songs. Within a month he had a showcase lined up for us in New York to play for the head of A&R at Decca. They liked what they heard and signed us on the spot.

PPJ: What is your favorite song on the record? Your least favorite? Why?

Hope: My favorite song is “Strut My Stuff,” because it's just so girly. I like playing it live because of the reaction. I'm truly not lying when I say that I don't have a least favorite. I guess its like children. There's always that ugly one that you still love, because it's a part of you.

Ryan: Favorite song is “Falling Faster.” That pre and chorus are dynamite! My least favorite to listen to is probably “Try,” just because it's the only song over 3:30 - but as a song itself, I think it's some of our best songwriting.

PPJ: Do you ever get tired of dressing up all the time for shows?

Ryan: Every show is a performance and whether it's a for 30 people or 300, they all deserve the same experience. It may be difficult sometimes to get dressed, in between loading gear and setting up, but no one really wants to see you in what you had on earlier that day. I've actually always enjoyed dressing up. As a kid, I'd switch from Batman to Superman, to policeman to Spiderman, all in one day.

PPJ: When is your next tour?

Hope: We just came off of the road with a band called Push Play. Really cool guys and a really fun tour. There's some awesome stuff in the works for '09!

PPJ: Have you written anything new since releasing Hey! Hey!

Ryan: Yes. Hope and I are constantly writing. We've actually written a few really cool songs that I feel confident about putting on the next record.

PPJ: What do you want people to take away with them when they hear your music?

Hope: We strive for upbeat, happy songs, and so far the reaction that we've gotten is just that. People have told us that they've had horrible days and once they hear us, for some odd reason, they're in a good mood.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Ryan: I listen to a lot of old stuff that you've probably heard before, but something new that has been coming through my speakers as of late is a band called Cash Cash. Something old that you may not be too familiar with is Owsley and Jellyfish – check it!

Hope: I've always been a fan of whatever Sheryl Crow has thrown at me. The one artist that I've loved from day one of my musical career is Patsy Cline. Also, Natasha Bedingfield has impressed me with her writing and singing ability.

Thanks again to Hope and Ryan for answering these questions, and to Brandon at Universal Music Group for arranging the interview. Make sure to pick up of copy of Hey! Hey! and catch The Love Willows on tour!

MySpace

Interview - Anarbor

Talk about a band on the rise. Anarbor have been hard at work making their super catchy brand of rock known to the world. I caught up with them for a minute before they rolled onward to conquer the world.

PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Mike Kitlas: I'm Mike and I play guitar.

Slade Echeverria: I'm Slade and I play bass and sing.

Adam Juwig: I'm Adam and I play guitar.

Greg Garrity: I'm Greg and I play drums.

PPJ: You guys have all known each other a long time. Did you go through other bands or styles of music before arriving at Anarbor?

Mike: Not really. The first band we were ever in was called Troop 101 and it had this exact same lineup. We eventually grew up and changed the name, but the group stayed the same. We all learned how to play our instruments together and we all matured as musicians together.

PPJ: Was it tough to try and choose between college and the band?

Greg: It wasn't a tough decision for us, because we knew that we only had one shot at this. We couldn't be as serious as we wanted to be and be in college. Plus, when we signed a record contract before we even graduated high school, that made our decision easier. We are all taking online courses while we are on the road, so we aren't losing any ground on our peers.

PPJ: Did you ever think Anarbor was going to take off? Or, when did you know you had something big on your hands?

Adam: I think we all had dreams of being big, but that's what kept us motivated.

Mike: We had been getting attention in the local scene for a while, but I guess we new things were taking off when we started getting noticed outside of Arizona.

PPJ: Tell us what it was like recording "The Natural Way."

Mike: Mike Green is amazing. A musical genius. Period.

Greg: Yeah, it was our first time ever working with a real producer in a real studio and we were all kind of nervous. Mike really got the best out of us and I think we were all happy with how the 4 songs came out.

Slade: We're going back in to record our debut EP with him in December.

PPJ: You're on tour with The Years Gone By right now. How is that going?

Slade: The Years Gone By are amazing. They are such great guys and its always good to be touring the East Coast with a band that is from the East Coast. Haha. They have lots of fans out here.

