August Burns Red - May 2015 - HM Magazine by HM Magazine

TAKING BACK SUNDAY

MAY 2015 MUSIC FOR GOOD

LETLIVE

A PHO TO ES G AE LE N SMSAY BY IT H

Senses Fail Dustin Kensrue Grieved

After over a decade,

AUGUST BURNS HAS GOT RED THIS HMMAGAZINE.COM VOLUME XXX NO. CXC S INCE 1985 CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

HASTE THE DAY

TWO VOCALISTS, TWO INTERVIEWS!

EMERY

Never alone, newly on their own

VEIL OF MAYA

New vocalist, new women in their lives

2X4’S STEPPING STONE SISTER SIN’S CONFIDENT SHOWING BROADSIDE’S BAPTISM BY FIRE

AVAILABLE MAY 18TH Pre-order packages online at

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New Releases from Solid State Records

HASTE THE DAY HAS REUNITED TO RELEASE THEIR NEW ALBUM “COWARD”. MAY 18TH.

Get “Coward” on iTunes or at smarturl.it/solidstore

WO LVES AT TH E GATE REPRISE WOLVES AT THE GATE NEW ACOUSTIC EP OUT 5.12.2015 ON TOUR WITH EMERY, SLEEPING GIANT, AND FOREVERMORE 5.15 – 5.29 solidstaterecords.com

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OPENING STATEMENTS

Photo by Matthew Defeo

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 12

BROADSIDE BY BEN RICKABY

DIGITAL TOUR BUS: DREAM RIDERS BY JOSH WEIDLING

IN BRIEF: GRIEVED BY SARAH DOS SANTOS

COLUMNS

MATT FRANCIS 24 CAM SMITH 26 RONNIE WINTER 28

HM LIVE: TAKING BACK SUNDAY AND LETLIVE PHOTO ESSAY BY GAELEN SMITH

2X4 BY CAM SMITH

HM LIVE: SENSES FAIL PHOTOS BY SAVANNAH CHAMBERS

OPENING STATEMENTS

VEIL OF MAYA Marc Okubo has written every Veil of Maya song, but on their latest release, Matriarch, he’s faced with a brand new challenge: a singing vocalist

BY DAVID STAGG

p. 56

HASTE THE DAY Reunions are no longer taboo, but what do you do when you’ve had two singers? Haste the Day wrote an album with both of them, so we interview them both!

STEPHEN KEECH BY RONNIE WINTER JIMMY RYAN BY COLLIN SIMULA

p. 64

DUSTIN KENSRUE Following the belief that has made him successful in music, the former Thrice vocalist puts integrity first on Carry the Fire

BY COLLIN SIMULA

p. 70

SISTER SIN’S LIV JAGRELL Strong, confident, rambunctious and charming, the Sister Sin frontwoman speaks out about what femininity in rock means to her

BY DAVID STAGG

p. 74

EMERY The outspoken group of men behind Bad Christian and BC Music are back on the main stage, writing new music again with the original crew

BY DOUG VAN PELT

p. 90

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

AUGUST BURNS RED As veterans of the metal game, the Pennsylvania-based quintet has license to get away with whatever they want. But, according to them, they’re still getting started

BY JORDAN GONZALEZ

p. 80

OPENING STATEMENTS

Defining Your Sound August Burns Red is entering into enviable territory in musicdom with a sound so specific, it becomes untouchable As a fan of metal, I’m excited for August Burns Red’s new album. The band has a rare spot in history, having perfected the art of metalcore with their sophomore release, Messengers, bearing the standard for all future releases of the genre. On the eve of their seventh full-length release (and first with a new label, Fearless), they’re about to enter Rage Against the Machine territory where the sound is so EDITOR IN CHIEF

specific, no band gets to touch it. If that 2007 release was

DAVID STAGG

the core of it all, everything since then, from Constellations up to Found in Far Away Places, is built on that same foundation and then expanded and stretched, always for the better. Even the artwork from their first record in 2005 looks

MANAGING EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

COLLIN SIMULA

BROOKE LONG

NATHAN KEY

like it could be released tomorrow and still fit right in. August Burns Red’s time-tested sound is due, in part, to

STAFF WRITERS

the commitment the band has made to the long-term goal. They’re the San Antonio Spurs of metal, where everyone is

JORDAN GONZALEZ COLUMNISTS

a leader, everyone gets their say and the team comes before the individual. The other, more actionable aspect of the

SARAH DOS SANTOS, MATT FRANCIS, COLLIN SIMULA, CAM SMITH, RONNIE WINTER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BEN RICKABY, DOUG VAN PELT

ABR Sound is the process they take to write an album. It’s an incredibly democratic, exhausting and laboring process, as you’ll read, but it cleanses like fire. The albums are the

DIGITAL TOUR BUS

JOSH WEIDLING

COVER PHOTO

JEREMY SAFFER

proof. While fans of the band have their personal favorite selections from ABR’s discography, none of their albums

ADDRESS

have ever been dismissed as “a departure” or “worse than before,” and I’ll stand by that statement even for their Christmas record. Long-term success is an honorable goal, and it’s fun to see August Burns Red enjoy the fruits of that

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commitment. It’s a good example to follow. One more note: I’ve committed to absolute truth with the people that support this magazine; as a reader, I’m considering you as that support. I want to note the absence of our Album Reviews section in print for the second straight month. We have not abandoned reviews. We have started

RED BULL GIVES HM WINGS

the process of moving and running all our reviews online. Enjoy the beginning of Summer. August Burns Red’s newest album is one of many jammers coming out in June. Start saving your money now.

DAVID STAGG, EDITOR IN CHIEF DSTAGG@HMMAGAZINE.COM 12

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

EITHER WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION. HM IS DEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED: PSALM 62

BROADSIDE

B R O A D

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

S I D E

By Ben Rickaby Photos by Hannah Verbeuren

The band was set to take an extended break when the phone call came in: Fly to Chicago and tryout for a label. Despite a lack of funds and exhaustion from DIY touring, it’s a good thing they did: Broadside signed to Victory Records and jumped right back into the water with their debut album, Old Bones. No breaks yet, though; it’s a good thing they’re young. Tell me a little bit about the band. Where are you guys from, and how did you guys start out? Originally, we’re from Richmond, Virginia, and we started in, I would say, early 2010. I was in a previous band with some friends, and we decided to leave that band and start Broadside. Through the evolution of music and touring, we pretty much met the current lineup. We’ve been touring three years solid now. To cut a long story short. You guys are signed with Victory Records. How did you guys get hooked up with them? We ended up kind of taking a break because we did a bunch of D.I.Y. touring. We toured ourselves into the ground to the point where we were broke, so we decided to take a break for a minute and lay low for a while. My girlfriend-at-the-time got a job out in California, so I was going to take the time and move out there with her. On the way I got an email from Victory saying they were interested and maybe they could setup a showcase with us. At that time, our singer was on tour filling in for a band called July; they were on tour with Hit the Lights and a bunch of other bands. He was on the way home from that and called me up and was like, “Yo, we gotta do this!” He was still kind of on this music high from that tour. He was like, “We have to do the showcase. Fk everything. Let’s just do this.”

BROADSIDE

How long ago was that?

On the road, 100 per-

we all pull in from early

Unless you’re a drummer,

That was probably com-

cent. Being in the studio

Drive-Thru (Records) days,

that is

ing up on a year now. So

is cool, but you’re under a

like early 2000s — but

almost a year, a little under.

microscope the whole time.

there’s a little more of an

What would you say is

It’s fun and you can relax

aggressive feel than those

the driving force behind the band’s message?

Your first album with

a little and you can hear

bands — we all come from

Victory is Old Bones. How

yourself (play) and it’s not a

that era. Personally, I listen

Honestly, Ollie does all

was

one-time thing.

to everything, as much of

the vocals as far as that

your

time

the

You’re

a cliché as that answer is.

goes, and he’s pretty pas-

hanging out with friends

I listen to a lot of hardcore

sionate about everything.

and you get to meet new

and pop-punk and also a lot

All the lyrics on this album

went in with Kyle Black in

people. It’s awesome to be

of hip-hop, so it’s a weird

are 100 percent real and

Hollywood, and we were

on the road.

mix.

super passionate. It’s a lot

studio and writing the album? It

was

awesome.

But

the

road?

of issues you come across

there for about a month and a half. We went in

Do you have any songs

Are there any drum-

going from being a young

with 11-to-15 songs we had

on the album you’re par-

mers who are your idol or

adult into (adulthood) and

demoed out.

ticularly proud of or that

maybe got you into drum-

staying positive and rolling

you’re excited for fans to

ming?

with the punches.

We didn’t really know

Yeah! Steve Gadd and a

I think that’s basical-

funny

lot of the older guys, like

ly Broadside in a nut shell.

It was really stressful at

you asked because we were

Denis Chambers. There are

Yeah, life sucks a lot of the

times, but, overall, we came

just

this

a lot of the older guys who

time, but you have to stay as

out with an album I can’t be

last night. My favorite is

are super good, jazzy-fu-

positive as you can and roll

more proud of.

“Playing in Traffic” since

sion type guys. Nowadays,

with it. Without being super

it’s the heaviest one on the

Travis Barker is one of the

corny: “Stay Positive.”

So how did going into

album. It’s the most upbeat

biggest ones.

the studio for this album

(song), I feel. That’s defi-

I like a lot of solid drum-

You guys aren’t a cat

compare to some of your

nitely the one I’m most

mers. Not so much flash,

poster saying, “Hang in

past efforts?

excited about releasing.

but who are really solid. I

there.”

what we were getting into. It was awesome. It was fun.

hear? That’s

actually

talking

about

We had done a D.I.Y. EP

(Laughs) Yeah, life sucks.

before, so this was our first

You guys did a video for

(Editor’s Note: It is); the old

We all go through a bunch

professional album with a

one of the songs on the

Paramore drummer. That

of sh-t, but you just have to

record label. Our producer,

album. How did that go?

guy is solid as a brick. He’s

deal with it.

so good. I like a lot of drum-

a music prodigy. He can

decided to do it for “Coffee

mers like that. Like Nate

hear things a normal per-

Talk,” which is the first sin-

(Young) from Anberlin. He’s

being genuine at the same

son wouldn’t hear. I would

gle off the album. I flew

one of my favorites.

time.

be playing something on

out to Chicago and the rest

drums

of the guys drove in from

Kyle Black, is a genius. He’s

and

think,

“Ah,

yeah, I’m killing it! This

was

awesome.

Richmond.

is perfect.” He would say,

When we shot the video,

“Yeah, that’s not the best.

it was, like, 8 degrees. I’m

Can you redo it?”

in California now, so it

Staying

positive

but

Exactly. Not cheesy sh-t Have

you

heard

like that.

Yogi Watts from Demon Are there any themes

Hunter?

on the record that are

Yeah!

important for you perHe’s

got

that

same

sonally?

In our previous record-

was a drastic difference. It

ings, we didn’t have some-

was snowing everywhere,

kind of style. He’s there

one who was that spot on

but the video was fun to

to support the band and

“Human

and could hear everything. I

shoot. We rented a cafe-

not take over the sound

it’s basically about all the

ended up recording 12-hour

type, Waffle House setting,

with a bunch of drum

bullsh-t that is a “job” that

days for a week, solid. My

a local (diner) there. We all

solos.

people go to just to make

hands

got to test out our acting

were

bloody

and

blistered when I was done, record. So do you prefer being in the studio or on the road?

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

We have a song called Machines,”

and

That’s

their money then go home

what a drummer’s role is.

and sleep and repeat it over

I mean, you can do all the

and over until they die. Or

What are some of the

flashy stuff and that’s cool,

working just so you can live

influences in the band,

but when it comes down to

in a crappy apartment. The

including yourself?

it, people want to hear a

everyday nonsense of being

song and not a drum solo.

trapped in that kind of life.

abilities, which was fun.

but the results show on the

think his name is Zac Farro

Of the band, I would say

Right,

exactly!

“I ENDED UP RECORDING 12-HOUR DAYS FOR A WEEK, SOLID. MY HANDS WERE BLOODY AND BLISTERED WHEN I WAS DONE, BUT THE RESULTS SHOW ON THE RECORD.” — B R OA D S I D E D R U M M E R A N D R E W D U N T O N

The chorus is, “Consume,

be hitting the road soon.

album drops, we’ll hit the

out, the light turns green

repeat and force yourself

Any big tour plans for the

road and go hard.

and I’m driving so I decided

to sleep.” That message is

summer and the rest of

awesome.

the year?

we should fk with him a You guys have been on

little bit. So I start leav-

He wrote a song called

We’re working on that

the road for the better part

ing and the door is flapping

“Damage Kids,” and it’s

right now. We’re going to

of the last three years.

open, and he starts run-

about

and

be out on the East coast out

Have any crazy stories?

ning to get back into the

depression about how tough

to around Texas area this

it is to just live nowadays.

the

anxiety

bunch.

van. Sure enough, he comes

summer. Then we’ll start

Probably some I shouldn’t

running and slams into the

It’s cool because there are

working on a winter tour.

tell (laughs).

door and falls into the van.

a lot of people who have

We basically want to hit the

Actually, when we were

But as soon as he gets in the

dealt with depression and

road nonstop and support

recording the album, we

van and shuts the door, a

anxiety.

the album.

left the studio at midnight

cop pulls us over. Of course

and we were driving back to

that would happen to us.

Ollie

definitely

poured his heart into it, and

have

it shows. If you read the

So you guys are just lay-

the place we were staying

So we pull over, and, luck-

lyrics, you’ll get emotional.

ing low until the album

at. We were at a stop light

ily, he was really cool and

hits?

and Dorian decided to get

was laughing at our license

With the new record,

We’re doing a lot of press

out and throw some trash

plate since it says ‘I Love

you guys will probably

stuff, and then, once the

away. As soon as he gets

Your Mom.’

DIGITALTOURBUS.COM

Photo, right, by Kyle Lehman

The Dream Rider For most bands on tour, it’s Walmart-parking-lot hotels and bottled-water showers. But let’s do some role playing here: You accept the rider of a lifetime, and you get to stock it TOURED UP BY JOSH WEIDLING

Joshua Weidling is the Founder and C.E.O of Digital Tour Bus, an online entertainment venture he started in his early 20s. Every month, he finds out more about what it’s like to make a living making music.

