Interview by Mario Trevizo w/ Jeph (Bass)


First off I was wondering, since you are named "The Used" now, what were some of the other options back in the day before you decided on that?

Actually we were just "Used" originally. But there was some other band in like...I don't even know where... like Alabama or something like that who had the name "Used" and there was like a little bit of a battle going on back then. 'Cuz back then Mp3.com was popular. So we had our songs on Mp3.com right? And we had like 5,000 hits or something like that. We were doing REALLY good back then. And this was like right before our first record came out. This is like when we just had our DEMO that we put up there. So right after we found out there was another band, we were kind of in the process of getting signed after that, you know what I mean? And they (other band) were like talking shit, and their fans were talking shit to us saying "You guys fucking suck! You guys sound like Korn." [laughs] So we were like "What!? We don't sound anything like Korn!" So we decided to go check the other band out, and it was like...that band actually sounded like Godsmack. It was weird...it was like you guys are saying we sound like Korn. I dunno, it was like a weird time.

So...all you guys had to do was add "The" to it?

And the problem was solved. Weird right? They wouldn't change their name, even though they didn't have anything.

You guys were doing better.

We were doing better then too. That was 10 years ago. They were around for 10 years before that, so they've been around for 20 years now...and they're still a band. But back then we checked out their Friendster, because Myspace had just started, and they only had like 30 friends...so after 10 years it's like ahhh really?

So you guys don't really mind though about "The"?

It doesn't matter it's the same name really.

Starting out, or even now, what is the main writing influence? What do you guys normally try to capture in your message?

It's different every time really. The meaning kind of changed from record to record of course because things change and people change. I wanna say this latest record...is not a cry for help...but more of "You've diggen yourself." Duggin. Duggin? Diggin. Digged. Dug?

Dug..?

You've dug some kind of hole that you're at the bottom of. The very very bottom of the barrel and you look up and you realize that you've done this. And you look up realizing that you're as far down as you could ever go in life. I think this record is really about climbing out of that hole.

So it's more of an uplifting type of feel?

It's like uplifting through the negative. Like kind of saying "What fuck ups We are." In a way, and seeing how you fucked up and going "Man....I need to climb out of this problem I've created."

When you started out, did you even have a vision that you would be this big? I mean you definitely have grown a ton since the beginning.

No, you don't really have any kind of expectations. We never did. We never set out to be the biggest band in the world. We never set out to do anything other than just create music. I mean all the bonuses come along with that, you know? Like the touring, being able to go places you've never been, being able to play countries all over the world, being able to do things not everyone gets to do. But organically we didn't set out you know? We just set out to write music. Its still pretty much the same.

You landed Rock on the Range festival last year, and as you know that's a huge rock fest with tons of bands. What was it like being able to cater to fans like that?

As far as a festival show?

Yeah, I mean it seems like it was a not exactly the type of music scene you usually play in, but it's definitely a great way to capture new fans. What was it like playing for them? Did you think people were going to give you a really good reaction?

It's kind of weird. We've done a lot of radio festivals where it's like a really mix up of bands. We did Ozzfest for like a year and that was like the same kinda thing but a little more extreme because it was like.

METAL.

Yeah, metal bands and then us. And you know, we're not a metal band. We like metal music, like we love black metal; we love all music you know? But for us to play with bands like that, it sometimes a little weird. But at the same time it's kinda refreshing I think. You know, you go to a concert, and its nice hearing something different. I do personally. I like being surprised too. Like "this band isn't what I thought they were?" So to be able to play with lots of different types of bands is always great too. Because then, I mean...who knows? Maybe like, some fans are like me too. I'd go to see a certain band play, and then I see another band and I'm like "wow, I actually like this. I've never heard anything like it. I don't normally like this type of music but I like this band" And so I think its good to open up. Challenge yourself in a way too...challenge your fans and stuff too.

Yeah I noticed that Atreyu is on the lineup this year, and they were at Rock On The Range as well. Did you guys meet up with them there as well? Or have you always originally been friends with them before?

Umm we did a U.S tour with them a few years ago...like 5 or 6 years ago? So we've kind of known them since then. I think...were they on Taste Of Chaos? Or was that a different band?

It probably would have been Taste of Chaos, because you guys headlined it one year.

I think we did just an Atreyu tour one time...Us and Atreyu and then some other band a long time ago. That was forever ago though. They're all good dudes so, it was like "lets play with them again, it will be fun".

