#nvinterviews

[noiseviolationweb]

Interview // Nine Sons Of Dan

Gold Coast band Nine Sons Of Dan are releasing a new EP titled ‘Follow The Blood’ tomorrow and are touring nationally with the release of this EP. It seemed like no better time than the present to catch up with them for a quick interview – here’s what bass player Wil Edgar had to say;

1.       Who are Nine Sons Of Dan?

Jay sings, Flakey drums, Alex guitars, Dan guitars also, and I (Wil) basseses. I like to think of Nine Sons Of Dan as a "Rock" group. It's a pretty uncommon styling in today's music but I feel it's going to take off real soon!

  2.       How did you form and where did the name come from?

Rather than the name forming from the origin of the band, the band formed from the origin of the name; Nine Sons Of Dan- A group of good friends with a unified appreciation of good music, good times and a good rapport with a particular liquor store.

  3.       What makes this EP different from previous music you’ve released?

We have all gained in maturity, unity, musical knowledge, and life experience since the release of our previous music. In my opinion; all of the above is conveyed through what you will hear on this EP. I hope you feel it too!

4.       How do you expect the fans to react to this EP?

We have gained such an honest and dedicated following over the band's lifetime. Within that, there seems to be this unspoken appreciation of what we "are about" and an understanding of our message, our growth and our change. We will never take this for granted and I feel that, as long as we stay true, they will stay true to us.

5.       Any pre/post show traditions?

Other than drinking copious amounts of latte, we love spending time with the people that have come to watch us perform. We give as much time as possible for the people that have time for us!

  6.       Three tour must haves?

1. We can't be within an hour of the beach without boards. I'm starting to think Alex is more amphibian than mammal and, if without getting pitched on a regular basis, will dissolve into a soulless husk.

2. The same goes for me and skating. If there is good hillage, I need a board for bomb-age.

3. I haven't told the boys yet but, disguised in an equipment case (taking up valuable flight weight) is my lil espresso machine which will soon become a tour essential. They will thank me later.

  7.       Who are your musical idols?

Those who are humble, those who share a message, those who challenge the mind, those who treat music as an art form and those who can play their instrument.

    Interviewed by: Shantelle Smith

[noiseviolationweb]

Interview // The Generators

After almost 18 years of making music, The Generators are set to put out their tenth full length album which will be titled Life Gives-Life Takes. We caught up with Doug Kane (vocalist) to find out some more about the new album and perks and cons of being in a band for so long – keep reading to see how it went.

1.    Just going to jump right in and ask, after being in a band for so long what would you say are the perks of this and what are the cons as well?

The perks of being in a band for as long as I have would probably be that we have had a decent amount of time to let people who are in our music community know who we are. Playing in a punk band means you have to stick around, and get your name out there so people can get to know you. Its a small community, but its world wide and it just takes some time to get the word out there. Since we have been doing this now for almost two decades, it has been getting a bit easier. The cons of this would be not to become a  parody of yourself. Its important to know you are hopefully getting better at what you do and not getting worse. Its even more important to know that as a band, you still remain relevant. If the music you are creating, and the message you are implying is becoming stagnant, then maybe it's time to hang up what you are doing. The old saying goes"you are only as good as the last record you made". I hope that with our new record "Life Gives- Life Takes" The Generators are still growing as a band, and getting better at what we do.

2.    With the release of your tenth album soon, what has been the response from your fans?

Well the early response so far seems to be that the fans are excited about the new record and the new songs that we have been putting out on the internet. I think its possible we might be releasing one of the best records we have ever made. We had a very positive experience creating the songs and recording them. The rest of the band feels good about what we have done as well. We have a new relationship with our new label Randale Records out of Germany, and we are setting sail for what looks to be a great Summer with some great shows.

3.    How does this album differ from your others? Was the writing and recording process the same or different?

I wanted to try and change things up a bit on this record and just make things a bit more simple. I have noticed that sometimes The Generators music can get a bit detailed, and sometimes the audience craves bit of simplicity. On this venture I ran off The Ramones playbook.. short, fast, and catchy. I hoped that we could keep them wanting more, and to do that, it would take writing catchy 2 minute punk tunes. On some of our earlier records we did that, and I wanted to get back to that with the new album as much as I could. The writing process consisted of hanging out together with some beat up acoustic guitars, and bringing ideas to life. It all came pretty natural. Nothing seemed to be forced, and because of that I feel we came up together with some cool songs.

4.    What does a typical live set from you guys consist of?

Well we just go for it! Once again we run things off that old Ramones playbook. Just go, and go, and go! Keep the energy flowing, don't let the crowd come up for air. Drown them with sound, and make them feel they got their moneys worth. We play old songs, new songs, fun songs, and pissed off songs. Its all about keeping people interested. We want to give the crowd energy, and if they give us energy back then we will go tit for tat until we are out of time. That's is how it goes with us. Its all about the flow, and the get up and go.