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

DOWN AND OUTLAWS FB.COM/DOWNANDOUTLAWS

DAYSEEKER FB.COM/DAYSEEKER @DAYSEEKER (INSTAGRAM) @DAYSEEKERBAND (TWITTER)

“IN MY DREAM RIDER, THERE WOULD BE SHOWERS, CONSTANT WIFI, A MINI RECORDING STUDIO AND TVS, WHICH ARE SELF-EXPLANATORY, BUT, ABOVE ALL ELSE, THERE WOULD BE SALT WATER FISH TANKS! I LOVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH MARINE LIFE, AND IT’D BE SO AWESOME TO TAKE THAT LOVE ON THE ROAD.” — ALEX POLK

It can get lonely on the road. Our rider would provide for some necessary animal friends. Namely: Lil Bub, a hypoallergenic puppy named Chance, an unbroken and unrideable stallion, and a family of river otters. Our green room would require two loaves of fresh sourdough bread, chocolate milkshakes, a replica of a Civil War musket, and The Cheetah Girls first album, signed by all the members. NOT just Raven. All of them. On stage, we would require a roaming Mai Tai bartender, one fog machine per band member and a back-up symphony orchestra (just in case). Most importantly, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and comfortable on tour. We would need bottled water, orange slices, and clean towels, handed to us by Robert De Niro every hour on the hour. 19

DIGITALTOURBUS.COM

“BOTSC would really be excited to have a 25 x 25 x 25 foot deprivation chamber for napping purposes, completely sealed and devoid of light and sound. Said chamber would look like a smaller version of the Bupaya Pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar, and it would be furnished with nothing but pillows filled with beaten straw (for softness). “There would be a hidden bag of dark chocolate placed somewhere in the chamber for those who choose to snack instead of nap, but, obviously, they would have to work for it. There would also be an air-tube port — like the ones that drive-thru bank tellers have — where you could order via text just about any beverage imagined, to be delivered inside of the chamber, within minutes, through the tube. “Just in case anyone needed light for a few moments, there would be soft, indirect lighting activated by a ‘clapper’ circuit.”

— TAD DOYLE

RADIO ROOM FB.COM/RADIOROOMDUBLIN

“When we were recording our album last year, we were crazy addicted to Five Guys. If we had an unlimited rider, that’d be totally awesome to have the whole Five Guys menu for every show. All the sauces included, of course. I think we’d blow it all on fast food like idiots because there’s literally nothing around where we live, and we’re all terrible cooks. We make a mean microwaveable pizza though.”

— ROBBIE MURPHY

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

Top photo by Invisible Hour

BROTHERS OF THE SONIC CLOTH

SERVING THE VOICES DEMONSTRATING CHRIST’S LOVE THROUGH RADICAL HOSPITALITY

THROUGH A NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF HOST HOMES, RYFO PROVIDES TOURING MUSICIANS WITH FOOD, SHOWERS, LAUNDRY AND BEDS

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GRIEVED GENRE HARDCORE LOCATION

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

IN BRIEF

BY SARAH DOS SANTOS PHOTO BY SEBASTIAN WEISS WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST

WHAT DO YOU HOPE LISTEN-

ABOUT BEING A MUSICIAN? WHAT

ERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM

INSPIRES YOU?

SAMARITANS?

Traveling and making friends.

Hopefully they will learn some

To get away from normal,

lyrics and come to a show. Or, at

everyday life. We’re inspired

least, headbang to it at home.

by the thought of not having a real job.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED

THE MESSAGE BEHIND SAMARITANS

Keep busy. A new record is on

CAN BE ARGUED AS COMING FROM

the way, so we want to tour as

A NEGATIVE POINT OF VIEW. DO

much as possible, shoot some

YOU THINK A NEGATIVE APPROACH

music videos and keep being

TO AN ISSUE CAN PRODUCE A POS-

Sweden’s loudest boy band.

AFTER YOUR EUROPEAN TOUR?

ITIVE OUTCOME?

Yeah, because it gets it out of you. And being angry is badass.

GET IN TOUCH WITH GRIEVED FB.COM/GRIEVEDHC

COLUMNS

From Nest to Death We learn a myriad of lessons from moms in our youth, like how to potty train to nutrition to egg-driven metaphors about death LIFE IN STEREO BY MATT FRANCIS

Kroes Street. Rockford, Michigan, on the edge

present her my gift. She opened the door and

of Pinewood Forest. I was at once an explorer, an

graciously took the eggs, but that’s when things

animal tamer, a superhero, a soldier, a stuntman

got weird.

and a cowboy. I couldn’t have been more than four.

Matt Francis is a filmmaker/media designer out of Virginia Beach and the drummer for Feral Conservatives, an indie rock band. You can check out his website at mfrancisfilm.com.

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

She explained the eggs were those of a robin, and there were babies inside. Since I touched

We had a huge yard which seemed like a small

the eggs, they now had the scent of a human, so

country to a kid my size (who was also never

when the mother returned to roost, she would

tasked to mow it), divided into sectors: the weep-

now reject the eggs, a death sentence for the baby

ing willow sector; the above-ground pool sector;

robins. That was my mom, ever gracious and wise,

the forest sector where we found our cat dead;

and this was her way of first educating me on life

the backyard swing-set sector where I pushed my

and death.

brother’s friend off the top and right to the ER;

I always associate autumn in Michigan with

and the dirt mounds where the trolls lived. There

long minivan rides and a girl named Leesha. I

was a lot to explore.

never met Leesha personally, and I can’t vouch

Naturally, after crossing and exploring the

for the authenticity of my mom’s retelling of

many lands over the course of a day, I would bring

her tragedy. My Internet fact-checking session

back gifts from my travels and present them to

has turned up little about the song from 1989,

my mother. I once brought her dandelions, the

corroborated only from broader deductions from

rare and beautiful, bright yellow treasure of a

the lyrics.

flower. My mom would kindly put them in a plas-

I was four or five years old. My mom, mostly,

tic cup with water and place them in the window

carted my siblings and I around — to school and

over the sink; she was allergic. I could do better.

church and home, the only real destinations I

On my next odyssey, I found something truly

knew from birth until 17 years old. The soundtrack

magnificent: bright, blue pastel eggs a little larger

on those drives was Michael W. Smith. I’m sure

than a jelly bean, sitting in a hollowed out bed of

there were an equal number of other adult con-

twigs. This was a great find, and I was sure my

temporary Christian musicians, but Mr. W. Smith

mom would love the color. I even knocked on the

left the greatest impression because he was so

door (to my own house!) to more dramatically

amazingly sad. He was a piano based, mid-tempo

pop artist, but when he wasn’t singing

kids,

about finding his place in this world,

suffered from vari-

where

most

he was writing the most depressing

ous cognitive hand-

song ever about a girl named Leesha.

icaps, but some of

Smith’s

them were also con-

half-million selling i 2 (EYE), match-

fined to wheelchairs

es The Land Before Time as the most

or beds. She brought

soul-wrenching stories of my entire

me along, explain-

formative years. I finally asked my

ing to me how they

mom what the words to the song

were different from

meant.

me, but also similar.

“I

Hear

Leesha,”

from

I hear Leesha

I was in first or sec-

Singing in heaven tonight

ond grade at the time.

And in between the sadness

My mom had me put

I hear Leesha

together puzzles with

Telling me that she’s alright

a higher functioning

I had to lift my chin to fix my view

boy on the floor. On

out the van window, watching the bar-

the edge of the living

ren trees pass by on the side of the

room, you could hear

road like still monuments. “Leesha

the artificial breath

was a young girl who didn’t want to

live anymore, so she swallowed pills to

machine,

kill herself.”

up and down, a soft

life

SINCE I TOUCHED THE EGGS, THEY NOW HAD THE SCENT OF A HUMAN, SO WHEN THE MOTHER RETURNED TO ROOST, SHE WOULD NOW REJECT THE EGGS, A DEATH SENTENCE FOR THE BABY ROBINS. THAT WAS MY MOM, EVER GRACIOUS AND WISE, AND THIS WAS HER WAY OF FIRST EDUCATING ME ON LIFE AND DEATH.

support pumping

A thick dread filled the minivan.

metallic click when it

I felt like I should have asked more

reached its peak. For

questions, but I know for some reason

some reason, I knew I

I didn’t. I had the awareness, even at

wasn’t supposed to look at it so I stole

wanted to revisit where they had

that age, to know when you didn’t pry

glances from the corner of my eye.

first grown up. Like me, we shared a

further into that kind of sensitive ter-

There was a boy a little older than I was

childhood fortress. My parents polite-

ritory, leaving the brief story to swirl

attached to tubes and wires running

ly allowed the girls to walk through

around my head, an uneasy contrast

up around his nose and wrist. He had

the house as I hung out on the side-

in bed with my innocence. My mom’s

a worn-out blanket printed with The

lines. Two planes of existence crashed

despondent retelling struck me like a

Empire Strikes Back. He didn’t seem

in the humble single-family home. I

firsthand account, like Leesha was a

aware of his surroundings, and cer-

was watching from the fringe, walls

mutual friend of hers and Michael’s.

tainly didn’t comprehend how cool his

secured in architecture, as these girls

And, truthfully, I couldn’t comprehend

blanket was.

saw the place as moments: losing

About a week later, my mom would

teeth, Muppet babies, where a high-

sit me down to tell me we wouldn’t be

chair was angled from the dining

Why didn’t this girl want to live? Why

going over to the home anymore. She

room table. For a second, squinting

did we drive around listening to these

told me the boy I did the puzzle with

and hearing their gleeful reminiscing,

melancholy reflections? My mom was

turned off the life support, killing the

I thought I could see it, too.

knowingly giving me back door expo-

boy with the Star Wars blanket. It was

sure to life-ending depression through

an accident in that the perpetrator

glassed

a pop artist. Leesha’s story ended up

couldn’t comprehend the consequenc-

hand-painted fragment gives perspec-

being something I would contemplate

es of his intentional actions, but my

tive to a chapter in someone’s history.

yearly from my teens on. From then

mom told me all of this with the grav-

I’m not sure why, for instance, I can

on, every time that track made an

ity of losing my best friend. I was left

picture my brother’s rock tumbler in

appearance, there was a respectful,

to process the consequences for much

clear focus, while other moments are

uncomfortable silence.

longer and contemplate some sense of

oblique or lost to time. But through the

the fragility of life, right along with

individual pieces of the beautiful win-

something as senseless as murder.

dow, I can see my mother’s hand guid-

that taking pills could kill anyone. I took pills like Tylenol and survived.

My mom was always helping people. She volunteered at our church, hosted

I think of memories like a stainwindow,

where

each

the Wednesday evening kid’s program.

Back at my first home on Kroes

ing me through the inevitable pain

Her willingness to give and her great

Street, we once received a knock from

and loss in life. So to my mom, happy

sense of empathy are two of her best

three teenage girls we had never seen

Mother’s Day. Please open the gift I

qualities. My mom offered to give Bible

before. They explained how they were

sent right away. Those dandelions are

lessons to a home for handicapped

back in town after many years and

thirsty.

COLUMNS

never write a filler piece and I will never come empty handed. I want to take this as seriously as I the lead vocalist of Porterville, CA spoken-word, ambient band Hotel Books. I have played in local punk and hardcore bands in the past, and even have a side project I am slowly hammering out, but Hotel Books is my job, hobby, passion and ministry. Throughout these past tours, I have seen band members come and go, I have seen just how much my actions and words affect those around me. I write this column as someone who makes mistakes every day, someone who has seen the realities of struggling to make a band work out, and someone who

Livin’ on a Prayer

has everything to lose. I want to be transparent, sincere, honest, but also human.

Making a living from your band isn’t easy. New columnist Cam Smith brings stories of struggles, success and witness from his spot on stage in new cities every night ALMOST THERE BY CAM SMITH

Cam Smith is the lead vocalist of Porterville, CA’s Hotel Books. Smith also travels as a spoken-word poet and public speaker.

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

I’ve spent three years on the road and I have no intentions of stopping any time soon. I dropped out of college, quit my job and jumped in a van to ful-

Writing for the sake of writing typically does

fill what I believe is a calling. Hotel Books is

not produce promising results. I have learned

a band that expresses stories of heartbreak,

this lesson the hard way multiple times. Often

loss, self-harm, depression, and ultimately,

times, I would try to write lyrics to a song simply

redemption through the Love we have found

because lyrics needed to be written. I did not have

in God. We often sing about the “dark before

an inspiration, I did not have a meaning behind

the dawn” but also the peace that is found

the words, I simply had a deadline so I began to

through surviving and blossoming in a world

write for the sake of getting something written.

of anxiety and confusion. Many of the stories

Every time I took this approach to writing a song,

I will share will focus on the human interac-

the lyrics would end up falling flat.

tions I have between myself and members of

This column is a brand new outlet for me to

the Hotel Books family. I want to highlight

write with purpose. As I face life every day in a

certain struggles and try my best to start a

band who “hasn’t really made it yet,” I want to

conversation about them.

write about the struggles, victories and realities

I want to talk about the confusion of finding

of what I witness on the road, at home and while

one’s identity aside from their band, I want to

traveling on behalf of my public speaking and

talk about the struggles of starting up a band with

preaching opportunities as well. I have followed

purpose, and I want to share the fun and bizarre

many blogs, podcasts and columns written by

encounters we have on the road. I am not a rock

men and women in bands who have “made it”

star, I am not a celebrity, and I am not a wealthy

by some sort of standard, and though I enjoy all

songwriter. I am a musician with a mission who

of these, I wanted to see something written by

hasn’t really made it yet. I hope this column can

someone who is still learning, still growing and

be beneficial to other young musicians, as well

still praying for doors to open every day.

as to music lovers who are looking for further

As I stated before, I try to never write for

perspective of what it is like to be in a band. I

the sake of writing, I only want to write with

will also share conversations I have with other

purpose. Each month, I intend to share stories

musicians on the road and the hard lessons I learn

and information that I witness in my life. I will

along the way.