Touring with your friends is always good as it makes it more fun. So throughout your career, you guys have been able to constantly evolve from each album by: mix in more elements, try different things out. While at the same time you've been able to keep your sound together directly as yourselves. Do you guys try to keep your exact sound with each record?

I think we are really lucky because the only reason we sound sort of similar and you'll always know its us is because of Bert. Like no matter what we do musically, it doesn't matter. Bert's voice is so like one of a kind and unique, you know? Like, nobody sounds like that. Like I've never heard a person like that, I've never heard anybody just talk like that. You know and so, that comes across in our music to where no matter what kind of music we are making, it's always going sound like us.

That's what I think is cool about your band. The first two albums weren't as heavy as I'd say. Where as a hit like "Pretty Handsome Awkward" it's really rock, popular, something you can totally rock out to. Where as something like "Yellow and Blue" is way different, yet you still have that same sound. People just know that's The Used.

Yeah, totally. Totally, that's just Bert's voice.

So with this current music scene, you notice there just a whole lot of this screaming and breakdowns as the popular thing. Are you guys into that stuff? What are your visions on it?

I'm not really into any new bands right now. I just don't think I've heard the right one. You know, there's a lot of stuff going on. There's a lot of mess going on, and there's good stuff there, I know, there is. It's just; nothing is really catching my eye, or ear [laughs]. Its like, "okay I'm kinda waiting for something to settle down so I can see a band that I like out of the mess of bands that have come out." The past like 3 or 4 years its been like BOOOOMM! Just explosion of band after band. It's like HOLY SHIT. [laughs] it's like I don't know what to listen to. Its like I don't know what I like right now.

It seems like a lot of them are just the same sound, and that's what I don't really like. With the previous music scene when you guys made a heavy song with screaming in it. It was because you were emphasizing a heavy part. It wasn't just always, every single song.

Yeah, shit gets old a little bit.

I know that you guys have a really heavy song called "Sound Effects and Over Dramatics". Do you guys normally play that live? I've seen you a couple times and you haven't played it. Is there a reason?

We used to. Umm we did a whole tour, where we played it every show. It's hard now because we have 4...well, 5 records...kinda?

Yeah, because that EP release thing on the Internet? [2008's Shallow Believer]

Yeah, it should have been a record. It was ten songs. It was a label mix up to where they didn't want to call it a record, but it was ten songs. So technically it's bigger than an EP. You know where its one of those things where its like "ahh, ok, whatever."

It was released exclusively on iTunes right?

Yeah.

You just try to pick the hit songs from each record?

Ha yeah. It's hard because there are some songs, like there are some songs that are old to play. Like I mean, "Taste Of Ink" is cool and all, but I mean...we've been playing it for like 12 years now or 11 years or whatever. That's a really long time to play a song, but people want to hear it, and we know people come out to hear their favorite song. So we kind of try to put that in mind. So its like, "okay, people want to hear these songs, and these are the ones we like playing, so we are going to play these ones, and this one would just be fun to play today so we'll bring it out." So we kind of get a set up for tours and kind of decipher it a little bit.

What's your favorite song to play live?

Anything off the new record. "Sold My Soul" is awesome to play. We've only played it once live. It was a little rough playing that one live but for some reason, every time we sound check it, it sounds so great. "Meant to Die" sounds good, "Best of Me" sounds good, too.

Do you guys think you will keep opening up with "Blood On My Hands"? That's definitely a way to open the show.

Yeah, I think so, because we are doing it on this tour too. It just kind of feels right.

Are there any songs that you absolutely do not like to play live, but the crowd loves?

Umm yeah. Like, some of the older stuff that we've played for years now. It's not that we don't like it. It's just...it'd be fun to trade it out to play a different song. At the same time, people just want to hear their favorite song. I understand. Its like you kinda want to hear your favorite song, you know?

What's your opinion on "Maybe Memories"?

I love that song! We were sound checking it a couple days ago too. It's a fun song. It's old. That was the very first song we've ever wrote really...

Really?

Yeah [laughs]

Wow that's pretty cool. That people are still jamming out to like the original thing.

If you look up the demo to that its funny. The demo...umm, all the music was done to it, and there were no words. We didn't have a singer at the time. So like what Bert sang over to it was just the music that we had.

Oh so you guys just played it, and recorded him over that?

Yeah, kinda. [laughs]

Do you guys still have the original demos laying around anywhere? Like do you guys keep that stuff?

I have a copy somewhere. I know I do. I have all the tracks on my computer. You can find it online, its easier to find online; the demo stuff.

Yeah, just go pirate that stuff.