PPJ: There are hundreds of pop bands out there right now. What do you think separates you from the rest of the pack?

Mike: We get thrown in the same sentence as all of these bands for some reason. Like all of these bands that use backing tracks and autotune on their vocals. We just make real music. If you don't like it fine, but at least its really us.

Greg: Well yeah, but in a way its kind of good that we get lost in the mix. Because when someone finally does hear us, they are always pleasantly surprised that we aren't one of those bands.

PPJ: What are your favorite and least favorite songs that you've written, and why?

Slade: I think we're always into the new songs more than the old songs.

Adam: Well, we usually judge our favorites by the songs that are most fun to play. Like the ones with the most energy.

Mike: I like playing "Right There With You" and "Salem's Filled With Witches."

PPJ: What can we expect next from you?

Mike: EP in March 2009. A bunch of new songs and maybe one or two old ones.

Slade: And just non-stop touring.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Adam: The best 3 albums of 2008 are:
Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - Animal/Not Animal
Bring Me The Horizon - Suicide Season
Lydia - Illuminate


Thanks again to Anarbor for answering these questions, and to Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for arranging the interview. Make sure to pick up a copy of The Natural Way and catch them on tour!

MySpace | PureVolume

Interview - Better Without You

Better Without You redux? Yup, here's a second take on that last interview, this time featuring singer Ryan Braunstein.


PPJ: First tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Ryan Braunstein: Ryan Braunstein, I do the singing and the majority of the crowd pleasing, I like to think! As put by everyone else my job is to be the....pretty boy of the band.

PPJ: Your Myspace says that you're from both Philadelphia and Frederick. So who is from where, and how did you meet?

Ryan: Well, the band and label are centralized in Philly, but Myles, Brian, and I are from Frederick - we went to high school together. Myles and I actually didn't talk at all until Brian introduced us. Alex is from Towson in the Baltimore area and last but not least Brandon hails from good ol' north Jersey. Myles, Brandon, and Alex go to Drexel together in Philly and Brian and I live in Frederick, Maryland. Basically, Brian got me talking to Myles, who in turn brought us all together.

PPJ: Where did the name Better Without You come from?

Ryan: Oh, the funny story behind the name....I'm afraid that's a secret that I will have to take to the grave with me. I will say that it came to Myles while we were snacking on some Pat's cheesesteaks. I will say most people will speculate that it's all about a long lost girl...and I will also say that those people would be very very wrong!

PPJ: How did you get in with Criminal Records?

Ryan: Myles and Brandon started Criminal Records and when they heard some of my garage band demos they snatched me up and signed me on.

PPJ: What went into writing and recording your EP?

Ryan: The majority of the writing typically just happens. I have a tendency to get in with girls that like to play games and generally that makes me a shut in on certain days. Usually I'll start humming a tune or writing lyrics that tell the story of the situation and for some reason as crappy as the situation is....the songs are usually happy sound. Weird, right?

PPJ: What was the best thing about recording? The worst?

Ryan: The best thing about recording has been hearing all the songs and ideas we've had coming to life and seeing the reaction of the people around me and especially that people who don't even know me. The worst? Well, typically you spend a lot of time alone working in the studio, it can get depressing after the first few days once it slips into routine. In the end though it's all worth it.

PPJ: It looks like you guys have been writing a lot of new songs lately. Can you tell us what they're like?

Ryan: Ah yes, well as I said before, most of my songs tell stories of what's happened to me if I end up doing the majority of the lyrical writing. The best of the new songs has to be "Little Miss Stalker," as I'm told. Brian and I actually just put the finishing touches on a new one I wrote about a recent situation with a girl I really like, called "Got Your Girl." Now that song is so badass, I just hope it doesn't make me come off as a douche when really I'm just trying to put a fun spin on a situation that made me feel terrible.

PPJ: Are you planning any big tours soon, or are you just sticking to recording?

Ryan: I know our primary focus right now is getting the full length album finished, but we're trying to book a lot of shows around here to kill the studio blues. Trust me, any chance I have to get on stage we'll be there. It's what I got into this for, to spread the music.