Cam Smith photo by Andrew Garcia

do with my lyrics. I currently am

Hailed “the most anticipated Metal release of 2015”

“Metal albums this good don’t come around too often.” —Doug Van Pelt, Heaven’s Metal

Debut Release The Chosen Few Release Date: May 26, 2015

on M24 Music Group

Pre-order at worldviewmetal.com See the official video, “Illusions of Love,” on

COLUMNS

Photo by Justin Conant

‘She did everything in her power to kill me’ In his inaugural column, Ronnie Winter addresses the suicidal depths of a Marine Corps veteran whose mother, quite literally, never wanted him alive NOT MY STYLE BY RONNIE WINTER

Ronnie,

So what do I do everyday? Work my dead-end job,

To be honest, I don’t know why I am doing this. My

go home, lock myself in my room, listen to music and

name is Ricky, and I am 26 years old and a proud vet-

draw. That is life. I don’t know what to do. All my

eran of the United States Marine Corps.

dreams are crashing around me and I just want to

When my real mother was pregnant with me, she

end it all. ... All the Vet Center can say: “I’ll get bet-

was abusing herself, hoping for a miscarriage. When I

ter.” When? When everything in my life has gone to

was born, she did everything in her power to kill me,

sh-t and all I have is myself, not a strand of support,

from forcing bleach and other chemicals down my

26 years and counting? And everything has gone to

throat, mistreating me, raising me in a dog’s cage.

sh-t? It sounds like I’m rambling, so I’ll just shut up

Fast forward to when I was 6 or 7 years old. One of my

completely.

family members raped me. I was beaten on and didn’t have a childhood. Wasn’t allowed to have friends over

Ronnie Winter is the vocalist and a founding member of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Each month, Winter responds to one question with one rule: No question is off limits. Submit your question: ronnie@ hmmagazine.com

Hi! I’m Ronnie. Thank you for sharing your

unless I was forced to. At age 7, that’s when I started

question with me. First of all, thank you for your

cutting, and it grew worse as the years went by. At a

service, and — although you may not see it now

very young age, I was moving city-to-city, house-to-

— it is a great thing to serve your country, and I

house as I was homeless and living in the streets.

respect you for that.

I lost a lot of friends to suicides, from cutting to

I can relate to your situation in many ways.

overdosing to ending their life by hanging themselves.

I lived on couches for almost a year. I bounced

I joined the Marine Corps to better myself — or so I

from one crap job to another, always month-to-

thought — but it just got worse when I got out. Due to

month. Days dragged on like a 700-page novel

hardship, I was back on the streets, homeless, nowhere

that’s been boring since the first paragraph. It

to go, moving house-to-house. Seven times in less

sounds like you’ve seen a lot. I, too, have seen a

than one year. Even now, I am considered homeless.

lot. We are not so different. Even with drug abuse

I live in a transitional program, and it’s only getting

and domestic violence at home. Once, I had to bail

harder as many thoughts run through my head to the

my own dad out of jail for domestic violence. I can

point where I just want to scream from the top of my

detect anger, too, because I was also angry for a

lungs and end it all.

long time. Too long. The thing was, my anger was

I have no family. No friends. (My) dream of becom-

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

Dear Ricky,

or go to a friend’s house or use the phone or go outside

misdirected.

ing a professional tattoo artist or body piercer just

I did notice you did not mention God once in

crumbles down; I keep getting turned down (because)

your message to me. In that respect, we are not

I have no car. I work a dead-end job where the only

alike. When I was able to remove my pride, I was

way to pay rent is to literally starve myself. No matter

able to see most of the anger I was directing at

how hard I try to meet people or make friends, I get

God was truly anger at myself. I understand it

told to fk off, kill myself.

feels like no one cares about your existence. For

“I JOINED THE MARINE CORPS TO BETTER MYSELF, BUT IT JUST GOT WORSE WHEN I GOT OUT. ALL THE VET CENTER CAN SAY IS, ‘IT’LL GET BETTER.’ WHEN? WHEN EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE HAS GONE TO SH-T?”

those of us that believe, the problem

any other way, but He did it that way

know God but have lost hope. It is easy

with that thinking is that it simply

to prove how much He cared. He still

to lose hope, especially when you are

isn’t accurate: We know God cares

cares. He loves you right now, in this

in the middle of losing your life. I once

because we’ve experienced it, seen or

moment. The thing is, you have to

lost faith, too.

unseen, and we use those experienc-

make the decision. You have to let him

es to help other people with similar

in and do his work through you.

issues. Like you and me. We’re not so

Either way, I want you to know the key to a happier life is the connection

That’s what I did. I’m not saying

of one’s mind and body to the Spirit.

getting “saved” will change your life.

As it begins to repair your mind, the

The one we entrust with our lives

It isn’t like winning the lottery; that’s

responsibilities of a job will come and,

believes it was worth it for Him to send

an unrealistic expectation. But it is the

later, doors will start to open to plac-

the thing He loved most (Jesus) as the

first step in saving your mind. God was

es you never knew existed. Trust me,

means of atonement for the things

very clear about life: You have to lose

man, it’s not worth it. One day you will

we do wrong. He could have done it

your life to find it. You may already

see that. Don’t lose hope.

different.

HM LIVE

TAKIN G BACK SUN DAY & LETLIVE A PH OTO ES SAY BY GAELEN SMITH

HM LIVE

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

TAKING BACK SUNDAY

HM LIVE

TAKING BACK SUNDAY

HM LIVE

LETLIVE

HM LIVE

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

LETLIVE

HM LIVE

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

LETLIVE

HM LIVE

LETLIVE

HM LIVE

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

LETLIVE

2X4

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

Growing Up 2x4 By Cam Smith Photos by Candice Speas “We’re different guys. We have a slightly different sound, but we still know where we want to go. We’re still 2x4.” Kevyn Reece shared those words with me over the phone with a sense of stern confidence. Reece is the vocalist for Texas metalcore outfit 2x4, and the release of their latest EP, MCMLII, brought change for the young group of men, most notably, Reece’s inaugural release with the band. With a music video for the EP’s lead single “Destroy (A Mother’s Beauty)” as my first introduction to this new chapter of 2x4’s career, I was immediately intrigued by the vicious wall of bricks I collided with. After I listened to the full EP, I learned that the intense and dark landscape would never let up for them. Fresh off tour, 2x4 has had to find their stride. They’re now one of the young guns in the metalcore community, but with a caveat: They experienced a complete line-up change with all but one guitarist replaced. They were forced to embark on a refresh-and-revitalize approach to their music and vision. I had the opportunity to get on the phone with Reece as well as guitarist Jayson Braffett. Though I was

2X4

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

in a tour van of my own,

couple times before the

our hometown a little bit

Braffett took it well. “It’s

freezing in the evening

release of the new EP, but

of time to understand the

all about doing what needs

Chicago weather, my heart

it felt good to finally play

changes we made, but when

to be done. This is what I

was warmed to hear more

those songs live. The song-

we’re on the road and out

want to do, so I’m going to

about the goals and ideals

writing shifted on the new

of state, all of the songs are

make it happen. We are all

of this new look to 2x4.

material

only

new, and it’s great seeing

on the same page with that:

I first asked the two young

lineup to one member tun-

that kids tend to enjoy the

We want to do this the best

men how it felt to focus in on

ing into the main responsi-

new songs live. Most people

we can. There is no way to

a new lineup, and what the

bilities, so it was cool get-

back home knew us as one

give up on something I care

plan is to further expand.

ting to show that newfound

thing and we knew it would

this much about.”

As Braffett put it, “We want

chapter of 2x4.”

take time for them to get to

from

the

continued

this

to keep growing and keep

So you released the album

know the new 2x4, but in

stream of thought. When

our momentum going. We

while out with Barrier. What

the end, we’re still the same

you see bands like this end

want to play music all around

was it like touring with other

band.”

due to similar complications,

the world and take it as far

heavy bands and trying to

But where does that fit

do you feel the legacy they

as it can go.” This attitude

stand out and present yourself

in the band’s heavy sound?

leave is as powerful as a band

of determination is evi-

in a real way?

Where does it fit in a genre?

with proper goodbye or do

Once I began asking about

you think these bands just get

dent on the album I heard.

“Like

said,”

Reece

Seamlessly constructed, it’s

responded, “We had done

genres,

simply

replaced by the next band who

a diverse palette of ideas.

a couple tours already as

replied, “I’m not a genre

is willing to work through the

The five-song onslaught is

a band, and we knew each

person. Play what you want

complications?

vicious and full of aggres-

other well. I’ve been with

to play. It’s art. As long as no

“I mean, there will always

sion, passion and an undy-

2x4 as a friend for a long

one is trying to rip some-

be bands who come and go,”

ing heaviness that, it seems,

time, so when I got out there,

one else off, they should do

Braffett responded, “and,

fans will have to ultimately

I knew the way they present-

what they want to do.”

usually, some other band

decide whether they like and

ed themselves. I tried to keep

His simple answer was

will take their fan base. But

accept.

it like old times but bring

dense with thought, and it

if a band works hard and

them

myself into it. Combining

helped me understand just

creates good art while they

and

ideas like that made it easy

how little 2x4 is hindered

are a band, I don’t think

crowd response to the new

for us to try something new.”

by any sort of boundary

it matters how they go

album, Braffett respond-

“I think the ultimate

with their sound. When

out. People will remember

ed, “There’s always room

goal for us,” Braffett said

asked if he would tour with

them. With us, we would

to progress. I feel like this

expanding on Reece’s ideas,

bands far out of their genre,

never leave a legacy yet, so

(record) is another chap-

“is to have fun and share

Braffett responded, “I don’t

I won’t stop.”

ter, but we can always

the music we work hard on.

think it matters, really. We

move up and do better.

Any band that is willing to

just want to tour. We don’t

times they are driven by

Yes, there are always hat-

share their art is going to

care about genres; we just

the

ers, but most people have

find an audience that gets

care about touring with

been given, and it was the

been very positive about the

it.” I replied, “Well put. I

hard-working bands.”

last thing he wanted to

new songs. We released the

think you guys definitely

Braffett, who is well-

let me know, too. “Thank

album while out on tour,

present yourselves in a way

versed in facing difficulties

you to anybody who has

so most of the songs were

that captivates a very dedi-

in a band having recon-

kept with us through this

foreign to the crowd, but

cated fan base.”

structing 2x4, offered a

lineup change,” he said.

unique perspective on what

“It means the world to us.

When about

the

asked critical

they responded in a posi-

Both young men were

Braffett

2x4

stated

support

multiple they

have

tive way. It was a very good

very

collect-

it takes to choose to push

We’re a different group of

opportunity sharing those

ed during our conversa-

onward. With bands losing

guys and our music may

new songs on the road. We

tion, but also very direct

members, losing their vehicle

be kind of different, but

want this release to be a

and sincere. When I asked

or having other complications

we’re still here. Thank you

stepping stone to the next

about their shift in sound

hinder them, they often go on

for helping us on the road

one. We never want to stop

on the new album and

hiatus, and often times those

with housing and food —

progressing.”

what it means for the 2x4

hiatuses do not end. How did

anything like that. We just

“We’ve

community, Reece imme-

2x4 avoid a situation like this

really appreciate every-

toured with this lineup a

diately responded, “It took

one?

thing.”

continued:

calm

and

HM LIVE

SENSES FAIL PHOTOS BY SAVANNAH CHAMBERS

HM LIVE

MOTHERS’ BOYS VEIL OF MAYA BREAKS GROUND ON A NEW FEMININE ERA BY DAVID STAGG

KNOWN FOR THEIR TECHNICAL PROWESS AND DEATHCORE-IEST OF BREAKDOWNS, VEIL OF MAYA HAVE MADE A LIVING FOR THE PAST DECADE MEAT TENDERIZING STAGES AND PUTTING OUT PUNISHING BEAT DOWNS. THEY’VE BEEN PLAGUED WITH CHANGES OVER THE YEARS, BUT THOUGH THE NUMBER OF EX-MAYAS IS HIGH, THEY MAKE UP ONLY HALF OF THE CURRENT LINEUP. THE MAJOR CAVEAT IS THAT ONE OF THOSE NEW MEMBERS IS NOW THE VOCALIST, LUKAS MAGYAR, FROM A RURAL TOWN IN THE UPPER MIDWEST WHERE HE JUST GOT INTERNET. GUITARIST, PRIMARY SONGWRITER AND FOUNDING MEMBER MARC OKUBO TALKS WITH EDITOR DAVID STAGG ABOUT JUST HOW “TERRIFYING” THE PROCESS WAS AND TEACHES US AN EXPERT LESSON IN DEALING WITH HATERS.

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

I’m old enough to say it’s

for me, it just sounds natural.

there. I had concepts for all the

after the alter ego Nyu. The

been 11 years since I’ve been

It sounds right. I don’t know. I

songs. I titled all the tracks, and

other Lucy idea was from my

listening to you guys.

guess I’ve written every Veil of

we were going to add concepts

favorite horror movie, Martyrs.

(Laughs) Oh, sh-t.

Maya song. I guess I can’t really

for all of them. They were all

I ended up choosing the Nyu

tell if there’s something wrong

going to be based, loosely, off of

reference.

I know, right? So it’s been

with it. If you’re used to hearing

(female) characters.

quite a journey for you, and

Brandon’s vocals, it does sound a

I’ve been able to be on the

bit different.

I mean, I think Lukas’s lyr-

OK, so “Lucy” is a little bit

ics are — what’s the word I’m

different than I thought. I’m

looking for — they’re abstract

curious about Nyu. She’s the

I was thinking about what it

I didn’t say there’s anything

enough to fit the mold. On future

flipside of a split personality.

would be like in your posi-

wrong with it. I think you were

releases, I think we will defi-

The crazy side is super sadis-

tion, right after you just wrote

prepared for a number of peo-

nitely collaborate a lot more and

tic, who likes to, instead of

that first EP, after (previous

ple to tell you there was some-

write the album as more of a

just kill people immediately,

band) Insurrection. What were

thing wrong with it. Talk about

band instead of my project or

cut their limbs off and let them

you listening to? Looking back,

that: What’s the worst thing

whatever.

bleed out. When you were

what were the things that

somebody could possibly tell

became the foundation for

you? We’re going to torch your

That is going to make this

were writing, were you think-

what Veil of Maya is today?

van because you wrote some-

conversation a lot more fun

ing about anything in particu-

thing like that? What did they

because looking at the song

lar by choosing (Nyu) instead

get at out you for?

titles while listening to the

of Lucy?

other end of it for quite a while.

Well, back then, I was totally trying to be At the Gates,

thinking about the project you

Meshuggah. Those are, like, my

I think that would be hilarious

album is like deciphering a

“Lucy” was already written.

three base bands. That was my

if someone wrote that (laughs).

trivia game, looking up all of

“Lucy” was actually the first

foundation for when Veil started.

People: It’s really frustrating.

these

matriarchs.

song on the album I had written.