Yeah it's funny to listen to it because Bert sounds little...littler. It's really funny [laughs]

So I know that you are a gamer. I heard you are the big gamer of the family.

Could be [laughs]

What are you playing right now?

Bioshock 2.

How do you like it?

It's awesomeee.

Really? What's your favorite game that was released in 09?

09? Oh Fallout 3 for sure. Yea, anything that Bethesda's company makes I'll play. Anything they make I think is awesome.

Did you think Dead Space was a good game?

Yeah, it was fun. I didn't beat it, but it was fun.

What has been your favorite game that you have followed throughout the years? You know, like Silent Hill and Madden.

Uhh I never got into sports games. I can't do 'em. Except for like Wii Sports, that's cool. But Wii's different, that doesn't really count. But Oblivion and Morrowind...that company. The Elders Scrolls games I loooove. I also love Mass Effect. I just beat Mass Effect 2. Mass Effect 1 was awesome; Mass Effect 2 was awesome, too. Umm Zelda. Every single Zelda I'll play until it's done. Like those game are awesome.

Have you beaten them all?

Umm almost. I haven't beat umm.. I haven't beaten the brand new one on DS, I didn't beat the second one, Zelda 2.

Oh wow, so you are talking about every system??

I'm talking about ALL systems.

So any Zelda, you name it?

ANY Zelda, I follow. Gameboy 1's, I didn't follow all of them. There's like 3 or 4 I didn't play on Gameboy because there's like so many side one's on Gameboy. I mean I've beaten some of them, but both DS ones I've beat.

So when you are on tour is that what you do in the bus? Just play games?

Well there's nothing to do most of the time. And I don't do it ALL the time, you know? But when there is down time, or we're driving, I'll play till like 4 or something, because there is nothing to do on the bus.

Does anyone else normally join you, or is it just your thing to do?

Umm sometimes. We were playing Dj Hero, everyone on the bus.

Oh how is that game?

It's awesome, man. I'm not a Guitar Hero fan at all but Dj Hero Rules. Dj Hero is badass.

Is it hard? It just looks kind of complicated.

It's easier than you think. If you put it on expert it's kinda complicated. On your board you'll have your Up and Down arrows, where you have to scratch up or scratch down. So you have to up/down at parts, and push buttons and then slide stuff. It gets complicated on expert, but if you do it on medium or hard, its fun. Like really fun.

Cool cool. Were you ever into games like Starcraft or Diablo?

Diablo 1 and 2 were cool and there's a new Diablo coming out.

Yeah. Diablo 3. I can't wait for that to come out.

I have never played Starcraft. It looks awesome though. I just saw something today, where they were in like Korea, and they were having like these huge Starcraft conventions. Where people were like showing up and playing in front of an audience against people. It was like WHAT THE FUCK?! That's crazy!

Hell yeah! So game change, are you into stuff like the new Batman: Arkham Asylum game?

Our merchandise guy did and he said it was amazing. I've seen people play it. I am kind of backlogged on games right now because all these cool games came out at the same time. So I'm just trying to get to it all still, but it is pretty cool looking.

So what else does the band usually do on tour when you guys aren't playing music? Do you guys go to malls a lot, or do you guys just mess around on the bus, do you do pranks?

Everything. Everything you could imagine. So like downtime...is really downtime. There is nothing to do if you know what I mean. Like this is our home, this is our house. You kind of stir crazy because there's like 15 people on here? Or 12? Well now there's 12.

I'm guessing a lot of girlfriends?

Sometimes girlfriends come out. Girlfriends just left. So it's like "whewww".

Oh so you dropped them off?

They flew out today [laughs] so...it makes it a little bit easier. I mean its still cool when girls come out.

So how long have you guys had the tour bus going? Has it been years and years?

Yeah, I mean of course different busses, but it's been years.

When you first got one, was it a huge accomplishment?

Yeah, it was awesome having a bus for sure. The very first bus we had we shared with 3 bands though. So it was nasty.

Who were they?

Umm one of them would change. There were always 3 bands, but it was like, one band would leave, one band would come in.

Did you all pitch to pay for it?

Yeah, we split it three ways. This back lounge (where we were) was all bunks. So it was like, all the bunks in the front, all the bunks back here, bunks down this middle part, and the very front lounge...there were 3 bunks there too. So there wasn't room to hang out, there was like 27 people on the bus, or something like that? It was like a little too much. It was better than a van but...

[Horrified look] How do you guys do that?

You...you just don't have a choice; you just kind of deal with it. It's pretty gnarly.