PPJ: What do you hope to do with Better Without You in the future?

Ryan: I really hope to get to a point where I can make the band my lifestyle and keep on doing what I love - playing, writing, and spreading the music.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Ryan: Fall Out Boy is a huge favorite of mine right now. Other then them I would say Farewell and Four Year Strong!


Thanks to Ryan for answering round 2 of these questions, and again to Brandon at Criminal Records. Be sure to check out Better Without You's new EP and catch them at a show!

betterwithoutyou.com

Interview - Better Without You

Better Without You are bringing the pop-punk goodness with their new EP, titled Seriously... Read my interview with this young group to see how they are building their band from the ground up.


PPJ: First tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Myles Vlachos: I’m Myles Vlachos, I play guitar.

PPJ: Your MySpace says that you're from both Philadelphia and Frederick. So who is from where, and how did you meet?

Myles: I am from Frederick, along with Ryan, and Brian. Brandon was my freshman year roommate at Drexel University, and he is from New Jersey. We met Alex at Drexel too, and he is from MD as well. Currently we operate out of Philly mostly while we finish up our senior year.

PPJ: Where did the name Better Without You come from?

Myles: Well, despite all Ryan’s songs being about girls the name is about a boy. Unfortunately that overly ambiguous hint is all I can give.

PPJ: How did you get in with Criminal Records?

Myles: Brandon and I started that. We incorporated over the summer. We signed Ryan, and are signing a few other acts. We are kind of the house band, and play on all the records like The Funk Brothers were for Motown. We really respect what Motown did and want to be that for the kids today.

PPJ: What went into writing and recording your EP?

Myles: Ryan came to me with “The Long Drive.” We laid it down, and beefed it up with a nice vocal arrangement, and some production stuff, and then Ryan wrote "You’re Going Down (Not In A Good Way)", and "Cutting Ties." Over the summer we slept in the studio and spent 72 hours strait in there and got those tracks recorded, mixed, and mastered. The EP is gonna be a teaser for the full length. Expect even more polished versions of these songs in the future.

PPJ: What was the best thing about recording? The worst?

Myles: The best thing for me was when I kicked Ryan out of the studio to mix "Cutting Ties." I had a lot of playing with delays and various busses to create an interesting space for that song. The worst was Ryan singing the chorus to "You’re Going Down" in nothing but his boxers because it helped him sing. No one wanted to see that.

PPJ: It looks like you guys have been writing a lot of new songs lately. Can you tell us what they're like?

Myles: We have this one called “Little Miss Stalker.” It is an upbeat, energetic, rocker that has more hooks than a pirate ship. That one is gonna be single. I have a few written too, really catchy up-beat stuff. We also are gonna have some slower emotional tracks to balance it out.

PPJ: Are you planning any big tours soon, or are you just sticking to recording?

Myles: Well, we are gonna record and play “showcase” shows regionally until we are done with school. After that Better Without You will unleash their fury on the world!

PPJ: What do you hope to do with Better Without You in the future?

Myles: We want to be a touring force, and give to our fans what our favorite bands have given to us. We just love making music, and we want to bring our music to a huge audience.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Myles:I’m gonna give some bands that really deserve the attention some spotlight.

Lovedrug
As Tall As Lions

And... The greatest songwriter of all time, Ryan Adams. He is a prophet.


Thanks again to Myles for taking time to answer these questions, and to Brandon at Criminal Records for arranging it. Make sure to pick up a copy of Seriously... and to watch out for Better Without You on tour.

betterwithoutyou.com

Interview - Lovedrug

If you weren't aware, Lovedrug is easily one of my favorite bands of all time. They've just released their third LP, The Sucker Punch Show. Read this interview and see if you can pick the brains of this enigmatic group.


PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Michael Shepard: My name is Michael, I'm a Capricorn, I play guitar, piano, and I sing.

PPJ: You just released your third LP, The Sucker Punch Show. Did you ever think Lovedrug would make it this far as a band?

Michael: Yes... But I never thought it would take this long to put out three records.

PPJ: Where did the phrase "The Sucker Punch Show" come from?