I was 17- or 18-years-old. Now I

This is the easiest it’s ever been

Some are kind of fun. Some

We were initially supposed to put

don’t know. Now it’s just a whole

for random kids to put their

of them are pretty obvious,

out an EP in 2013. That was one of

different thing, I guess.

marking all over (every) band

like Daenerys from Game of

the songs on it.

they want to hate on. It’s weird

Thrones; I think people would

“Now we’re adults.”

how everyone feels so entitled

pick that one out. Lisbeth from

You did talk about Lucy in

Yeah. Now it’s like Veil of Maya

to do that nowadays. Ten years

the Dragon Tattoo. Some of

the horror movie Martyrs. Are

sounds like something already

ago, when I was starting to write

these in here, I don’t even

you a big horror movie fan?

so I have to go settle a little bit.

music or going to shows, or

know if I’m right so I’m going

whatever, that was not a thing.

to take a shot.

different

What you got?

Yes, I am. Me, too. What else is on your

Looking back, Veil of Maya

You don’t go and talk sh-t on

is forever going to be known

your favorite band. You just learn

as one of the heavier and more

to like what they’re doing or you

“Nyu,” the first track, I first

I think the French horror mov-

technical bands. They sent

just listen to the song that you

thought was N-Y-U, as in New

ies from maybe five, ten years

over Matriarch. I listened to

like. That’s it.

York University. I was like,

ago are probably my favorite. I’m

it. At first you can hear those

Nowadays,

“What kind of political state-

still waiting for something to get

ment is he making?”

back to that vibe. Martyrs, obvi-

it’s

different

favorites list?

parts in there, but some of it is

because people really, really

a totally new ballgame. When

think that if they bitch enough,

(Laughs) Well, someone just

Lukas came in, what were you

you’ll go back and rerecord the

capitalized that on all the track

thinking? How was the process

album. Just for that. It’s really

listings. We still don’t know why.

going to go?

weird.

High Tension is the best movie that came out of that

I did a little more research,

Well, it was a really difficult

ously. I liked High Tension.

whole era.

decision. It was pretty terrify-

I’ve heard the new record,

though, and based on some

Yeah, yeah, it was great. The

ing, actually. It wasn’t an over-

but I don’t know: Did Lukas

of the other matriarchs on

whole dresser scene. That seems

night thing. We had a lot of peo-

write all of the lyrics to the

your track listing, looks like

to be the one. Or even that intro.

ple that we were auditioning. I

album? If so, how did his lyr-

it comes from the manga-in-

The intro, you know what I’m

guess collectively we just liked

icism play into the songwrit-

spired Elfen Lied. She is the

talking about?

the direction that we could work

ing? Do you know what I’m

split personality of (another)

with Lukas. It just made the most

saying?

track title, “Lucy.” Is that cor-

sense for us.

Yeah, he did write his lyrics.

rect?

It’s kind of hard to force

Unfortunately, we didn’t really

Yeah. There were two Lucys I

everybody I grew up with to

get to collaborate too much on

had in mind (when naming the

feel a certain way or force this

that because the music was com-

tracks), but the name of this

new direction on them. I mean,

pletely finished before he got

particular one was definitely

Yeah, where he’s in the ice cream van. It’s one of the greatest scenes in horror movies. Yeah, it’s like one of the greatest scenes ever.

“FOR ME, IT JUST SOUNDS NATURAL. IT SOUNDS RIGHT. I DON’T KNOW. I GUESS I’VE WRITTEN EVERY VEIL OF MAYA SONG. I GUESS I CAN’T REALLY TELL IF THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT.”

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

— MARC OKUBO

It’s super bizarre. If you

work in progress, for sure. I’m

Oh, when you’re reading it, it’s

the “matriarch” theme? Did

want to talk about establishing

sure he’ll be somewhere near as

just like you’re watching TV. The

you just see all these really

this guy’s character, that’s the

nerdy as the rest of us.

author also wrote a bunch of epi-

cool stories and go “Man, that

sodes for Lost and stuff.

would make a really good con-

perfect way to do it. Yeah.

That’s hilarious. People might recognize “Aeris” because it’s

I kind of know what that guy’s about now.

from Final Fantasy 7. Yes.

(Laughs) That’s great.

cept” and then you fleshed it He’s an American author? It’s an American comic? Yeah, his name is Brian K. Vaughan.

“Three-Fifty” is the only OK, that’s

another

manga-inspired

out? At the time, I was not inspired by music so much. I was more into watching movies or reading books and then trying to pen the

one

one. It’s just a little too ambig-

I was still stuck in the manga

soundtrack to the characters or

was

uous for me to figure out. Help

world in my head. I was trying

to the emotions that I’m getting

me.

to piece it all together.

from that.

“Mikasa.” That came from Attack on Titan, is that right? Yep. I don’t have the lyrics sheet or anything, but what was your

OK, I got into comic books

Oh yeah, yeah. That one’s

It’s a new way of thinking out-

pretty heavily within the last few

going to be the tricky one, but Y:

side the box for me. I got really

years. One of my favorite ones is

The Last Man — it’s my favorite

interested by powerful female

called Y: The Last Man. Have you

comic so far.

characters

ever heard of that?

goal with making that the sin-

because,

usually,

when you think of the hero of an Hopefully we can help usher in

action movie or something, it’s

gle, especially when thinking

I haven’t.

a whole new crop of fans because

a dude. There are a lot of times

about the project? How do you

It’s about a dude and his pet

they’ll know about it now.

where the female character is

feel Lukas came through in

monkey. One day every male

“Teleute” is from another

writing it?

of every species on earth dies

comic book called Sandman. It

The way he was explaining it

except for him and his mon-

was for deaths, the character’s

(to me) was that all of the songs

key. The whole planet is run by

real names are like deaths. The

Did you listen to a bunch of

are about an inner journey or

females. Everything. His pro-

song title is kind of weird. She

soundtracks? Were you a big

whatever. It works out in terms

tector’s name is Agent 355, and

goes by Teleute in a few issues

soundtrack fan? Did you aban-

of characters because they’re all

you actually never find out who

or something. I went with that

don the day-to-day listening

obviously going through their

her real name throughout the

because it was a little bit cooler

ritual and move on to some of

own inner journeys. They loose-

whole book series. They even-

sounding.

that more ambient stuff?

ly fit together. He’d never seen

tually come up with nicknames

Attack on Titan before. I’m try-

for her, and Three-Fifty is the

Most of the people who lis-

ing to change that.

one that sticks towards the end

ten to Veil of Maya probably

movie soundtracks are cool, too.

of the book.

grew up reading that comic.

Usually, I will pick up this theme,

You’ve tried to change him

way more badass than the male. I just wanted to focus on that.

Oh yeah. I like video game soundtracks,

mostly.

few

Yeah, they’re actually starting

a reoccurring theme of a charac-

Is that a more recent comic?

to make a prequel to it. It’s called

ter I really like. I don’t listen to

We’re doing it one-step at a

Oh, it’s finished now. The

Sandman: Overture.

the whole two-hour long orches-

time (laughs). Honestly, he’s from

author is currently writing a

a really small town. He just got

book called Saga, which is actu-

the Internet a few weeks ago or

ally really popular right now.

and make him watch it?

something.

trated soundtrack, but usually That’s like my childhood reincarnate.

OK, very cool. I guess they operate like TV shows. They

Yeah, yeah. I mean, we’re a

write for seven, eight series?

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

of every movie I like.

Yeah, it’s back.

That makes me really happy.

(there are) a few things I pull out

Have you ever considered The last major question I have about the album is why

doing a video game soundtrack? Doing the music for one?

“IT’S A NEW WAY OF THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR ME. I GOT REALLY INTERESTED BY POWERFUL FEMALE CHARACTERS. AT THE TIME; I WAS NOT INSPIRED BY MUSIC SO MUCH. I WAS MORE INTO WATCHING MOVIES OR READING BOOKS AND THEN TRYING TO PEN THE SOUNDTRACK TO THE CHARACTERS.” — OKUBO

Oh, I would love to do that. I

probably give you whatever

mean, I don’t know how much I

you need to make it work.

trust myself with it. When I’m by

As far as I’m concerned we

myself, when I’m bored, that’s

need to start this campaign

what most of the music I end up

right now.

writing sounds like.

(Laughs) Well, count me in. I would seriously be honored.

So the answer would be yes,

Or, if it’s a fun film, Danny Elfman.

of playing our old songs. We will still play our old songs.

(Laughs) yeah, yeah. There’s still plenty of metal Is there anything else you

to be had for everyone.

want to drop in here about the new album? I hope people don’t think

We could still write our next CD and make it sound like our first CD that no one bought.

just how quickly. “I don’t know

Back when I played music

we’re limited by trying a new

if it’s going to work out or not.

when I was younger, I always

direction. We’re still the same

“Let’s go back to that when I

It could go down in flames but

wanted to score a movie. I was

band. We’re just trying some new

was making zero money doing

I’m going to say yes.”

obsessed with the way it could

things, that’s all.

this.”

Oh, yeah. If I could just write

affect an entire scene. I always

some music and then send my

loved setting people up like

But that doesn’t limit you.

MIDI-files to someone actually

that, playing with music and

I feel like if, anything, you’re

experienced in it then that could

film.

just opening another box.

Like, dude, you were 10 years

Yeah, yeah. All the kids are, “We need you to write anothCommon

Man’s

Collapse!”

be cool. I’d love to contribute.

I mean, seriously. Watching

Me too, but some of the com-

old when I wrote that, and you

I just don’t know exactly how

E.T.? Trying to imagine that

ments I’ve been reading? I don’t

didn’t buy it. It sold, like, 1,100

experienced I am for something

movie without a soundtrack, it’s

know if people get it.

copies.

that serious.

just impossible. The music carries the movie.

I think most of these people probably have a lot of

Or Jurassic Park. Star Wars.

help.

Star Wars, yeah. John Williams

they

really

trust

you and your music, they’ll

in general.

And you’re like, “No, man,

Yeah and now you’re just

really! We really have the best

stream it on YouTube or some-

intentions here!”

thing, so that’s cool.

Yeah, right. We’re not trying to piss you off. We’re still capable

I could’ve used your help in 2008, but now it’s 2015!

L O V I N G Haste the Day with Stephen Keech, c. 2007

Ronnie Winter talks to Stephen Keech, vocalist for

cold over t here, or i s it

year. I guess Jason was the

album. I’m a punk rocker, so

w a r m?

drummer back then. There

I’m always going to like the

the band from 2005-2011.

Actually, yesterday, it was

were some really awesome

fast stuff. There’s this song

Winter’s favorite Haste the

kind of chilly. For Tennessee

moments of fellowship, like

“World.” That one, actually,

Day album is Pressure the

in the springtime, it’s pretty

late at night at hotels. It

is quite different. It almost

Hinges (2007).

chilly. I think it was 50 some-

always happened in random,

brought be back to Define the

thing degrees and now it’s

sporadic places. The name of

Great Line for a second with

sunny out today.

your band is also my favorite

some of the cool guitar riffs

hymn. Is it true it’s from

and the tones, which is one

Philip Bliss?

of my favorite albums from

What’s up? I’m Ronnie. It’s good to talk to you again. It’s been a while. How are you?

I’m in sunny California, so it’s about 80 degrees. That’s great.

Vocalist Stephen Keech: I’m good. I’m just enjoying a beautiful sunny day in Nashville.

I got the new record. I really love it. I’ve known

It is, yes. It’s also my grandmother’s favorite hymn, which

Underoath. Is that the first clean vocal on the record?

is really interesting I ended

Do you know what? It is,

up joining a band named after

actually. It’s been like gang

that hymn.

vocals or something before,

you guys for a long time.

but that’s pretty much the first

You’ve g ot to lo ve it.

It’s funny going back in my

I think I have three favor-

It’s beaut i f u l t here. Is it

mind to memories of yester-

ite songs from your new

clean vocal. I’m listening to the record,

P E O P L E

W E L L

Haste the Day, IN ALL EARNEST, PLAYED THEIR

FINAL SHOW ON MARCH 11, 2011. FOR FANS OF THE BAND, IT’S EASY TO SPLIT THEIR MUSICAL CANNON AT Jimmy Ryan AND HIS DECISION TO STEP DOWN — THEIR FIRST VOCALIST HAD DECIDED TO LEAVE THE BAND TO PURSUE MARRIAGE, AND, NOT THAT FAR OFF, WOULD ACCEPT A POSITION AT TOOTH AND NAIL RECORDS. TIME WOULD SHOW THERE WOULD ONLY BE TWO VOCALISTS FOR THE BAND, WITH Stephen Keech REPLACING RYAN IN 2005 AND, ULTIMATELY, PLAYING THE FINAL SHOW WITH THE BAND. (RYAN SHOWED UP FOR THE GIG, TOO.) SO WHEN THE BAND ANNOUNCED THEY WOULD BE PUTTING OUT NEW MATERIAL THIS YEAR, THE PUBLIC’S MAJOR QUESTION HUNG LOOMING: HOW WOULD THEY HANDLE JIMMY AND STEPHEN? THE ANSWER TURNED OUT TO BE AN EASY ONE; WITH THE BAND MEMBERS’ FULL COMMITMENTS TO NEW LIVES OUTSIDE OF HASTE THE DAY, SHARING DUTIES WAS NOT ONLY THE MOST PRAGMATIC ANSWER, BUT IT ALSO TURNED OUT TO BE THE BEST ONE. THEIR LATEST ALBUM, Coward, IS A REALLY GOOD PIECE OF WORK, WITH KEECH EVEN PRODUCING THE ALBUM HIMSELF. HM HAD Ronnie Winter, VOCALIST FOR THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS AND Collin Simula , DRUMMER FOR THE NOW DEFUNCT SYMPHONY IN PERIL, INTERVIEW STEPHEN AND JIMMY, RESPECTIVELY, TO REMINISCENCE ON THE TIME THAT WAS AND THE TIME THAT NEVER PLANNED TO BE. AS Coward GETS PUT INTO THE PUBLIC’S HANDS USHERING IN A NEW FUTURE FOR ONE OF FAITHBASED METAL’S CORNERSTONES, THE PEOPLE WILL SAY HASTE THE DAY HAS STILL GOT IT.

Collin

Simula

talks

40 F E AT U R E T T E

HASTE THE DAY into them. We’re out on tour at the moment with Embrace Today and Extol and we’ve been playing four new songs every night. The feedback we’ve gotten back is overwhelming in terms of positive response. Everyone says the new songs are better, which excites me because the sound on this record is exactly what we wanted.” At the mention of Embrace Today as tourmates, one might think that differences in belief could be cause for tension. “This tour has been one of the calmest of our career thus far. We toured for about two hundred and sixty days last year. If you were a kid standing in the venue watching us pull up, you wouldn’t know who played in which band because we’re all helping each other out by loading in equipment and such. We’re always supporting each other. Our differences in religious beliefs or whatever it is we may believe hasn’t stood in the way of anything. It’s created friendship and it’s proved to me that it’s good to tour with bands who believe different things.”