Wow...well, I did have one question that I've always wanted to know. When I look at old videos of you guys playing old Warped Tour, old just regular shows, ya know. I just see you guys going so crazy live, that even Bert would be puking, on stage, and obviously you don't see that anymore. I was just wondering, do you not see that anymore because now that screaming is so common, he just figured out a way to scream so powerfully and nothing wrong happens? Or was that you guys just put so much of your heart and soul in your music that it you just pushed it to the limit?

It was definitely pushing it to the limit. And I mean, I mean back then we tried to just go as crazy as possible, and just tried to break everything as much as possible, and like kill ourselves every single day. And I think it was just like...extreme everything, you know? Not taking care of yourself plus that. Plus all these factors together like...you can't help it. If you go to run a mile, and you're not used to running a mile, you know what I mean? You are going to BLAH! You are going to puke. But doing that, and screaming the entire time too, is like...it's just hard on your body.

So did you guys want to be known for that? Being that band, that when you saw, were just the craziest people on stage. Or did you just do it, because that's what you liked to do?

We just thought it was fun, and we just had fun. We never really set out to be anything. Like now, of course we are more relaxed when we play live, but now we are more focused on like.. We want people to come out to our show and have a good time. We want them to see us as a good live band. We want to sound great too. You know what I mean? Like when you go to a show, and it just sounds PERFECT. That's what we want.

I mean you guys are doing pretty well with that. I saw your last few shows and they were really good. The crowd participation makes it all the better, when they all sing along and everything.

Yeah, so we're kind of focused on that a little more now. Its just a change in are career now, you know.

For sure, are there any hopes to start recording again towards the end of the year? Or are you guys just trying to tour this album out?

We are going to start recording again soon. Sooner than later for sure. We've got a bunch of tours that we want to do first, a bunch of countries we have to go to. Then we definitely planned on writing in between, if possible.

Do you guys all pitch in with writing?

Yup.

Just about feelings?

It normally starts with a guitar line. Not always, but it usually does. Quinn's just mad piles of guitar lines, that he just haves saved, that he's been working on forever. Usually starts like that, or just the spark of some idea.

Well thank you for your time; it was good talking to you, and meeting all of you guys.

No problem, thank you for the interview. I hope you enjoy the show! See you around.

For more information on The Used visit their website at http://www.theused.net/.  

>>Mario Trevizo
Fans 4 Bands
Cosmos Gaming
March 04, 2010

Interview w/ Mike Hranica (Vocals) by Mario Trevizo
This post was shared by Cosmos Gaming (www.cosmosgaming.com)
*CG = Mario



CG: Hello Mike, So how are you doing today?

Mike:
Doing pretty good, not too bad.

CG: So one thing I've always wondered about your band is, what actually lead you to name yourself "The Devil Wears Prada"?

Mike:
Uhmmm, it just seemed like something clever I guess, and umm, we just started out without really anything super serious except going out to play shows. There was actually only three members in the band at the time, so that was something to work with I guess.

CG: Yea, how long were you guys actually a band before you got noticed? Who found you?

Mike:
Well we started playing shows in october of 2005, and then got signed early in 2006. So things took off pretty quickly. We just played shows outside of Ohio, and pushed on MySpace and stuff, which is a little different nowadays. It seems that its so over saturated, the fact that it was not as popular at the time (myspace). It was a pretty easy to use as far as promoting goes. So we just kinda went with it, and then ended up playing shows in other places and stuff. Just putting on an energetic live show helped us out. When we tried to get a label, it was actually just an email of curiousity to Rise Records, and they were interested so they signed us, and we got our manager and such.

CG: When you released "Dear Love" there was a lot of growls on the record, and now with the latest release, it seems like you have taken that away and gone more towards a deeper scream. Is there any reason why you went that way?

Mike:
Its really always been the same for me. Its just a matter of being comfortable recording, because compared to the first time, like when we did our first E.P as to compared to going now, its totally different. For me, as I was learning to record songs its just something thats like a comfort level. When we first started, I couldn't capture it the way I wanted it to be, you know? And just growing, and really finding what we want to be in our sound. So I don't know, its not like it was something where it was like "lets change it" or "I'm going to change it". It was more like getting it to exactly what I wanted it to be.

CG: So you have been looking for this sound for a while, and you just finally figured it out.

Mike:
Yea I just found a way to record it how I wanted it.

CG: Since your latest release, you have gotten a very strong crowd response. Is it stronger than you expected it to be?