Michael: It's my synonym for life.

PPJ: What went into writing and recording the new album?

Michael: A lot of smoking, drinking, weekend boardroom meetings, and general disarray... but mostly we just thought a lot about what we wanted to write and we sat down and wrote it. It always turns out different anyways.

PPJ: How do you think your music has grown or changed over the years? How is The Sucker Punch Show different from what you've released before?

Michael: The music has evolved into its teen angst stage. I'm looking forward to the hipster stage mostly.

PPJ: What do you think of people comparing Lovedrug to bands like Coldplay, Radiohead, or even Foo Fighters?

Michael: That's very flattering. Those are great bands... which we sound nothing like. Regardless, it's still a compliment, I guess. So.. I don't really mind it. People are more comfortable with comparisons anyway.

PPJ: What's your favorite song you've ever written?

Michael: Right now it's "Blood Like." It's my most confessional to date. It's the window to my soul right now. But soon it will close and change so.. there's that.

PPJ: Would you change anything about any of your records if you could?

Michael: No... and yes.

PPJ: You guys were briefly on a major label before returning to The Militia Group. What happened there?

Michael: We got eaten up, spit out and almost permanently shelved. But we got out with our necks somewhat intact though, so no worries.

PPJ: How did you get signed to TMG in the first place?

Michael: After Rory (the owner) saw us play a gig in NYC.

PPJ: You're on tour now with former labelmates Copeland. What are you most looking forward to on this tour?

Michael: Hanging out with old pals.

PPJ: What are your plans after the Copeland/Lydia tour?

Michael: Headlining, Europe, more writing...another record.

PPJ: What do you want people to take away with them when they hear your music?

Michael: A sense of honesty and confession that hopefully will be appealing.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Michael: Kings of Leon, Rihanna, Donovan.

Thanks to Michael for answering these questions, and to Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for facilitating it. Make sure to pick up Lovedrug's new album and catch them on tour.

Website | MySpace | PureVolume

Interview - The Urgency

The Urgency are a band from New England who are working hard to get themselves heard. So, lend an ear and take a listen while you read my interview with them.


PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Tyler: My name is Tyler, and I sing for The Urgency.

PPJ: How did you get into music?

Tyler: I had my parents' old record player in my room back home for as long as I can remember, plus I grew up with lots of instruments in the house, from keyboards and guitars to saxophones. The only thing I really stuck with was singing though.

PPJ: How did The Urgency begin?

Tyler: Ian and Kevin have been playing music together since they were little kids. They're a few years older than me, and even though we grew up just a town apart, I didn't start playing music with them until much later. They ended up playing in bands together throughout school, where they eventually met Guerin in college. Just as I started college they graduated, heard about me through the grapevine, and we started jamming... that was late autumn 2005. After a few EPs, we finally finished our full-length early this past year, where we asked Ryan to join as our second guitarist and background vocals in order to live up to the album live.

PPJ: How did you get signed to Island/Def Jam?

Tyler: A lot of persistence. We really played for anyone who would listen, anywhere possible. Before we got signed we didn't really have any money to tour, no van or trailer, no gas money, nothing. We saw getting signed as a way to keep playing music for as long and as much as possible. Really we can't imagine doing anything else right now. Anyway, we just recorded what we could in our apartment, and played as many shows as we could in the New England/New York area. When we met David Bendeth, he immediately wanted to take us in and record a few tracks. After we leaked the new tracks, we got a few offers, and went with Mercury/Island/Def Jam.

PPJ: What's been the best part of being in a major label band so far?

Tyler: Same as it would be if we were on an indie - we get to play music every night and see the world!

PPJ: You're on tour with A Cursive Memory right now. How is that going?

Tyler: It's going well! There's a lot more little girls on this tour than we've experienced in the past, but I think they're taking to our band quite well considering the difference in genres.

PPJ: Tell us about your time recording your album.

Tyler: It was a life-changing, eye-opening experience. Bendeth took us in to his studio, the House of Loud, which became our home for the next six months. He had us writing and practicing rigorously every hour of the day, every day. He really pushed us to our limits, and we came out of it a much stronger band.