BY KRISS STRESS “So you like Fugazi eh?” I’m bewildered at first until Haste The Day vocalist Jimmy Ryan points out his source, “well, it was in your voice mail!” Over the course of a half hour, I’ve talked with the charismatic frontman about touring, their new record and of all things, straight edge. This of course led into a discussion over Ian MacKaye and his various projects over the years including as mentioned, Fugazi. “I’ve been listening to them for 11 years, man. So good...” While Haste The Day certainly isn’t making any strides in the post punk market, they’ve turned heads with relentless touring and last year’s intense and bludgeoning Burning Bridges. This year fans will get the follow up they’ve been craving with When Everything Falls. “On this record we have a whole lot more gang vocals. The music is alot more rock and roll then the last record. We went in

with the producer who’s turned knobs for the likes of AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine and Atreyu. He’s more of a rock and roll producer. That’s more of the sound we were going for. There’s still screaming and heavy guitars but I think for us it’s a step in a more heavy rock kind of direction. The biggest thing is there’s alot more singing on this record.” While the formulaic phrasing employed by many bands is that the harder parts are harder and the softer parts are softer, with When Everything Falls, the statement sticks. The music builds and builds until launching into soaring melodic vocals that impact the listener in the same way as vintage Killswitch Engage or Atreyu before pummeling the speakers with miltantly brutal breakdowns and deathly intense vocals.

Most bands are all pomp and pay no mind to those who get them where they are, but Haste The Day is a different beast in that area. “You know,” states Jimmy, “Last year we were set to play at midnight on the Underground stage during Tooth and Nail day at Cornerstone. MewithoutYou was set to play the same time slot over on Encore and we were all depressed because we figured no one was going to come and watch us. I walked out on stage and the tent was so full I literally cried. I was so shocked and grateful. During our set, there wasn’t just one pit going either, there were four spread throughout the tent. I believe it’s the best show we’ve ever had. We’re playing the same slot on the same stage this year and I’m excited for it. I love getting dirty and having fun. We’re grateful for everything we have.”

States Jimmy enthusiastically, “We started playing a couple of the new songs when we were on tour back in December with Only Crime and Strung Out. Everyone was really hastetheday.com

A lot more rock and roll 114_haste_the_day.indd 1

5/26/2005 8:12:13 PM

Haste the Day “featurette,” issue no. 114 of HM Magazine. Raw layout file, July/August 2005

place Haste the Day called home.

the band, their faith, their writing

can be and how hard it can be.

and their ministry. After all, it’s

It’s a really neat community,

been ten years.

you know?

Jimmy Ryan, vocalist for

I remember Haste the Day

the band from 2001-2005.

standing out as a band because

Simula’s favorite Haste the

— although they were getting

Day album is Burning Bridges

immensely popular, selling tens

Vocalist Jimmy Ryan: I love

(2004).

of thousands of records, getting

hearing from people from the

on huge tours — they never once

touring days. I went to a small

changed as people. Throughout

Bible college so for me, when I

You’ve got a new record

the entire time I’ve known them,

connect with you or guys I had

coming out in a couple weeks.

Absolutely. It’s awesome.

Jimmy Ryan and I go way back.

they were always kind and always

been on the road with, that was

It’s such an interesting con-

My former band, Symphony In

humble. It turned out, fan or not,

like my fraternity. Not neces-

cept to me, this idea of bring-

Peril, played more than a handful

if you met them, you loved them.

sarily the antics that go on in

ing two eras of the same

of shows with Haste the Day in

And they loved you.

some fraternities, but just the

band together to do a record.

the 2000s; our bands were on

In the weeks leading up to the

fact that we lived the same

Specifically

the same page from a ministry

release of Coward, an album that

things. No matter how big or

Generally in our heavy music

standpoint, and Symphony in

features the entire first-and-sec-

small your band is, if you’ve

world, if there’s a vocalist

Peril’s hometown was only three

ond lineups of Haste the Day, I

toured at all, you understand

change, it’s because of drama

hours from Indianapolis, the

wanted to hear about the state of

the logistics of it, how fun it

of some sort.

two

vocalists.

taking it in, and I was like,

just going to talk about old

people out there with worse

“Wow, I think this is the

drama. The world continues

situations in life, but at the

first clean vocal.” I thought

to spin, and it doesn’t spin

end of the day, you just miss

it was cool that you waited

backwards. Except there are

the person you’re supposed

for the third song, assum-

always fans kind of like, “I

to be with all the time.

ing the version I have is the

only like the old school. I

That’s tough. That was one

same track listing as the

don’t like the new school.”

of my hard questions.

public release.

I would push them towards

Yes. It starts with “Began”

I didn’t meet my wife until after the band ended.

“Accept,” at least. Definitely, that’s a full-on,

and ends with “Gnaw.”

original line-up song. That That is the short version.

is all the original members.

(Laughs)

They wrote it and everything.

And now you’re putting out an album. Yeah (laughs). Back in the actual touring days, I really

The second song, “Take,”

What about tour? You’re

didn’t have any commitments

is kind of old school with a

doing a couple of shows.

to anything other than the

Minor Threat vibe. All my

You guys have been a band

band. It’s just kind of weird.

original bands were super

a really long time like The

Traveling all the time, at least

into that. What is the first

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, so

for some personalities like

single on this album? Is it

I have to ask you — this is

mine, it’s hard.

“Coward?”

kind of a loaded question

No, the first single was “World.” We just really started pushing it a couple days ago on our website, actually. How is that doing? Are you liking the response?

— do you like tour? Do you

especial-

ly if you’re not partying or

bursts. I like it a couple weeks

drinking every night. Not

at a time before the loneliness

only are you morally con-

kicks in around week six or

victed to stay, but you don’t

something.

want to turn your back on your fans. Changing gears,

Yes, honestly. We’ve gotten Are you married with kids

I remember dreading putting

or single? What’s your sit-

out our first song of our other

uation?

of people who had talked a lot

think,

Yes and no. I like it in short

a really good response from it.

records because we had a lot

It’s a lot tougher than people

actually enjoy it?

was Pressure the Hinges the first album you sang on? Yes.

I’m married. I have no kids I remember seeing it live

yet.

for the first time. We’re

of crap about it. Congratulations.

That’s

playing

with

you

guys,

I know that feeling.

awesome. I’m getting mar-

bouncing off stages and

I’m sure you know. It used

ried May 28.

sharing gear. There are a

to be, like, for every posi-

Dude, that’s awesome. It’s

lot of good memories from

tive comment you have three

fun. Go to Mexico and do that

back then. I have to ask,

negative comments, but this

all inclusive thing.

because everyone always asks me, does it feel that

time, I don’t know. Maybe our audience has grown up or something, but they seem to

I live near there. I might It

really enjoy it.

doesn’t

even

matter

where you go. Just do the I’m in a band that’s had multiple

members,

old? The records?

do that.

all-inclusive thing because it makes the world better.

Yes. Yes, it does. I listened to it the other day, actually. I took a little walk down mem-

know exactly what you’re talking about. I hope fans

I’ll take you up on that.

ory lane through the years

are reading this: It is annoy-

The hard thing is under-

of Haste the Day the other

ing when all you have to say

standing the sadness in the

day. I definitely can hear my

is something that doesn’t

separation. Especially being

19-year-old self in all of that

have anything to do with

a Christian, you really want

record.

the new music. If you’re

to wake up and be positive

going to comment good or

and thankful for all of your

bad, cool. Express yourself.

blessings and for being in

Yes, it’s crazy. Just listening

We’re actually interested

a band and making music.

to that record on the same

in your opinion as musi-

It’s hard to complain when

day I got the invitation to my

cian — but not if you’re

there are so many other

ten-year high school reunion

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

Isn’t that weird?

Haste the Day with Stephen Keech, c. 2007

As far as writing this new record

and

working

with

Stephen and having him pro-

Haste the Day with Jimmy Ryan, c. 2005

worse, it just sounds like us. It’s hard to explain, but it’s just a little different.

duce it, it was just confirma-

Everyone from Burning Bridges

tion of all of the things I always

still lives in Indianapolis. Devin

thought about him. He’s just

(Chaulk,

such a talented man. It had

actually lives, probably, two

been a while since I screamed,

blocks away from me. Brennan

and God really used him to get

(Chaulk, rhythm guitar and

me out of my shell and kind of

clean vocals) and I are super

learn how to scream again. It

close. I really love spending

was an honor to work with him.

time with him; he’s a new dad

I actually sent him a text not

as well. His daughter was born

too long ago that my favorite

right before my son, so it’s been

part of this whole process was

nice to get advice from him

being with him in the studio.

since he’s a little ahead of me in

He’s such a good dude, and I

the dad game.

original

drummer)

think he’s going to do really well as a producer. He’s such a good songwriter.

When you got back together in the same room, did it just gel again? Did it feel like any-

Well,

there’s

never

been

I met him briefly last year

drama between Haste the Day

when I was visiting Nashville,

It’s the weirdest thing. We

members. Ever. I didn’t get to

and he seemed like such a

can literally go years without

“pick” Stephen (Keech) as a

stand-up guy.

seeing each other — I mean

thing had changed?

vocalist when I left the band,

Not only is he stand-up, he’s

we don’t, but we could — and

but I was involved in the talks.

also humble. I’ve never known

it’s the same jokes, the same

I remember talking to Stephen

him to put himself first. I’ve

dynamic and everything that

as I was exiting the band at one

never known him to be a jerk

was always there. It’s such a rare

of our last shows in Denver, just

to people. He’s got a soft heart.

thing to have that. We didn’t

congratulating him and tell-

I don’t know if you can tell,

skip a beat. I’m not even talking

ing him how excited I was for

but I’m a huge fan of Stephen

about music; I’m talking about

him, and reminding him of the

(laughs).

us as friends. The older I get,

responsibility that he has as the vocalist of a band.

that’s the important thing: the What was the dynamic like

relationship. And I love spend-

Honestly, I’ve always looked

writing and recording these

up to him. I know he’s nearly ten

songs? How did you pick who

years younger than me, but I’ve

was singing what? Is there an

Right, I know what you

always looked up to his song-

even balance between you and

mean. Now that I’m in my 30s

writing abilities, his lyrical con-

Stephen?

with a more responsible life,

ing time with those guys.

tent that he writes. He’s a good

I think I’m on five of the 11

for lack of a better term, it’s

man. I remember for a while

songs. Honestly, I let them tell

only those enduring friend-

that online, people thought we

me what they wanted me to

ships that matter in the end.

hated each other, which is the

do, if that makes sense. When

Right. Right. I know relation-

most ridiculous thing. We have

the songs were being written

ships sometimes take effort,

always gotten along really well.

and recorded — I can’t say this

but, in my opinion, the best

I think people like drama and

enough — but I trusted that

friendships I have are the ones

want to put it into people’s lives.

Stephen was going to make the

where I can go six months with-

right decisions for the songs I

out talking to them and there

was going to be on. And it real-

are no hard feelings. We can just

ly turned out great. I’m really

pick up where we left off.

People don’t want to read about guys getting along. Yeah, but there’s never been

thankful.

drama with us. It’s always been great. Honestly, when they’d come through town, I’d go and see them, and I always still

Can you talk a little about the And one song has the entire original lineup, correct? Yeah.

One

song

has

name Coward and the bigger idea behind it? It’s interesting

the

to see that not only are you guys

felt like I was part of the band

Burning Bridges lineup. That

reuniting and doing new music

because they’d include me in

one was really fun. And you can

after a few years, but also not

things. Never any bad blood at

tell which song has that lineup.

being afraid of being abrasive

all.

That doesn’t mean it’s better or

with the title and cover art.

Anyway, that’s my rant.

made me feel really old: “I guess

got a bunch of different heads

awesome. Less fortunately, it’s

it was so long ago.” I pretty much

we went back and forth between

the Christian world that is that’s

graduated high school and joined

— a couple ’70s Marshall heads.

more judgmental. I guess that’s

Haste the Day — all the lyrics

We used a Bad Cat head for

the right word for that.

and the way I was screaming. I

most of the high gain stuff. Of

If you take a Christian band

it. Jesus said, “If you follow

was so incredibly intimidated by

course, you’ve got to have a Dual

and you put them on a pedestal

me, you are going to be per-

our producer, Garth Richards.

(Rectifier) rack in there.

and you say, “In order for them

secuted like I was.” It’s some-

to say that they’re Christian, and

thing we’ve been taught. But

Mesa.

if they’re going to play music

like you said, it’s not always

We went nuts on this record,

in front of people, they have to

something we can handle fully.

as far as guitar tone went, which

abide by these guidelines.” And

We do need those prayers. We

I think really turned out for the

if those guidelines aren’t met,

do need that encouragement.

How do you like the switch?

best because they have some-

then that’s when the prosecution

I’m glad you mentioned that.

I love it. It’s amazing because I

thing that’s a little bit more

comes in.

And also a lot of people just

get to do all of my favorite things

unique than other metal records.

in the record process: the shap-

We used a ’72 Deluxe Telecaster

being

the

God (laughs). The one thing

ing of the songs, helping peo-

to record, like, 90 percent of

Pharisees. The difference is that

that actually binds us together

ple find their sound and trying

the guitars through that Bad

Jesus is perfect, and we are not.

is that we’re all not perfect.

that cool thing that sets them

Cat head. We used pretty much

apart from other bands. That was

one pedal the entire time. It was

always my favorite thing to do.

called Night OD by a company

So here we are in 2015, and you’re producing, right? Yes.

I think it’s similar to Jesus prosecuted

Everybody

going

encounter it, so you just accept

don’t realize that they’re not

So, back off, man. Do you know The similarities are there. You can read about it Mark 5.

what I mean? Back off. Worry about yourself. It’s been great

I never really was part of the

called Rawkworks. It acts like a

I just really want to encourage

catching. I’ve got everything I

recording process that much

Tube Screamer. Turn the volume

any person or metal listener to

need. I wish you guys the best

back in the day, other than just

all the way up, the gain pretty far

realize that the bands they’re

of luck. I hope I can make it to

me being able to ask the producer

down, tone in the middle. It just

listening to are not gods. They

one of these shows. Is Casey

if we could try different things.

tightens everything up.

are not God. They are not going

going to mix you guys?