Mike:
Yea for sure. Like I said, when we started, it was never meant to get signed or toured off of or anything. It was just supposed to be something fun you know? and just play shows. Putting out three full lengths and touring the US countless times, and overseas and stuff; Its all not what we were planning, so, its all a bit of a surprise. Its all a blessing, to get an opportunity one after another.

CG: Now that you have toured all over the place, do you have any specific countries that you like playing the most?

Mike:
The US. Its not so much that the shows are absolutely better here, its just being in that comfort zone you know? And its cool doing new places and everything, but.. we like having eveything the U.S. has available. As far as cell phones, money, food and stuff. You are more in your element back here. Its nice being home.

CG: In terms of festivals, are there any festivals you really like playing? I know that you played Download fest in 2008 (UK) and thats a pretty huge festival.

Mike:
We would like to do some of those worldly festivals again. I don't know when its actually going to come together, but Download was pretty wild. We do a lot of christian festivals back here in the states like: Cornerstone, Rev Gen, and did Purple Door once. I Matter fest I remember doing. We do alot of those back here, but we havent done many of those big oversea festivals or anything. We were supposed to do Soundwave Fest this year, but we ended up doing this tour instead (Killswitch Engage). We haven't had too much experience with out-of-country festivals, but its definitely something we are interested in. Hopefully when we have that proper opening, something will be able to lock in.

CG: I've noticed that over your last two tours, you have teamed up with bands like All That Remains & Killswitch Engage. Are you looking to pick up more metal fans out of it?

Mike:
Yea exactly. Being a band that is relatively young, we are really trying to grow out of it. Especially with the new record. The intentions of it were to show that we were sticking around. It wasn't something where we came out as some little novelty band; where its like "Oh I've heard some of their songs, I really like it. Ok. Time to move on to something new." you know? We are really trying to grow out of that, and that means touring with older more experienced musicians. Which are sweet bands like All That Remains & Killswitch. We are still going to tour with the bands that are young you know. But as far as going under bands; this is exactly what we would like to be doing. So far it has been real successful, as far as Killswitch shows and picking up fans that are like "Oh I've never listened to you before, but now I am totally interested". Thats why we like to do stuff like this. We'd like to progress more towards a heavy direction compared to a young whinier scream sound. That's just where we are growing, and doing tours like this is what makes that happen.

CG: Is there any song you have played to this specific crowd that has recieved a stronger response than when you play it to your normal crowd?

Mike:
We are playing songs we have never played before on this tour, while trying to maintain a certain balance of not too "old" and not too "new". We are trying to go with that. Basically what we just tried to do when we put the setlist together, was.. we just wanted something that was "fast". We picked out songs that we thought would work well for the tour. More importantly, and something a lot of bands dont put alot of thought into, is we organized it well to where it flows from one end to the other pretty well pretty fast; compared to just standing around yapping and crap. Also being a 40 minute set we tried to cram as many songs as possible in there.

CG: For sure, were you guys able to get Texas Is South in there? Cuz I know its your long song so its normally only on your headline?

Mike:
Right. Thats how it always is, and the fact that we hate playing texas.

CG: Really?

Mike:
Not Texas the state, the song. Definitely not very proud of that song, but uh..we'll probably end up playing it agains at sometime or another. Not on this tour.

CG: Is there any song that you really like to play? Not because of the crowd response but because you personally like it the most.

Mike:
This tour I really like playing "Sassafras" for some reason. When we put out the new album. Warped tour. Our eurpean stuff that we did after warped tour, and All That Remains; we started the set with Sassafras just because thats how the album opens. Instead of doing that again..we're not. We're not playing Sassafras at the begining, but for some reason, not playing it right off the bat; I really like playing it. I'd have to say thats probably my favorite song to perform on this tour. Danger is alot of fun too, and getting the crowd in the begining of that song too. Im happy with the setlist and like I was saying; how it runs from one end to another. I think Danger has a nice spot within the set.

CG: So do you guys plan on getting more tours like this?

Mike:
Yea, as far as touring, its hard to really predict what tours you will be doing. Cuz like, in a year from now I dont know what big bands will be touring that we'd like to go out with. But with Killswitch, we heard about this tour. It was something where like our management just knows we are like "Please just please let us do this tour. Just bug Killswitch." And they had us out which is awesome you know. Its hard to say what tour we'll be doing. We're definitely stoked on doing tours like this. On a side note; I like playing shows where fans can see bands not neccesarily that are like a better influence but are older. And bands that are more about the music as compared to the look. When younger bands like 16 or 17 year old dudes are thinking about starting a band, they are probably thinking about a look more than music. Thats not how it is with older bands. Thats something that I like being on tour with, and thats a direction that we would like to follow. But still, I have so many friends that are the same age as us or younger than us that are writing just "heavy" songs. Its definitely something we will continue to support.