5.    What do you do to warm up for a show?

Hahah.. well we still like to have a small party together. We celebrate that we are going on to the stage, and that we are going to hopefully watch people have a good time off our energetic expense. Its kind of like stepping into the ring for me sometimes. I try to relax my mind and focus on what needs to get done. Once I get up on stage I have a tendency to get tunnel vision, and I get swept away in the moment. It's a strange thing, but I have to admit its always a challenge, but I love it! 

   Interviewed by: Shantelle Smith

[noiseviolationweb]

Interview // Short Stack

After a shock break up in 2012, Short Stack announced on Sunday April 13 that they were back and with a new single (see ‘Television’ here). We caught up with lead singer Shaun Diviney to get a bit of insight into life back as a band, the new album, Diviney and the best things about being in Short Stack – keep reading to find out what Shaun said.

 1.       Firstly welcome back, how is it feeling being back together and what’s the response been from the fans so far?

thanks man. the response has been overwhelming and really unexpected. its always a strange time returning after being gone for so long, but if anything it feels like we have more of a following than ever now

2.       How did the ‘rebirth’ of Short Stack come about? Has anything changed about the band?

A lot has changed, there were a lot of things we were unhappy with, too much to name really haha but almost every aspect. we addressed those issues straight up & sorted them out early on. We're writing the music all together now, everyone is involved in pretty much everything we do, which has never really happened before but we feel the results are amazing.

3.       How was producing the video for your new single ‘television’?

i think it drove andy insane haha. he did such a good job directing our DVD we wanted him to do the video. we scouted it, story boarded it, filmed it and did everything ourselves. andy directed & edited it too. It's one of those things in hindsight we're super proud of, but you never remember how stressful it actually is haha

4.       What can you tell us about the new album? Is it very different from your previous music?

It is but it isnt. the songwriting is quiet mature we feel but we've gone back to our roots of just being a rock band. If the song can't be played by the three of us in a garage, we don't want to know about it. playing stadiums it's pretty easy to get caught up in the huge sounds of massive synths & strings, but we're trying to keep it as organic as possible.

 5.       Will your new album be released before the tour?

No, it's about 3/4 written at the moment.

6.       During the time you were split up, Diviney was started, will Diviney still be existing or is Short Stack the primary focus right now?

Towards the end of stack Diviney was on my mind & i feel stack suffered. for me at the moment it's all about short stack. and musically i feel we're all on the same page for literally the first time in our careers.

7.       The first shows for your tour have already sold out, how is that for you? (knowing all the fans still support you and very actively)

MENTAL, we've never in our career sold out a show in a day, they always sold out a week or two before. these shows sold out in like an hour haha.

8.       What will your set consist of on the ‘Televison’ tour, a mix of old and new songs?

A lot of Stack is the new black, a lot of Bat country & the new ones that people know. We are in the odd stage of our career where we are now cutting singles from our set haha.

9.       What’s your favourite thing about Short Stack?

The relationships from it, honestly. the relationship between the fans, the fans and the band & us in the band. it's fun to be in short stack... that and the time 360 put up that video, that was funny as fuck haha

   ---

You can buy their new single television here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/television-single/id859125626

Keep up with everything Short Stack here: https://www.facebook.com/shortstackband

Interviewed by: Shantelle Smith

[noiseviolationweb]

Interview // Divide & Conquer

  Divide & Conquer are a 5-piece pop-punk band from Sydney, Australia. With the release of their debut EP “Long Story Short” tomorrow, we caught up with Lorenzo from the band to ask some questions!!

  Can you tell us a little bit about Divide & Conquer?

Pat Thatcher - vocals. Lorenzo La Cava - vocals, guitar. Gavin Pryor - bass, vocals. Kristian Pryor - guitar, vocals. Rob Johnston - drums. We've been D&C for nearly 3 years now. A few months, with the current line up. We've been playing shows wherever we're welcomed & make damn sure that everybody in that room remembers us. Whether it be through the music itself or chatting to the crowd, post show.

  How did the name Divide & Conquer come about? 

  - Personally, I've always liked band names that are a common saying or a popular phrase, so they are a memorable. Plus I wanted something that described our vibe & our intentions as a band.

  Who are your musical influences as a band?

   - Well we like everything from death / grindcore to powerpop / bubblegum music so to say the least, I'd say: A Day To Remember, Four Year Strong, Thy Art Is Murder, Mariana's Trench & Life On Repeat.

  Describe what a typical D&C live show would consist of? 

  - Usually there's amps & instruments involved, which we miraculously play in tune & time! But seriously, we're all about bringing the mosh along with some catchy sing-a-longs that will leave a lasting impact on your psyche. And physique, depending on your softness...