Now,

it’s

awesome

No, we were trying to get him,

to save you.

because

but I guess he’s busy.

I don’t have to commit to the

This is definitely a great gui-

They need just as much sup-

band thing. I never get burnt

tar setting album. I thought

port as a missionary from a

out because I get to do different

the production was great, by

church needs. They need prayer.

I wanted to ask you real quick

projects all the time.

the way. You did a good job.

They need encouraging words

if there is anything charities

they just need to be encouraged.

you want to mention, anything

They do not need to be perse-

else you want to say to your

This

cuted because somebody smokes

fans or anything you feel like I

and a few EPs along the way.

Sunday we had an awesome

a cigarette or somebody does

didn’t cover about the album?

Are you a Pro Tools guys? What

sermon at my church in Mount

something that does not align

I do want to reiterate that

software are you running?

Baldy in California on Christian

with your personal convictions.

whole idea of love, especially

persecution.

Thank you very much. I’m a fellow producer. I love it. I co-produced our last album

Let’s

keep

moving.

definitely

Let’s stop looking at those things

in the hardcore scene because

experienced this, especially

as “separating from God’s min-

it’s been a place where there is

Pro Tools 11?

back in 2011 when we pretty

istry” and start looking at the

still not a lot of it in there. We

I’m on Pro Tools 10 right

much changed gears and went

actual person, start praying for

can love our brothers and start

now because I don’t want to go

fully in the Christian direc-

that person in a positive way and

showing them and stop gossip-

through the hassle of upgrading.

tion. You guys have always

encouraging them in a positive

ing, especially in the Christian

I know it’s probably easy, but it’s

been (in the Christian indus-

way. That’s what we need. It’s

world. Stop acting like our job

a commitment with everything

try), which is something I’ve

really hard because I’ve seen so

is to be offended by everything.

I’ve got going on right now.

always respected. Have you

many bands get so jaded at the

Start loving everybody.

experienced persecution in the

church, and I think that’s wrong,

Pro Tools.

I’ve

I know 100 people who feel

music world or personally on

too. Get over it. We’re not per-

the same way you do so don’t

tour? How has that affected

fect.

sweat it.

you as a band and as a person?

(Laughs)

The

thing

that

think

most people would guess as a

find

another

church,

right?

Do you have any recording

Christian metal band would be

Yes, exactly. You can search all

tips you want to share real

that we would be persecuted by

day long, but you’re never going

quick, such as any mics or

all the metal fans out there—

to find a perfect church. You’re

amps you use for modeling or

all the metal heads that are

always going to get hurt at some

anything like that?

stoned to religion or whatever.

point.

I’ll talk about the tone a little

Unfortunately, that’s not real-

But it’s not our job as Christians

bit that we got for guitar on the

ly the case. Actually, fortunate-

to be offended by everything.

new Haste the Day record. We’ve

ly, they are very accepting and

We were never called to that.

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

“WHEN I WAS IN THE BAND, I REMEMBER THERE WAS A YEAR WHERE WE PLAYED 311 DATES. NOT 311 DAYS AWAY FROM HOME, BUT 311 SHOWS. WE WORKED HARD. AND I KNOW, FOR A FACT, THAT WHEN I WAS IN THE BAND, EVERY SINGLE SHOW WE TALKED ABOUT JESUS.” — Jimmy Ryan, Haste the Day Vocalist, 2001-2005

Stephen came up with the

afraid to be a Christian band,

shows with the record coming

title. There’s a song on the

but not over the top loud-

out, and my wife and I were

record called “Coward” — I’m

mouths about it. Ten years

talking last night about these

not on that song, but it’s really

down the road, I know my

shows. I told her the part I’m

powerful. As much as I want to

faith has changed a lot. It’s

looking forward to the most

answer that question, I don’t

been a long journey of ups and

isn’t getting on stage. The part

want to be out of place. I’d rath-

downs, losing faith, gaining

I’m looking forward to the most

er Stephen get to answer that

faith. Ten years later, what

is talking to people.

himself. I’m not trying to dodge

does ministry and faith look

the question (laughs). That’s just

like for Haste the Day?

Haste the Day had a Burning Bridges reunion show a year ago,

I really appreciate you ask-

and there were some people — I

ing that. I actually said this in

want to say 50 to 100 — who

I will say that every step along

another interview not too long

paid extra to come early and see

the way, that kid has been so

ago: I never felt like I was in

our soundcheck. You know, as

transparent, as far as the music

the greatest band in the world.

well as I do soundchecks, they

and his writing goes. One of the

What I did feel like is that I trav-

still aren’t very exciting. But

best qualities a leader can have

eled around with guys I cared

they did pay extra. So I remem-

is transparency. And that is one

about, and we loved people well.

ber standing on the stage when

thing I saw come out of Stephen,

And that was the ultimate goal

we were done and telling every-

as far as his lyric writing goes. I

for me, that we loved people

one, from the microphone, to

love that about him.

well.

stay where they are — unless

his baby, and I’d hate to answer that for him.

Did we make mistakes? Sure,

they had to pee (laughs) — and

man. I remember losing my

I went down and I hugged every

with that sentiment. Let me

temper a few times and what-

person who came early. I asked

rephrase the question a little

not, but I’ll say, for the most

them where they came from and

broader: Can we expect this

part, there are very few regrets

how I knew them. The reason I

record to deliver on the inten-

when I think about my time in

did that had nothing to do with

sity of a title like Coward?

that band. I think we did a good

me wanting to look good. It had

job loving people.

everything to do with wanting

couldn’t

agree

Yeah. You know, I have it in my car right now. It’s one of

When I was a kid, I got picked

people to feel loved. And, hon-

the only things I listen to. I

on a lot. I wasn’t good at sports.

estly, I feel like Jesus has the

have it in my car so I can learn

I had bad acne. I never had any

desire for us to talk to him. I’m

the songs I know we’re going to

self-confidence at all. I didn’t

nothing like Jesus, but if I can

be playing, but I listen to it all

grow up knowing Jesus, so

do the things I think he would

the way through, including the

I didn’t have him to lean on.

be doing if he were here, then

songs I’m not on. I feel like it’s

My heart has always been for

I want to do it. Does that make

a powerful record. There’s not

the “misfit.” I’ve always loved

sense?

a ton of breakdowns and things

those who don’t necessarily fit

like that; it’s heavy in a different

in, and I think we did a good job

way. I think part of that might

loving those people.

Absolutely. It sounds like, in that regard, Haste the Day’s

just be the emotion behind it. As

From a ministry standpoint,

ministry could be summed up

we get older, we, hopefully, are

I don’t know that anything has

as “loving people well,” just

getting wiser. As we get older,

changed. When I was in the

like Jesus would.

we walk through more things,

band, I remember there was

That’s all I want to do, man.

rather they be awesome things

year where we played 311 dates.

And Haste the Day, by no means,

or harder things. It makes us

Not 311 days away from home,

is number one in any of our lives

stronger as people. I think that

but 311 shows. We worked hard.

anymore. And I don’t mean that

strength comes out on this

And I know, for a fact, that when

other than it’s not ahead of God

record, if that makes sense.

I was in the band, every sin-

and family and all of that.

gle show we talked about Jesus. That leads me to my last

Even if it was just a little blurb

big question, concerning the

here and there, we always talk-

state of the band’s faith as

ed about Jesus because that was

a whole. When I remember

always the goal.

Haste the Day from ten years

We never wanted to make

ago, I always knew you guys to

people feel bad or come across

be super kind and positive and

hateful. We just wanted to let

full of grace. You guys always

people know Jesus loved them.

seemed really happy to me, in

And for me, personally, that’s

a real way. You guys weren’t

still a goal. We’re playing some

You’re not going to go play 311 shows. Yeah, yeah. But the short time we have to do it, I want to make it count.

CLARIFIED BY FIRE

DUSTIN KENSRUE’S AUTHENTIC FOUNDATION FOR SONGWRITING, ON DISPLAY WITH LATEST RELEASE, CARRY THE FIRE, EXTENDS HIS LEGACY By Collin Simula

Humans aren’t stupid. At the very

You’ve said that Carry the Fire

mic, “In the Darkness” almost

I like talking about “pur-

core of our being, there is a sense

is the proper follow up to Please

feels ’90s alt-rock, “Death or

pose.” There’s a very specific

of discernment that often speaks

Come Home, but you’ve put

Glory” is Springsteen-like and

purpose to the worship stuff,

louder to our hearts than our other

out a few records in between,

“Gallows” sounded almost like

and, because of that, there are

senses. We know when someone is

under your name as well as The

it could have been on Thrice’s

all sorts of blurry lines with

lying. We know when someone is

Modern Post. Can you explain

Beggars. Was that intentional?

everything else. Not even blur-

faking. We know when someone is

a little more what you mean

Did you set out to write a more

ry; that’s the wrong way to say

pulling the wool over our eyes.

about this being the actual fol-

diverse album?

it. Whatever I’m doing, whatev-

Ask any person about the artists

low up to Please Come Home?

I think I wanted it to be more

er art it is — I want it to be inte-

the love, the actors they admire,

It’s coming from the same

diverse. It also ended up being

grated with who I am and flow-

the people they align with — you’ll

head space. I don’t know. It has

the combination of two projects

ing freely out of that. Whether

find there’s one thread that will

a similar purpose in that it’s not

I was working on. Well, “work-

there’s a more specific purpose

run through them all. Our hearts

a worship record. That’s probably

ing on” is a loose term. I had

or not. There’s no hidden or

and minds are hardwired for it:

the easiest way to say it, to clear

two ideas in my head I ended up

larger purpose other than to

authenticity. We look for integrity.

up confusion. All of the worship

smashing together to make this.

create good music that I like,

We desire realness.

stuff is going to be “rebranded”

I was finding it overly restrictive

that I feel is important and will

Dustin Kensrue’s career has been

under The Modern Post at some

trying to say, “This is the folky,

hopefully connect with people.

defined by authenticity. The earliest

point this year. It’s the record,

Americana record and this is this

Am I thinking about who’s

albums from his first band, Thrice

in my mind, that follows up that

other thing.” I also didn’t really

hearing it? Always. And that

— who recently reunited after three

record. It’s a record I’ve been try-

have time to finish both proj-

doesn’t mean I’m making it to

years of being on hiatus — showed a

ing to make for a long time.

ects, so I ended up just deciding

please someone, but I’m aware

to combine them and see what

of the variety of the people who

happens.

will be listening to it, and that’s

man’s bare heart, sharing all of his doubts and struggles. Later in his

There’s still that heavy spir-

discography, we would see a mature

itual, Christian nature to the

Christian who isn’t afraid to talk

lyrics, but it doesn’t feel like

about the hard stuff.

an overt worship record. You

doesn’t feel like anything is

I think it’s an interesting ques-

can tell there’s a lot of person-

out of place. It’s just so diverse.

tion because it opens up this big-

al stuff in there too.

I think it works really well.

ger topic of what does it mean to

His

first

solo

album

—

stripped-down, Ryan Adams-style

going to affect the way I write a It

still

feels

consistent,

song.

folk album called Please Come

Yeah, I tried to describe it as

Thanks. That was one of my

be a Christian or live a Christian

Home — showed a different musi-

the difference between anything

concerns as well. How I was going

life. I think people make these

cal and lyrical side to the Thrice

else I’m doing and a worship

to make it all fit together? I think

false dichotomies — in their

frontman. It was one more overtly

record is the purpose for which

it came together in the end, but it

actions, their schedules, what-

Christian and more conversational

it’s written. There’s obviously a

was definitely worrying me.

ever — where they are going to

in nature. A few years later saw

purpose for corporate worship

Kensrue becoming a worship pas-

music that dictates a lot of what

Please Come Home had a lit-

people at different times. It’s a

tor at one of the largest congre-

you do — or should do, in my

tle bit of help from Teppei

lot of work and it’s disingenuous

gations in the country, an empire

opinion. This is just another solo

(Taranashi, Thrice guitarist).

and people can feel it. So I think

that was highly scrutinized and

record.

Any Thrice player cameos on

there’s a lot to be said for having

the new one?

an integrated approach.

crumbled very painfully and publicly in 2014.

Musically, it’s a lot more

be a different person to different

Nope, it’s all me.

That word, “integrity,” we use

With his newest album, Carry

diverse than Please Come Home.

the Fire, Dustin Kensrue provides

That record felt really stripped

You mentioned purpose. I

upright, but the root of that word

a more diverse and expansive fol-

down, and, even though there

understand the idea that cor-

is a oneness. This person is one

low-up to Please Come Home.

were some full-band songs, it

porate worship has a specific

person, not two people.

We were able to speak with him

was still you with an acoustic

purpose that’s very different

about his current mindset, surviving

guitar and a raw sound. On

from your solo material, but is

church drama and what it means to

Carry The Fire, I think of the

there any element of ministry

be authentic.

title track being more anthe-

to your solo material?

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

it to describe a person who is

Pure authenticity. Yeah. I want my music to have integrity in that sense. To be who

“WHATEVER I’M DOING, WHATEVER ART IT IS — I WANT IT TO BE INTEGRATED WITH WHO I AM AND FLOWING FREELY OUT OF THAT.” — Dustin Kensrue I am. So in that sense, there’s not

I think integrity has been a

many, including myself, for a

I just fostering emotionalism

really a separation between the

huge part of it.

time, to turn away from faith.

or am I really trying to connect people with Jesus?

worship records and this record,

I think another part is that

Has your faith been affected by

other than that “purpose” piece.

we haven’t really been a part

all of the recent events? What

It’s interesting because, aside

In the same way that if I wrote a

of any kind of... There are a lot

does music ministry look like

from any drama or dramatic sit-

marching song, it’d have a spe-

of bands who play the Christian

to you now?

uations, there are a million dif-

cific purpose, even though it’d

circuit who aren’t Christians. Or

still be what I’d write just as a marching song.

smaller

ferent ideas of what music in the

they play music that has noth-

church in the town I’m living in.

church could or should be. And

ing to do with their beliefs but

I serve every three or four weeks

I find myself being, like, I just

is just marketed a certain way.

leading worship there. I took a

want to go to a church where

If I were to describe your

We’ve never really done that. The

pretty long break from it, but I

there are no instruments and we

career based on your lyr-

closest we’ve come to that was

just started back up in February.

just sing some hymns (laughs).

ics alone — integrity and

Vagrant — our label, which is by

My faith — and this is not a judg-

Not that it’s right, but because

authenticity

the

no means Christian — wanted

ment on anyone else — my faith

it’s simple.

words that come to mind. The

to market some of our stuff to

wasn’t shaken at all.

early Thrice records seemed

Christian radio. We were like,

I feel like I’m wrestling with

It’s great to see you’ve found

to explore your spiritual jour-

“Sure, whatever.” That’s the

these really ambiguous or amor-

a new community and are

ney in a harder, more doubt-

most we’ve tipped our toes into

phous feelings about… I don’t

engaged. I’ve known too many

ful place. Some of the later

that world.

even know if it’s... It’s really

people who’ve gone through

about music in the church and

church splits or things like

would

records, it seemed like you

We’re

going

were thinking more about

I remember hearing a Thrice

serving in that way. It’s super

that, not on as grand of a scale

bigger theological concepts.

song on Christian radio here

hard to explain or even talk

as you, and barely come out on

Watching your spiritual jour-

in my city and thinking, well,

about. But that’s just starting

the other side alive, let alone

ney unfold through your lyrics

that’s

to come on, now that I’m back

still believing in anything.

and albums has been mean-

Completely

ingful and really unique. You

guard. But you’ve been able

I think a lot of it is me slow-

happens in a situation like that

don’t see that a lot.

to tackle some big theological

ly processing my time (at Mars

can be a good thing. Inevitably

Cool. Thanks man.

concepts and spiritual matters

Hill) and some of the negative

we see we’re putting our faith in

in a way that feels authentic,

aspects of the culture that exist-

the wrong things, and that can

not like you’re sneaking up on

ed there. But in a larger sense,

be clarifying.

someone.