CG: So when you guys arent playing music, what is the main hobby you would be caught doing off the stage?

Mike:
On tour its always Call Of Duty. Especially this tour and the last tour. But I like to play guitar, Chris writes songs, Jeremy writes songs, Reed tends to play a lot of online video games. I like to go shopping at better cities.

CG: Where its not so scary to walk around.

Mike:
(smirks)Yea... Well, Im not going to say that I like Baltimore..but cities that have a little more to offer.

CG: Haha, yea for sure, I think we all feel that way. If you guys could get a discount at any place that you eat, where would it be?

Mike:
Chipotle. I think that any of our real abid fans would know that. Because we all love Chipotle and we generally its something that every member of the band eats at, and Crue. We all eat a lot of Chipotle, I ate Chipotle earlier today.

CG: Haha luckily we have a Chipotle right down the street. Before you guys got bigger and you were on a van, what was the snack that you had to have on tour?

Mike:
A lot of peanut butter and jelly; and it still is today because its the easiest friggen thing in the world to make. Our first tour ever, since we werent making money or like getting pay like "heres your $10 a day, this is what you live off of." We didnt even get that. It was like, whatever money we had in our bank account; you had to make that run through the summer, which was how our first three tours were. Our parents would fill up bins for us of food, and it was really gross. Ive said this in interviews before and its I think it was getting kinda popular on the internet for a little bit. We would fill up bins with jars of like grape jelly and something, and bread and soda. Its all going to get smashed and mushy. So I would say on the early van tours peanut butter and jelly is what we would eat alot, and it was never turning out very good..but you gotta make due you know?

CG: Yea man for sure, whatever it takes. Last question I really have for you guys is: Do you guys prefer more of Hi-5's or hugs? Like when a fan comes up to you to give you a big hi-5 or a nice big hug.

Mike:
You know what, this is going to sound silly but I proabably would say hug. Even if the dudes sweaty; which happens often. Ill tell you a story about my childhood. One time a friend of mine, he was a cool dude, and I wanted to be cool like him..and uh..he put his hand up to hi-5 and I hit him in the eye. And I hurt him pretty bad. Ever since then..I'm just a little skeptical to give hi-5's. Doing the hug I'm also skeptical of, because if you are going in for a hug, (gets up, goes for an imaginary hug) and you go like this, (hug immitation) and then they go the same way..then your faces hit. And thats one of the most awkward..thats almost about as awkward as hi-5'ing somebody's eye. So if I? Both are risky situations but I'm going to go with hug. Its something personal, and im not all about the free hug hippy crap..but uh, im down for a hug I guess.

CG: Well thats all I have, thanks for your time.

Mike:
Thanks for having me

Written By Mario Trevizo
Interview w/ Elliot and Jarrett



Its year 2010, and the music scene is more diverse than ever. With the rise of many new genres over the past few years; there are a handful of bands collaborating all sorts of new sounds in the hope of being heard. Some have taken the reigns and lead the way while others are still looking for their niche. One band however, has taken the stand to break free from all that is popular, and create a sound that is very much their own. Ascending out of Findlay OH, five members known as Before Their Eyes, will be making their mark in this music scene with their third full length album. Playing together for nearly 4 years, the band has gone on to release two full length albums and a handful of singles. Some of these tracks include: "City In A Snow Globe", "So In Love", and "Why 6 Is Afraid Of 7". In early 2009, the band went through a member change, bringing Elliott Gruenberg to the stage filling lead guitars. Since then, Before Their Eyes has toured with bands such as Silverstein, Norma Jean, Our Last Night & Drop Dead Gorgeous to name a few. With 2010 right under their belts, the band plans on releasing their most dynamic album to date, Tour as much as possible, and keep things positive. Be sure to look out for Before Their Eyes in your town!

Below is an interview we had with our friends Elliott and Jarrett of Before Their Eyes. Here is what they had to say about their new album "Untouchable".


LMP:

So you guys have a new album to be released March 9 titled "Untouchable". Lets talk about that. Why the title Untouchable? What was your motivation behind this album?