PPJ: How did you choose "Fingertips" to be your single?

Tyler: The album as a whole is very eclectic, and Fingertips is only one facet of our music. I think we ultimately went with Fingertips because of how provocative it is. Personally, I think we have "catchier" songs, but there's definitely an edginess about that song that people are attracted to. I think there's a darkness to it, but on the surface it's this fun, catchy, progressive rock song that people want to hear on the radio.

PPJ: What's it like to see yourself getting coverage on places like absolutepunk.net and Fearless TV?

Tyler: It's pretty cool. Both AP and Fearless are great ways to get heard. And PopPunkJunkie of course ; ).

PPJ: What are you doing next after this tour is over?

Tyler: Writing new music, recording demos, Looking for more tours!

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Tyler: Kid:Nap:Kin, The Cambiata, and Romans.


Thanks again to Tyler for answering our questions, and to Brian Robillard at Universal Music Group for arranging the interview. Be sure to check out The Urgency's self-titled debut album.

MySpace | PureVolume

Interview - Greeley Estates

The screamo genre is full of bands trying to imitate the sounds of others and to cash in on the current hype in the scene. It can be tough to find a sincere band in there. Luckily, Greeley Estates is one of those rare ones, so read on to see how the band pushes forward in this derivative environment.

PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Ryan Zimmerman: Hi, my name's Ryan and I sing/scream for Greeley.

PPJ: What got you interested in the post-hardcore/screamo genre of music?

Ryan: Bands like Finch, Glassjaw, The Used, and Norma Jean were some of the first bands that I listened to in this genre.

PPJ: How did you go about writing and recording "Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East?"

Ryan: We took almost a year off to write and record this record. We thought about what kind of songs we enjoy playing live and wrote a record around that in the past we had both heavy and soft songs. On this record we just focused on the heavier stuff. We had a chance to record with Cory Spotts again: he did our first album. I can't imagine working with anyone else ever again. He really knows our band and how to capture our sound.

PPJ: Did you do anything differently than you had on your previous releases?

Ryan: I think having more time to write really helped our band think outside of what we would have done in the past. We focused on writing songs that were intense the whole way through the album and thought about some things we could add that might be a little outside the box of what we had heard with this style of music.

PPJ: What has the reception of the new album been like?

Ryan: So far I would say almost everyone we have talked to likes this record better than our past albums.

PPJ: What do you think differentiates Greeley Estates from the rest of the bands currently playing this style of music?

Ryan: Hopefully we have been able to find our own sound in a genre that is overcrowded. I hope when someone hears us, they know it's Greeley right away, whether they like it or not.

PPJ: On a related note, what does it take to get noticed? Do you think image or music matters more?

Ryan: I think both image and music matter a lot now. Hopefully though, the music is what is most important to most people. Ultimately if you don't have good music, you will be lost among all the other bands or forgotten, so I would say music is more important still, even surprisingly in 2008.

PPJ: You've been through a lot of member changes over the years. How do you maintain the band's focus and goals through those changes?

Ryan: Yeah it's always interesting having member changes. We were lucky and ended up finding the right guys for the roles, who were on the same page with us and have brought a lot to our band now.

PPJ: How is your current tour going?

Ryan: We just ended the August Burns Red headlining tour: it was great. Every night of the tour was sold out, the kids at the shows we amazing, definitely one of the best times we have had on tour, playing with great bands who are now our close friends.

PPJ: What will you be doing next? Have you written any new material?

Ryan: We have a couple weeks off and then we head out on the road with Alesana and A Static Lullaby until Christmas. Should be a good time. We haven't written any new material yet. We have just been focusing on the new album and touring. Hopefully next year we will get starting working on some new stuff for the future.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Ryan: Three bands I have been listening to lately are Lydia (our hometown friends: their new album is unbelievable), The Honorary Title (this band always puts me in a good mood), and one of my favorite ever is Sigur Ros (I'm always listening to them, amazing band).


Thanks again to Ryan for answering these questions, and to Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for coordinating the interview. Make sure you check out Greeley's new album, Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East and catch them on tour with Alesana and A Static Lullaby.