  Any pre/post show rituals?

   - Just the typical vocal warm up's & body stretches (as some of us are getting "old"), but other than that, pumping each other up with a high five or fist pump (whatever feels natural) before we start our set usually gets the blood going!

  What is your personal favourite track on your debut EP?

   - It would probably have to be first track, "B.C.S.". As that was the first song I wrote with the new band in mind. Musically it's interesting (to me anyways) and lyrically about how "we've changed our ways".

  What are your plans for after the release of your EP?

  - Tour, tour, tour. We have 6 new songs already written for our next release, whether it be an EP or album. So would love to release them once the EP has done its damage :)

  What are your three biggest hopes for D&C? 

- To be in a position where we can support international bands here and overseas abroad. To be fortunate enough to make a long & prosperous career playing with your best friends & travelling the globe doing what we love. And thirdly, would be for our debut EP "Long Story Short" to go uber-super-multi-platinum gold download, 6 times over!! That’s if it exists right??

   Interviewed by: Shantelle Smith

[noiseviolationweb]

I Am The Avalanche // Interview

I Am The Avalanche are a five piece punk rock band from New York. With the release of their new album ‘Wolverines’ due for release on the week of March 17th, we caught up with drummer Brett "The Ratt" Romnes to get to know the band a little more and to find out some more about the new album –

You’ve been a band for a long time now, what would you say is your favourite part of being in I Am The Avalanche?

Being able to experience the love we receive from our friends around the world with the brothers in my band. 

How does Wolverines differ from your previous releases?

The writing process was done in a shorter timespan so it feels as if it has a more cohesive flow. We have also grown as musicians and songwriters as we will hopefully continue to do with each future release. 

Favourite track on Wolverines?

It changes every week or so but right now Anna Lee

What are your top three “tour must haves”?

IPhone, Beer, Water

Do you have any pre/post live show traditions?

I still get anxious before every show no matter how large or small, so a lot of pacing around and pretending to stretch :)

  Interviewed by: Shantelle Smith

[noiseviolationweb]

Bayside // Interview

With the release of new album ‘Cult’ (you can read a NoiseViolation review here!) we caught up with bassist Nick of Bayside.

When and how exactly did the band come to be?

  weve been a band for 14 years now. it all started in 2000 in Bayside, Queens, New York. Just a bunch of musicians on a message board that got together to put together some songs. over the years different people came and went in the band and in 2006 we were finally settled as Anthony, Nick, Jack& Chris as Bayside.

How did you pick your band name and what makes it so significant for you?

  Its the hometown of where Anthony is from. He was on his way to a New Found Glory concert back in 2000 and was planning on giving them a demo of the band, but didnt have a name yet. As he was driving passed the Bayside train station he chose the name Bayside. 

What are your favourite songs to play live?

  I like whatever gets the crowd going. Still playing songs like Devotion and Desire and Masterpiece are fun. Newer stuff like Already gone or Seeing Sound are great too. Looking forward to playing songs off the new album alot, the way we have been writing our songs lately we make sure they will come out as great energetic live songs. 

What are some key aspects that make this new album different to your other albums?

  Honestly, theres not much different. We are very comfortable with who we are are the style of songs we write. we try to stay within the sound we have created for ourselves and just try to grow as songwriters and musicians within those bounds. 

Favourite track off the new album and why?

  My personal favorite is the 3rd song titled Hate Me. I think its a typical bayside song but we really messed with the songwriting structure of it all and didnt wind up doing some things we would have typically done as far as the structure of the song goes. 

  Any post-show traditions/rituals?

  I really just like to drink and hang out at a bar after we play, its a good way to come down from a show. being on stage is my favorite thing in the world to do, and being alone after a show doesnt seem natural to me. 

What’s on the cards for the rest of 2014?

  Lots and lots of touring. its all we know how to do. we will be traveling all over the world supporting this new album and we couldnt be happier. 

    Interview by: Shantelle Smith

[noiseviolationweb]

Interview: Hometown Heroes

Hometown Heroes are a band from Chicago, who are ‘always writing, always playing’. Releasing an EP at the end of the month, we thought we’d find out a bit more about them, here’s what we got!

 1. Introduce us to your band

The band came together in early spring of 2012 through being in other bands and being around the same local scene. We recorded our first EP 'In Perspective in the summer of 2012 which was released in January 2013. Since then we've gone on multiple tours and are planning the release of our next EP.

Members: Zech Pluister-Vocals Brad Harvey-Guitar/vocals Nate Thompson-Guitar Kyle Grzejka-Bass Chase Lombard-Drums

 2. Are your friends supportive of your music?

Our friends are very supportive in what we do and have helped a lot in getting the band where it's at now. 