BTE:

Well that's sort of a funny story, we had been sitting in the studio brainstorming titles for a couple of days. We wanted to find a one word phrase that really captured the idea and direction of our music. So if anybody knows us they'd know we're huge fans of Taylor Swift and the title of our new album actually came from the re-release of Fearless. We all agree it matches the ideal of our new record. A lot of the motivation behind this record was to write music that we love and would be proud of. We don't want to be just another band that writes the same song over and over for the rest of our careers. We're always striving to progress as musicians, so naturally we evolve from record to record. Whether it be metal or radio rock we're always going to write what we want.

LMP:

Does the new album sound similiar to any of your previous releases?

BTE:

Honestly, I dont think that both our previous albums really sound exactly same. I think that anyone who has ever enjoyed the previous albums are really going to appreciate some of the songs on this album. We've got quite a few solid songs on "Untouchable". We're really excited to see how fans react to it all. I personally think we have both the catchiest material and our heaviest. It's going to incorporate both ends of our musical spectrum and that's something we're really proud of. It's not everyday you see a band that can pull off being a metal and a rock band. We're all confident that this is going to be our best record to date!

LMP:

Who designed your artwork and how was the outcome?

BTE:

Kyle Crawford from Electric Zombie (www.theelectriczombie.com) designed the artwork on "Untouchable". We love the way the album art came out, it's classy, simple and bold!

LMP:

Have you guys been writing this album for a while?

BTE:

Landon had been working on demos for a good three to four months before we even hit the studio! For awhile Jarrett and I we're heading over to his house every week to work on the songs and putting everything together. That way before we even went into the studio we'd have a good idea of what our record was going to sound like.

LMP:

I understand you guys were recording in Indiana, how was your experience in the studio over there?

BTE:

We absolutely LOVE working with Joey Sturgis, we've worked with him on both of our previous releases. It's great knowing we're working with someone who really understands who BTE is and the sound we're going for. Staying at his house and doing the record was like having a second home, It's a very relaxing and comfortable process working with him. We love Connersville and Joey Sturgis!

LMP:

Who did you work with to produce Untouchable?

BTE:

We worked with Steve Aiello from Monty Are I and Joey Sturgis to help produce the record.

LMP:

Should we expect any guest appearances on the new album?

BTE:

We had Kristen Williams (www.myspace.com/kristenwilliams) singing on "Start With Today", she did an amazing job singing on this record and we were very blessed to have her beautiful voice on it. You should all go check out her music!

LMP:

How does 2010 look for you guys? Are there any major tours set up to follow the release?

BTE:

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say anything but tours will be announced very soon! You should EXPECT big things from BTE this year!

LMP:

Have you played any of your new songs live? If so, what was the reaction of the fans?

BTE:

We've only played one NEW song live "Hey Dude", and I would say the crowd loved it! They'll definitely enjoy it a lot more once they hear it on the album. Plus, we really can't wait to hear people sing these new songs back to us!

LMP:

So what will be the title of your new single, and what is it about?

BTE:

Currently we haven't officially announced a single yet, but I'm going to guess it'll be Sing To Me. It's about being forced to be apart from someone you love.

LMP:

Before you all went into the studio, you guys were incorporating a breakdown at the end of your set. Is there going to be more breakdowns in the new album?

BTE:

That exact breakdown never actually made it onto the album, it was more of a way to keep the kids hyped for the next band. But, without stereotyping this record fans can expect the heaviest breakdowns we've ever done on this album.

LMP:

Lastly, are we going to see anymore songs about scary numbers eating eachother?

BTE:

Nope that joke is over, it ended on the last record! :)

LMP:

Thank you so much for your time. I really look forward to catching you guys at a show this year and hearing the new album. Good luck to you all and have a great year!

BTE:

Thank you for allowing us to do this interview! Make sure everyone checks out our new album "Untouchable" available March 9th, 2010!

Interview w/ Sammy (Bass) by Mario Promotes You (www.myspace.com/mariospromotion) 
The Circus is available now from Red Blue Records. It is currently up on purevolume.com for free download (limited time).




What are some plans for upcoming tours? (What places? What bands?)

We are most excited for SXSW in March. Other than that, we're just looking to get through our current tour with Kiss Kiss and keeping our options open. There are many bands we would love to be touring with and hopefully we will make a definite plan with one of them soon that we can announce!

Is The Venetia Fair thinking about recording a new album in the near future?

We did spend some time writing when we were home and we have definitely begun the process of planning what the next album will be. We can't wait to spend some more time on it next time we're home for an extended period of time. Though, I don't think any of us want to get off the road!

What feedback are you getting on the new "Ringleader" video?