I love the “big C” Church and

A lot people tend to feel duped when an artist doesn’t

kind

interesting.

caught

off

into it.

Yeah. I think anything that

I think not being part of a

I love the “little c” church and

“Christian” but lyrically feels

world that’s hard to understand

clearly see that stuff is found

ment

like it. Most of the Thrice

for a lot of people has been help-

wherever you are. But I’m excit-

plans in 2015. I know you guys

fans I know are absolutely not

ful in fostering good communi-

ed to be somewhere with more

are playing some festivals and

Christians, but still love your

cation, a conversation with peo-

transparency that’s not quite as

one-off shows, but are there

solo stuff — even some of the

ple from different belief systems

big of a machine.

any bigger plans? New music?

worship stuff — and love what

— or non-belief systems.

describe

their

music

point of view. Do you feel like you are in a unique position?

about

Thrice

teasing

Right now we’re just focusI understand those strug-

you have to say from a spiritual

There’s been a lot of excite-

Up until a few months ago,

gles. I was leading worship at

you were leading worship at

my old church and the culture

ing on playing some shows. But we’re really excited for that.

I think a lot of it has to

one of the campuses of Mars

of worship was so much more

do with integrity. When peo-

Hill Church (the church led by

about being emotional and less

same

Is it nice to be back in the

ple feel like someone has an

Pastor Mark Driscoll, who had

about real connection. When

those guys?

ulterior motive, even if that

a very public downfall over

we left that church and I start-

We actually don’t have very

motive is a good thing, it feels

the last year). A church falling

ed playing in our current com-

much time to practice (laughs).

disingenuous and turns a lot

apart leaves a person more hurt

munity, I started to question

So we’re getting it together at the

of people off. It puts walls up.

than one might think, leading

why I was even doing it. Was

last minute. It’s exciting, though.

room

jamming

with

THE CONFIDENT SIBLING SISTER SIN VOCALIST LIV JAGRELL IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE SEXY ROCK AND ROLL SINGER. BORN TO BE ON STAGE, SHE LOVES PERFORMING, IS FORTHRIGHT AND FUN AND HAS A PASSION FOR AUDIENCE RESPONSE. JAGRELL, WHO RECENTLY POSED FOR PENTHOUSE ALONGSIDE AN INTERVIEW ABOUT HER BAND, AND THE BAND’S WRITE-FOR-LIVE SONGWRITING HELPED SECURE THE BAND A COVETED SPOT ON MAYHEM FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER. A WORTHY VENTURE TO FULFILL FOR AFTER ALMOST THREE YEARS, HER BAND IS READY TO MAKE THEIR RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES

By David Stagg Photo by Helsingphoto

My first introduction to Liv Jagrell, the outgoing vocalist for rock band Sister Sin, was well before she came up over pizza at a conference table in Chicago. Sister Sin’s fifth full-length release, Black Lotus, came out in the United States late last year, but the band — a product of Gothenburg, Sweden, also home to metal gods In Flames — has finally started to gain major traction here in the United States. It’s due, in part, to the rapid rise of female-fronted rock. It’s skyrocketing. Bands like In This Moment, Halestorm, Sister Sin, Butcher Babies and a growing number of others have proven the listening public will spend their money both on the music and at the shows. Halestorm has already won a Grammy, and

vocalist Lzzy Hale’s contemporaries are in line to fill those nominee spots, spots once dominated by acts featuring male vocalists. There are cracks in the dam. For Jagrell, a woman both openly confident in her body as well as her persona, it is the positive aftershocks of women becoming more comfortable with being their inner self on the outside. It’s especially reflective in the rock and metal genre, showing itself true with more female-fronted bands being added to main stages at every major festival. Over lunch with Sister Sin’s label, Victory Records, in the tundra of the Chicago winter, they told me Jagrell, a supremely dedicated fitness fan, would be taking some shots in a controlled setting for an

interview running in Penthouse. Talking to Jagrell about the importance of individual expression was a mutual glass slipper; it was a great fit for some publicity for the band, but also a wonderful opportunity to talk about body image and the emergence of a new breed of leader. Jagrell, herself, one of those leading the way. But when the Penthouse news was released, it was mostly misunderstood Jagrell would be posing in a Penthouse pictorial in what was truly an interview about the band’s new release, similar to other ones in this magazine’s issues. The photo that ultimately ran with the interview was PG-13. If the misconception surrounding the inclusion of the band in the magazine led to judgment, it would be intellectually tragic, as she is one of the most self-confident females I’ve talked to about the modern role of women on stage. She follows her own formula 76

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

where the first step is vigilantly knowing and protecting who she is. The work she’s done both towards that goal, both physically and mentally, translates to her demeanor on stage. Even better, it translates to her happiness, regardless of what the air around her is filled with, and even when the modeling and stage lights finally dim.

taking charge in the heavy

I think a lot of people would

music scene. Back when you

argue you are the face of the

first started this thing in 2002,

band, either way, and you’ve

what was your goal? Did you

largely taken on a life of your

just want to play some rock and

own. Tell me a little bit back

get in some trouble?

when you were starting that

I started playing when I was 14

band, because I know fitness

or 15. I started my own all-female

has been very important to you

band. Actually, I forced my best

throughout your life. Can you

friend to have a band with me.

talk a little bit about that side

I wanted to be a rock star.

of your life?

That’s been my life goal since

It helps a lot. I run around the

I was 14 and picked up my first

stage very much. I need to be

guitar. I wanted to play music. I

in good shape. Actually, yeah,

wanted to play heavy metal.

I’ve been working out my whole

I had this female band for a

life. My father was a teacher in

couple of years with my best

gymnastics. I was brought up in

Where are you right now?

friends — and continued on to

movement. Your body is built

Right now, I’m actually in

some other bands in between —

for movement. I’ve done a lot

Stockholm, which is my home-

before 2002. I’d just moved to

of things. I played volleyball.

town. We play here tomorrow.

Gothenburg, and I put in an ad

I’ve done gymnastics. I’ve done

We have, like, one day off in the

in some paper that I was looking

dancing. When I found weight

city. I can go home and change

for a band.

training, I think I found my

some clothes, and then we play

Our former guitarist — not the

thing. I really wanted to be a

one we have now — he called

personal trainer. I was always

me and asked me if I wanted

interested in healthy foods. I’m a

Maybe take a shower, right?

to come to an audition for their

vegetarian. I figured out, in 2005,

(Laughs) Exactly.

band. Actually, he was the only

I wanted to become a person-

one that wanted a female sing-

al trainer and help other people also to get healthier lifestyles.

tomorrow.

Are you doing something

er. Everyone else in the band

special for your hometown

wanted the whole Motley Crue

show?

thing where a Vince-Neil-good-

And

you’ve

done

that

No, not as planned. It’s actual-

looking guy was singing. He

alongside all of your releases

ly just my hometown. The rest of

wanted a female, so he asked me

throughout Sister Sin. Is that

the band are from Gothenburg.

to come anyway.

correct? That is correct.

You have a very interesting

Smart man.

story. I think it’s very per-

So I did. They hired me on

Now your latest one, Black

tinent to a lot of our read-

the spot. They were like, “Hey,

Lotus, came out late last year.

ers, especially now that there

we want you.” I think I made an

Let’s talk about that. I want

are a lot of female vocalists

impression (laughs).

to know about the title first. I

“I WANTED TO BE A ROCK STAR. THAT’S BEEN MY LIFE GOAL SINCE I WAS 14 AND PICKED UP MY FIRST GUITAR.” — LIV JAGRELL

“I DID THAT BECAUSE I LIKE BEING IN FRONT OF THE CAMER A. I’VE DONE MODELING WORK. I’M NOT AFR AID OF BEING IN FRONT OF THE CAMER A. I’VE DONE A LOT OF WORK THAT’S EXTREMELY MORE NUDE THAN THAT.”

don’t know if you know this,

seems to be a very popular song

but the card-based game Magic

when we play.

I read books, and I watch some

done modeling work. I’m not

movies. I do a lot of reading when

afraid of being in front of the

I’m in the van. I love books. I’ve

camera. I’ve done a lot of work

You’re also going to join the

always been a book lover. I don’t

that’s extremely more nude than

(Laughs) I didn’t know. The

Mayhem Festival this summer.

have time when I’m home or

that. I picked my photographer

thing is, it doesn’t actually mean

Yes. That’s going to be awe-

whatever. I don’t have time, any-

myself, a female photographer

anything. We were thinking

some. I can’t really believe it. ...

more. The only time I have when

from Stockholm.

about what the album should

We’re really looking forward to

I’m on tour is when I’m sitting in

be called. I think it was Dave.

it. We need to come back to the

the van. I read books.

He’s good with words. He just

U.S.A. It’s been over two years.

put together those two words

It’s perfect timing.

the Gathering has a sought-after card called Black Lotus.

and said, “Hey, what about ‘black

We worked out the photos together. We wanted to have it to be a rock queen. That was the

Let’s also talk about some-

goal with the photos. Not nudity.

thing else that happened to

It’s not so much nudity. We just

lotus’?” The first songs we wrote

What are you looking for-

you recently. You got to be

wanted to have a feeling of “rock

were a bit darker than the songs

ward the most to from the

in Penthouse. I think a lot of

goddess queen” doing exactly

from the previous albums; we

United States? Do you expect a

Americans misinterpreted the

what she wanted to do.

wanted to have something with

pretty good response? Coming

news as you were supposed to

dark or black that would suit the

on the Mayhem Festival is

be in a spread for the magazine

I’ve seen the photo. It’s

newer music style. Also, we knew

going to be good no matter

when it was more of an inter-

nothing you wouldn’t see on

we could do something artistic

what. You’ve got a solid round-

view and you agreed to the

TV here in the U.S., which is my

with a black lotus. It doesn’t

up all around you.

picture. Can you phrase how

next question for you. I would

that lined up and about the

imagine you saw a wider gap

response you’ve seen from it?

in responses from the United

mean anything in particular.

I’m expecting a pretty good response. Of course, I know that

You might have inadvertent-

a lot of our fans may not be com-

ly gained a lot of Magic fans

Victory

States than you did in Europe

ing to Mayhem. It’s a festival.

reached out to me. They said

where there’s less of a stigma

without knowing about it. The

There are a lot of fans wish-

they

on that. Could you talk a little

album has been out for a little

ing we were doing headlining

with Penthouse before; several

bit now. What songs do you

shows, too. We are going to try

Victory bands have had inter-

Of course. We don’t have

enjoy the most from it? What

to squeeze in some headlining

views in Penthouse. Penthouse

Penthouse in Europe. We don’t

has seen the most response

shows in between dates. We’ll

had asked for an interview with

have Penthouse in Sweden. Most

from it since you’ve been out

see.

me since we were releasing a new

of the responses, of course, came

album. They were asking to do

from the U.S.A., both the posi-

What do you like to do most

one with the band, Sister Sin.

tive and the negative ones.

I think “Desert Queen” is one

to pass the hours? Do you write

Of course, since I am a female

For me, I hadn’t seen the

of the songs people react to most,

more music? Do you write lyr-

vocalist, they also asked if I could

magazine much. I didn’t know

and it is one of the songs I love to

ics? Do you paint? Do you do

consider doing some shoots for

exactly what it was. I was just,

sing. It’s a little different for me

anything else to keep your

them for the interview. From the

“An interview! I want to do some

to sing. With the other songs, it’s

brain active?

beginning, it was an interview.

photos!”

and people have been listening to it?

Yeah,

absolutely.

have

worked

together

bit about that?

not 110 percent all the time and

We are in our very, very, very

They asked if I could take sep-

I liked the interview very

very fast. I like to sing that song.

tiny little van. We have come to

arate photos for them so they

much. They asked good ques-

I can put more feeling into it. I

like nothing in that. There’s no

could have the rights to those

tions. There were no sleazy ques-

see the people like that song, too.

doing any music when you’re

photos. I did that because I like

tions at all. I liked the photos.

Other than that, “Say No”

squeezed together in a five-seater.

being in front of the camera. I’ve

That’s why I can be proud of

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

— JAGRELL

myself, even though I know it

done or never would have done.

I’ve had my troubles with the

as possible on this album. We

might not be the most tasteful

I’ve never been forced to do it. I

images of a female for a very,

feel like it’s been too long a time.

magazine.

have always used my body in a

very long time. It’s hard, some-

We felt a little bit that it had been

way to express things. That’s the

times, to be a female, especially

too long since we hit the road

way I am.

in music or show business. You

together. We will try to tour as much as possible.

Some people think it was wrong of me to do that. That’s their opinion. They can have it.

Some people are not. I have

know that people will judge you

I feel good about myself anyway.

much respect for Angela, for-

because of your looks and your

mer singer of Watch Enemy,

body. That’s been hard for me.

You were in control of the

who’d never done these things

We’re a live band. We live for the touring and the live shows.

I will not say anything else.