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Interview - The Stiletto Formal

The Stiletto Formal have been working hard at their music for years now, and are finally about to put out their first full length album, Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta! Read my interview for an enlightening glimpse into the life of this unique band.


PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Paul Neely: My name is Paul and I play bass and percussion.

PPJ: What kind of music did you listen to growing up? Do you think that had any influence on the music you're making today?

Paul: I listened to such a random array of music growing up. There was the Beatles and Zep of course, Ace of Bass, ZZ Top, Hank Williams, Patsy Klein, Tag Team (that’s right) and also remember very vividly my mother taking my Blues Brothers tape away from me for playing it too much. All this randomness of music has definitely affected what music I create. Our new record is filled with classic rock riffs, old county/blues overtones and even hip-hop. Bottom line I appreciate any genre of music as long as it produces value.

PPJ: How did you get involved in "the scene?"

Paul: Oh, “the Scene.” Well, when our previous band started playing shows, I wasn’t even aware of divisions of fan groups like this. I just wanted to play music. But soon after we played a few live shows, the division became very noticeable. Overall, it basically comes down to the fact that Stiletto is a band that by sound has been placed in “the scene” and I’m there by default.

PPJ: When you call yourself "eccentric rock & roll," what do you mean by that?

Paul: Because “indie-sex-core”, “the sextet” and “Metallica” were already taken. I don’t know. I always picture it as high-class drink. It’s music on the rocks with a twist.

PPJ: How did you get signed with Eyeball Records?

Paul: Totally random. We ended up on their Showcase at CMJ in 2007 with no intentions other than we just wanted to play at CMJ. But after the show, we met everyone who worked at the label and friendships were formed. We hung out with the owner Alex multiple times in the ensuing weeks and our love for their views on our band and on the music industry grew. Who knew that touring your ass off for over four years still means something to the right people.

PPJ: Tell us a little about what it took to record "Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta!"

Paul: With Cory and Darrell in control, the process was amazing. Recording is pretty much our favorite thing to do besides playing black jack so the two-month process flew by. We were able to try many different recording techniques and instrumentation. Cory is especially good at taking our crazy ideas and turning them into realities. Mix that in with a little patience and “Fiesta” was born.

PPJ: How does the new album differ from your previous EPs?

Paul: We were actually able to complete a thought process. Our previous ep was going to be a full length, but due to circumstances out of our control, it was forced into an EP. So it ended up what I feel four songs that had nothing to do with each other. We are very proud of those songs, but there was just no cohesiveness. Also, we have a different drummer and Kyle has taken over the roll of keys. This album is everything we wanted it to be and I feel that we have matured a great deal. Every single part has been boiled down to only the necessary for both the song and album.

PPJ: How does it feel to finally be releasing a full length album?

Paul: It feels like Limp Bizkit reuniting, IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME!

PPJ: Your music isn't easily pigeonholed. Do you think that has made it harder or easier for you to break out and get noticed?

Paul: We knew from day one that with the type of music we were wanting to produce, we were going to have to work ten times as hard to become successful at it. Getting noticed was never the problem, it was that whole break out thing that has always put up a brick wall. We don’t fit any mold for someone to just push us through and we have actually had legitimate labels say that they love the band, but they just don’t know what to do with us. We have also been asked to changed major parts of our appearance and sound in order to sign said record deals. This was just not an option for us. We don’t have our noses so high up in the air that we would drown if it rained, but rather strict moral codes when it comes to manipulating our passion. Patience and belief has held true for us and has landed us a solid home at Eyeball. We knew the good guys were out there, it just took more effort than most are willing to give.

PPJ: You guys are from Phoenix. What's the music scene like there?

Paul: The Phoenix scene has been a roller coaster for the past 2-3 years. Right now “Chug Chug” and “Poptasticness” are reigning supreme. Younger high-school local bands do well here mostly because of the large amount of bigger touring acts that are coming out of the Phoenix area. Kids tend to forget about their previous phoenix heroes because they have been gone on the road and haven’t played a home show in 4-5 months so they latch on to the next new band. We have been blessed with very loyal fans though. We have fans that are at every show no matter what and we owe the world to them.