People are giving us pretty positive feedback. Also, I personally never would have believed that chasing a child through a Blockbuster could have entertained so much. I made a good call terrifying that child.

What feedback are you getting on "The Circus"?

Overall it's received pretty well. People seem into it.

What is next in the world of The Venetia Fair?

We are playing SXSW in March, and then probably shooting another music video at the end of that month out in LA. We're also in the process of talking to a lot of different bands about touring and are hoping to stay out on the road as much as possible. And whenever we find time we'll be writing the new record and then eventually getting into the studio with that! Though that is probably VERY far off.

How would you describe The Venetia Fair and the music you make?

We get described as "Circus Rock" a lot, whatever that might mean. And I have also heard "Gypsy Rock". We get compared to The Blood Brothers, Panic! At The Disco, The Used and My Chemical Romance a lot.... so make of that what you will

What are essentials in the van?

All I need is my big book of the cinema. And my iPod that has Good Will Hunting on it. Also, a camera. Because Chark does lots of funny things. And I like to watch them again later.

Where can people find "The Circus"?

It is for sale on both the Red Blue Records online store and on iTunes. Also, right now it is available for free download on our purevolume at www.purevolume.com/thevenetiafair. It's only free for a limited time though!

What do you guys do on your time off of touring and recording?

Ideally we do not have time off. But when we do, we mostly just hang out... relax I guess? I don't know what to do with myself when I'm not touring or writing. Go out? It's too expensive to go out though.

Who are some bands you guys have played with?

We have played with some incredible bands. Let's see... Inner Party System, Kiss Kiss, Dr. Manhattan, The Dear Hunter, VersaEmerge, The Number 12 Looks Like You and more. So many more. Being on tour and seeing new bands everyday is just the greatest thing in the world.

Interview w/ Brian Nagan (Vocals) via internet




So you guys just got off tour with Of Machines, Lovehatehero, Sleeping With Sirens, and other guests. How did it go? What did you think of the other bands that played?

The tour actually went really well, going into it we weren't sure what to expect but we really hit it off with all the bands! If you haven't already, pick up the of machines record. It is freaking straight nasty!

Any funny stories from that tour?

Haha oh for sure, every night of machines would wear "war paint" which means about 45 min before their set they would get our their set of paints, paint brushes, water tin, the whole 9 yards...and paint each others faces. It's pretty rad. Never seen a band do anything like that before. They put on a fun show!

Also our drummers sister randomly drove from Minnesota to ...of all places... EL PASO, Texas to "surprise" him. That had to have been a 90 hour drive ;)

You guys are currently back home on break inbetween your touring schedule. What have you been up to? What music have you been listening to a lot of?

We're doing a lot of chillin and promoting, after being on the road for 40 days it's nice to catch a little breather. While we're home we are starting to work on some new jams and just mess around with some different things. I am also getting my clothing line launched. I am teaming up with graphic designer Matt Gondek and launching a project called "The Wonderful Life," which I am pretty stoked about. Matt has designed a ton of merch for bands in the game as well as for our band, so keep an eye our for that.

The only band you all need to go listen to right now is Lower Definition, they just dropped a new demo and it is out of this world. They are so under rated it's unreal. So please go peep their new jam and make your day :) http://www.myspace.com/lowerdefinition

Next, you guys will be out shortly with We Came As Romans and Life On Repeat. What other tours are on the horizon?

We hopefully will be hooking up for a crazy 2 month tour this summer with some crazy bands that I can't say just yet!

How has it been taking over the lead vocal spot? How has it changed the song writing and band mentality?

It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work. I like to bring the energy, I am pretty much doing what I have always been, but now I have a lot more freedom vocally. I can do whatever I want. The mentality is the same, work hard and put in 110%. We are excited to already get cracking on some new jams.

How was "NEW DAY" received by fans and critics? How did you guys feel about it?

It has obviously been a transition for us, our style has changed a little bit, with "A New Day," we were starting to steer towards the heavier side of things and that is going to continue with the next record. We don't just want to play chugs over and over while throwing in some body banging parts, so expect us to keep it honest and sincere but turned up a few notches.

You guys are planning to record early next year your last Victory album. When do you think you will start writing for that album and what kind of album do you plan to do? You gotta leave that label in style, am I right?

The good thing about this is we have time to write and prepare, we will be messing with songs and writing throughout the year while we are on the road and on breaks when home. We always bring the A game, so I am excited to get cracking at it.

What are your plans for the band after Victory?

We will see!

As far as the coming months, what can we expect from FLL?

Road doggin it up! Come hang out with us :)