 3. What is a Hometown Heroes live set like?

Wild. We put everything possibly can into every performance we give and make sure that the energy is there. We try to get everyone in the room involved, even that means playing on the floor instead of a stage. We like to make it as intimate as possible. Our live shows are the reason that we have the following that we do.

4. Any pre-show traditions? 

We get together in a huddle and give each other motivational speeches. There are also certain occasions that we'll do a chant to get the adrenaline flowing.

5. Which songs do you perform most frequently?

Here's To Looking At You Kid off of our EP "In Perspective". We are currently putting the songs off of the new EP in the set list and our set list is constantly changing with our new music.

 6. Can you tell us a little about your EP, what have we got to look forward to?

The main thing that we feel is important about this EP is that we've experimented with some new influences than we had previously. After the experience that we've had while on the road, we've changed up our writing style and matured a lot in that sense. The EP has both faster and slower songs. We spent a long time writing these songs to give our fans the best possible record we could.

 7. Who are your musical inspirations?

The influences that each of us have range from Yellowcard to City and Colour to Fall Out Boy to Arctic Monkeys to A Loss For Words to Expire. And that's just a small list. All of our influences come together in a very specific way when we sit down to write.

 8. What song can’t you get out of your head right now?

 We don't have many specific singles in mind, but some of the albums that have been playing in the van non stop have been:

Citizen- "Youth" We Were Promised Jetpacks- "These Four Walls" Balance and Composure's new record 

 9. What’s on the cards for 2014, for you guys?

We have a 6 week tour planned for the beginning of the year. We're also planning on being down in Texas in March (which we can't release any more details about at the moment), and we also have a few more tours planned for the rest of the year. Last but not least, we will be writing all of 2014 for the record following "Stories".

[noiseviolationweb]

Interview // For Our Hero

With the recent release of their EP Young Wolves, we caught up with Melbourne pop-rockers For Our Hero. Keep reading to see what Geoff Taylor (bassist) had to say about the band, the EP and what’s on the cards for For Our Hero ---

1.         For Our Hero, how would you describe yourselves to people who have never heard of you? 

  We’re a 4 piece pop/rock band from Melbourne, Australia. Our sound has been said to be compared to bands such as Fall Out Boy, Paramore and The Cab.

2.         How do you think Young Wolves differs from your previous releases, in particular Strange Days?

  I think Young Wolves is the record we have always really wanted to write. It’s the best reflection of us as a band in what we have tried to accomplish musically and lyrically. I feel in contrast to Strange Days, this EP really offers a coherent experience with the listener, both in the way that it sounds and the message it communicates. Strange Days was pieced together in three different studios, with three different producers over a 3-4 month period. Young Wolves was all written in one room, recorded with one producer, at one studio. I think that certainty and confidence really shows in this release. We spent 6 months developing it, and I think the time let us put more thought and focus into those areas where we felt Strange Days fell short on. We really wanted to offer a record that the listener could listen to front to back and really be taken on a (apologies for the cliché) journey.

3.         What has the response been for Young Wolves?

  It’s been really overwhelming so far. Our video for the single clocked 33,000 views in its first 

week, the EP climbed to #8 on the iTunes rock charts and the 2Day network gave us our first national airplay for the track last night. It’s a  very humbling experience that we’re incredibly grateful for.

4.         You’re going on tour with Forever Ends Here and Call The Shots for the album, what’s the best part of playing live? 

I mean, just that connection you have with your audience for that 50 minutes is unlike any feeling I could describe, as corny as that sounds. You really feed off  of each other’s adrenaline and get this idea that you collectively belong to a bigger, grander idea. It’s powerful stuff this band business.   

5.         What is meant by ‘the hunt is now’? 

  I messaged Beau one night, and I said; “We really need a pitch for this record. We need a tagline”. So we came up with “The Hunt is Now”. The whole record is really about seizing opportunities with love, dreams and alike so we felt a wolf analogy that reflected that ideology was appropriate. It’s also an assertion of a kind of “we’re back, we’re ready, we’re eager”. We hadn’t put out a record in almost 12 months and so there was a real point to prove with Young Wolves and a real hunger to get back in to the swing of things.  

6.         What is your favourite song on Young Wolves and why?

  My favourite track is the opener; “The Brave Ones”. It’s not your traditional For Our Hero song but I think lyrically it has so much to offer and really sets the precedent for the record by embracing the idea of chasing your dreams. It’s a real go-getter song, and musically very stadium-esque. Probably my favourite FOH song to date.

7. After tour, what’s the plans for For Our Hero for the rest of 2013?

  We’re hoping to get back in to the studio for an immediate follow up, and then run ourselves into the ground touring everywhere we can for the rest of the year.