PPJ: What are your plans after your CD gets released?

Paul: Tour, tour, tour, tour, then we will take a break and count all of our money. When that 30 seconds is over, we will tour some more.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Paul: Just try to stop me at three. MURS, The Black Keys, Portugal. The Man, Murder City Devils, Astronautalis, In:Aviate and Master Ace.


Thanks again to Paul for taking the time to answer these questions, and for Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for putting this interview together and for always getting back to me quickly. Be sure to pick up The Stiletto Formal's new album, Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta and catch them on one of their endless tours.

Interview - Portugal. The Man

Portugal. The Man have been hard at work for the last few years, relentlessly touring and putting out tons of music. I caught up with them briefly to see how things are going, and see where they are headed.

PPJ: First, tell us your name and what you do in the band.

Zach Carothers: I'm Zach. I play the bass.

PPJ: What music did you listen to growing up? How did your musical tastes evolve as you grew older?
Zach: Ha... they didn't much. I've recently regressed back to what I've always listened to. I grew up on a lot of classic rock and pop. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. The Beatles. Michael Jackson. Shit like that.

PPJ: What is the biggest influence on your music today?

Zach: Friends and family... and everyone I meet. Any experience. Mostly my band. I just feed off what they make. They inspire me.

PPJ: What is the music scene in Alaska like? Is it difficult to break a band in the continental States from Alaska?

Zach: There's not much scene in Alaska. A lot of bluegrass and metal. Honestly, I think being from Alaska helped our band. Not too many bands come out of there. Anything you can do to set yourself apart from everyone else.

PPJ: Your new album, Censored Colors, has a pretty unique structure. How did you go about writing this album?

Zach: Well, we wrote almost the whole record in the studio in two and a half weeks. We worked hard. It was by far the most productive time we've spent. We were tracking 14 hours a day. We tried some new writing styles as well. Using chord progressions instead of riffs like we normally do.

PPJ: What was different about creating this album compared to your previous ones?

Zach: We had access to so many different instruments. It was amazing. We're lucky to be friends with unreal musicians. Horns, strings, organs. We also tried a bunch our very strange tracking techniques. It was a learning experience.

PPJ: What are your favorite things about your new album?

Zach: All the singing. We all put so many vocals on it. I love doing gang vocals. It's like a party.

PPJ: Is there anything on your older albums you wish you'd done differently?

Zach: Not really.... since we write everything in the studio, we'll often change them if they don't work live. I don't mind. It makes the live show a lot more fun.

PPJ: How did you come to the partnership you have with Equal Vision Records?

Zach: Equal Vision have been good friends of ours for years. They have helped us out many times. We originally wanted to release the record ourselves, but they gave us a really awesome deal. Partnership was totally the best option for us. We share in the risk and the reward.

PPJ: What was it like to collaborate with The Sound Of Animals Fighting to remix songs from their album?

Zach: They asked Johnny to do that a while ago. He had never done anything like that before, but he had a lot of fun doing that. I think he did a good job.

PPJ: You're about to head out on a European tour. What are you most looking forward to?

Zach: Hard to say. Everything is so amazing over there. All the club employees are so nice and helpful to us. The people that come to our shows are rad. We owe them many thanks.

PPJ: What is the next step after that?

Zach: We're doing a headlining tour in the states with Earl Greyhound and Winter Sleep. Then back into the studio for pre production. We're busy little bees.

PPJ: Do you think you'll be able to keep up the album-a-year pace you've set for yourselves?

Zach: I don't think it will be a problem. The only thing that stops us from recording more is our tour schedule.

PPJ: What do you want people to come away with when they hear your music or see your show?

Zach: Well, I obviously want them to have a good time. And I hope it makes them want to come back and see another. We're usually having the time of our lives on stage.

PPJ: Finally, tell us three bands you think we should be listening to.

Zach: Lately I've been really into: The Builders And The Butchers, 31 knots, Doctor Helicopter, Hello Electric, The Decemberists, and David Bowie.


Thanks again to Zach for answering our questions, and to Heidi Robinson for arranging the interview. Make sure you pick up Censored Colors, which hits stores tomorrow!

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