Our plan is to start working on

environment. You got to dic-

because

think

I don’t know how to get around

new songs and a new album early

tate a lot of the terms in which

it’s good for females. I really

that. I don’t have a good answer

next year.

it came out.

respect her opinion. It’s not for

to how we (can get) around

she

doesn’t

Yeah, exactly. When people

me. It’s not my opinion. I’ve

that. Since I’ve been older, I’ve

When you guys finally decide

tweet about it or the websites

always done the things I’ve

been accepting my body more. I

to go back into writing that

talk about it and say it’s wrong —

wanted to do.

don’t think anybody should be

new album, do you guys write

ashamed of their body.

now more — because you’re

then they get another response

If I use my body for it, it’s

because people are defending

my decision. It’s everywhere

me, etc. It’s good publicity.

today. You see naked bodies.

There’s definitely a maturi-

write more for the live show, or

It’s not only females. It’s males,

ty that comes with age where

do you guys still have a dream

too. Naked bodies and sex sells

you learn to grow into your

or an idea of the — like a con-

— a lot. You see it everywhere.

body and feel more comfort-

cept album. Are you guys say-

There’s nothing taboo anymore

able with it. It sounds like you

ing, “No, we’re going to stay

about it. Maybe it should be, but

matured on that level when

on the road. We want to get out

it’s not.

you were younger.

there. We’re going to write as

We have a saying: “All press is good press.” Exactly. I’m thinking that way. When you come over here to play Mayhem Fest and you see

Also, I think we should be

younger women that look up to

proud of our bodies. We should

you, could you speak a little to

five records in — would you

Definitely.

if we would play it.”

not be ashamed of it. I don’t

I don’t think that’s some-

us, actually (laughs). We don’t

body image and how that plays

understand why we’re ashamed

thing Americans are as used

plan so much. We just do the

a part in not only (your por-

of showing our bodies.

to. I don’t think that kids get

music that comes to us. We just

exposed to that as young as

write the music that comes to

trayal in) Penthouse, but also

I think the last one is more like

in the minds of young women.

I think a lot of that comes

they do in other parts of the

our minds and inspires us at the

For me, I’ve actually done

with the Western mindset,

world. A lot of times, we’re

moment.

modeling long before. I’m short,

built more on a more private,

thought that it’s off limits and

The only thing we know is we

so I’ve done alternative model-

buttoned-up moral projection.

bad — parents sleep in differ-

want to keep a certain sound so

ing, tattoo modeling, that kind

I am nothing like that because

ent beds until they’re older,

you can hear it as Sister Sin. We

of thing. I’ve done that for a very

I was brought up in a hip fami-

that kind of thing.

tend to get a little bit heavier

long time, before I even released

ly. I am nothing like that. I

a record. For me, that’s been one

think we should all be proud. It

of my professions, too.

doesn’t matter how your body

I do still want to still talk

do that, a little bit more heavy

It’s not hard for me to do

looks. You should be proud of

about Black Lotus and where you

and aggressive every record.

things like that. I don’t feel like

your body. Of course, it’s easy

guys are going with that.

Maybe the next one will be even

I’m doing anything I’ve never

for me to say.

Exactly.

every record. Maybe we get even heavier. I don’t know. We tend to

We are trying to tour as much

heavier. We’ll see.

LOST A NOW F BY JORDAN GONZALEZ

PHOTOS BY KELLAN DEY

AND FOUND

The guys from August Burns Red just don’t fit the metal band stereotype. Their haircuts are usually clean. They don’t wear makeup on stage. Only a few of them have tattoos. They dress more like they’re on the way to a college coffee shop: fitted jeans, crisp button down shirts or baseball tees and shoes designed for comfort. Perhaps that originality has partly led to their passionate fanbase. They’re not always cluttering albums with excessive chugging and 808 drops. So when the news broke the Lancaster, PA quintet were leaving Solid State Records — the only label they’ve ever known — for Fearless Records, many fans were worried of a fallout: Would they go soft? Abandon metal and fall into a money grab of mashup generic metal? Fans should rejoice: the iconic metalcore band’s sixth studio album, Found in Far Away Places, is not soft nor a sell out. The album is a musical expansion, and, as guitarist and primary songwriter J.B. Brubaker puts it, they don’t like “discs scratched in their metal.” But they do like violins and western-themed bridges in between heavy riffs and masterful guitar play. 82

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

2015 IS BURNING

“THEY SIGNED US BECAUSE

OF THE BAND WE ARE, NOT

BECAUSE THEY WANT TO TURN US INTO SOMETHING ELSE.”

more time in the hot sun. As an

that a lot of people view their

keep in touch with them. I mean,

artist on the tour, its not very

roster as being a lot popular,

we have a lot of back catalogs.

difficult from my perspective.

which it is. I can see why that will

We just felt like it was time for a

We don’t have to play a very

be concern to some people. But

new label. We talked a lot differ-

OK.

long set. We don’t have to get

Fearless is just another record

ent labels and we just felt it was

Yeah.

up early and unload all of the

label that’s going to be putting

time to make a switch, a differ-

equipment; we have crew guys

out our albums. It’s like if we

ent perspective on how to move

Right. Just wanted to make

that do that for us. And you have

had gone to some indie label. It

forward.

sure there’s not another way to

a lot of free time to hang out with

wouldn’t change our sound; it’s

address you for the interview.

other friends of yours. I mean,

just a different person to market

You can call me Master Shred.

there are always lots of bands

and distribute our records for us.

that we’ve been on the road with

They signed us because of the

your own record? It’s some-

OK. No.

(from a) previous tour, so it’s

band we are, not because they

thing that’s been popular, I’ve

(Laughs) I’m kidding.

cool to catch up with old friends

want to turn us into something

noticed, with a lot of bands

and stuff. It’s no cliché, but it’s

else. They were, “Here’s, here’s

recently. I was just curious if

We can do that, too!

punk rock summer camp for a lot

your budget. Here’s what we’re

that was ever anything that

(Laughs)

of people. So I personally think

going to do for marketing. Go

touched your minds?

Warped is a lot of fun, and I’m

make your album, and we’ll do

looking forward to it.

the rest.

You go by J.B., right? That’s usually how you go? I do.

That’d be hilarious.

No worries. Let’s get going. Why don’t you catch us up with

indie

record,

just

We definitely put very hard thought into that. There was a

Upon hearing the album yes-

time (where) that was definitely

The first thing I want to

terday, did you think it’s a drastic

the (route) we were planning on

touch on is the record label

departure from the ABR sound?

taking.

change.

I’m curious of your opinion on

Worst joke ever. I’m sorry (laughs).

Did you ever consider doing an

Sure.

that.

Ultimately, we decided that it made more sense to work with a well-oiled machine like Fearless

what you all have been up to. If When it first happened, I

I’ll be perfectly honest. I

Records than trying to figure out

(first) noticed (the) Facebook

thought it was ABR, is what I

on the fly how to do this our-

That’s right. Yeah. Well, cur-

comments: “What is this going

heard.

selves — which we’ve never done

rently, we’re at home where

to do? Are, are they going to

we’re doing a lot of stuff for our

lose their sound?” What (does)

new record, which will be com-

this mean for August Burns

ing out on June 30.

Red, for who you guys are?

I’m correct, your next tour is worked out, yes?

OK. Can I ask you a quick quesRight. Right.

tion, Jordan?

Doing the Warped Tour. Doing a follow-up tour on the main

Yeah, yeah.

stage. It’ll be our third time

Have you heard the record?

doing the whole tour on the main

I mean, I think so, too.

it before.

I’ve heard all your albums,

point in our career where we can

seen you guys live many times,

rest and let things happen. We

and it was good. It was orig-

still want to push very hard and

inal. Not to bring myself in

do the best we can to continue to

this, but I will say ABR is what

grow as a band.

We don’t feel like we’re at a

I heard. What we normally do for

I would consider you guys

new records, we kept our core

veterans in this genre and in

stage. We’re really excited to put

I did, actually. Yesterday.

sound and we tried some differ-

the field.

our record out on Warped. It’s a

I understand that coming from

ent things with different parts.

Yeah.

great opportunity for us to get

a (fan’s perspective) — and if

I don’t think anyone is nervous

in front of a lot of people, which,

I look back on how I thought

about a change. I don’t think

So how is the process of put-

you know, is the goal with the

things, then the record is right

you’re going to put in the record

ting out a record this time as

record coming out. We’re shoot-

before I really knew how things

and think, “Oh crap. It sounds

compared to you know, I don’t

ing a couple of music videos.

worked, something like this

like the new Pierce the Veil.”

know, your first few records?

Doing a lot of press and photo

would have been a bit of warning

shoots, stuff of that nature.

to me and to the fan of a band, as

(Laughs)

nerves, is it stressful, is it eas-

well. If I was a big fan of NOFX,

(Laughs) Something like that,

ier?

How is Warped for you guys?

you know, and they went and

you know what I mean? So it’s

From an artist’s perspective,

I feel like Warped is loved or

signed to Atlantic or something,

just a new catalyst for putting out

I’ll say there’s always nerves

hated.

I’d be like, “What the heck?”

our records.

Is it different? Are there any

when you’re releasing new material. We want people to like it,

Well, I can’t think of a bet(Laughs)

us. ... I love Warped. The crew

I know Fearless isn’t a major

positions have to get up really

label. I mean, it wasn’t that dras-

And Solid State’s great. No, we

thinking, “Boy, I hope people

early and unload and do a lot

tic of a change, but I understand

have no issues with them. Still

still like our band and like this

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

You all had been with Solid

you know. So it’s nerve-rack-

ter place than Warped Tour for

State for so long.

ing putting out a record and

new record.” It always seems

then these are prioritized as the

over the years. We did that very

done a lot of records, and it’s

like when you release a record, if

songs we’re going to try to use

similar process on Rescue and

hard to say, “The specific goal for

people aren’t feeling it, it seems

for the record.

Restore, but we have always had

this album is this.” We just want

an open forum for writing lyrics.

to write an album of really great

like your career is quickly entering a tailspin.

Now, basically, as we get to (this) lyrics stage, we’re work-

songs. I think that’s always been

We don’t plan to stop anytime

ing on about 12 songs total. And

Is there any song on the

the goal of ABR when writing

soon, so we want to keep putting

you only have one or two songs

album that’s special to you or

new records. We’ve never done a

out music our fans are digging.

left that need lyrics. Maybe they

that you like?

concept album or anything like

That’s why most of the nerves

aren’t fitting the vibe of the

Yeah. I have favorites. And,

that. It’s just been, Put together

come out. We need to see how

songs that are remaining. In that

if you were on the phone with a

as many great songs as you can

it’s going to be received. And

case you can dig a little deeper on

different guy in the band right

and let’s release them. That was

you know, fingers crossed, it’ll

some of the other sets of lyrics

now, you’ll have their favorites

certainly the process.

be received well. But you never

that didn’t make it in the top 12

and they will be different than

know until it will be out and

cut or whatever.

mine.

about.

But, you know, Jacob (Luhrs,

How, how was it working with Jeremy McKinnon, and

vocalist) takes all the lyrics and

Right.

Does the process of making

matches them to songs. And

I tend to lean towards the more

Jeremy’s an old buddy of ours.

it get any easier? You know,

flushes out all of those parts with

linear, almost progressive side of

We’ve been on the road with A

people say if you really love

replacement ones. Then we sit

things for a song. On the songs

Day to Remember off and on

what you do... Is it still hard?

down as a band, with our other

I like, my favorite track is track

since 2009. Actually, 2008 we did

We put as much time in this

producer, Carson Slovak, and

eight, which is called “Broken

Warped together, and we’ve been

as we did on any record. These

comb over everything they’ve

Promises.” It’s the longest song

doing stuff off and on with them

songs don’t just come out quick-

done

on the album. It has a lot of

for years, ever since. So he’s an

ly. There’s a lot of revision, back

their own opinion on how lyrics

almost jammy elements to it.

old friend. I guess he’s a fan of

and forth on chords, trying to get

should be delivered and come

I love the last song on the

ABR, and we’re a fan of him.

everything to stay in a line.

in and stuff like that. That’s the

album, “Vanguard.” It’s, I guess,

We were thinking about if we

I write all the music for the

most stressful part of the entire

the least heavy song on the

had clean vocals on the album,

songs, and then we bring them

recording process, critiquing of

album, and it also has a lot of

who would make the most sense?

together as a band. But we work

the vocals. We know Grant and

instrumental breaks and stuff.

So we asked him, and he was

on the lyrics and vocals last.

Jacob spend a lot of time getting

And, you know what? All the

kind enough to oblige us. He did

Basically, everyone in the band

the vocals in place where they’re

vocals are more melodic; it’s not

his parts in his studio down in

has the option, if they so choose,

really stoked. And then we have

just screaming. I guess the whole

Florida, so we didn’t actually get

to write lyrics. And then we pull

to go, “Wow. I don’t like that

song is kind of more of that tone.

together when we were doing the

all of those lyrics together and

part. I want you to redo it.”

But I really like that more tex-

tracking. But we did leave the

vocally.

Everyone

has

kind of randomize them, so you

We do a lot of voting. Should

don’t know whose lyrics you’re

that be changed? Is it good? A

reading.

lot of back and forth. But it ulti-

Was there any goal when

said, “Here’s your part, dude.

And then we read them. All

mately develops a better final

you’re making the record, I

You can write what you want.”

of them. And then we all score

product just from going through

don’t know, lyrically or musi-

Because, you know, he’s an art-

them, you know? A scale of 1 to 5.

that process.

cally? Or was it something that

ist, he’s a good writer and knows

kind of just unfolded through-

what he’s doing.

Our producers had input in this, as well, so we have some outside

Is that how you always done

perspective. And then we basi-

that process when you made

cally tally up and see what songs

an album?

were scoring the highest. And

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

It’s kind of warped into that

tured and dynamic stuff.

how did that come about?

whole section open, we gave him the lyrics of the song and then

out the process?

So he wrote his own lyrics and

As boring as it is, I think

his own melody, did the whole

it’s more something that just

section and, you know, it was

unfolded. At this point, we’ve

really cool to collaborate with

“I like taking the ‘no rules’ approach to our music, especially at this point. We started dabbling with that on Leveler and our fans were gracious enough to accept us for doing that kind of thing. It gave us more leeway and the confidence to do more things like that in the future, which I foresee us continuing to do.” — Guitarist J.B. Brubaker

him on that and to see how he

stuff, and I think doing outside

works.

the box stuff ... is really fun for

(Laughs) No, nothing like that.

career is Deafheaven. I guess they’re not terribly unknown at

us, especially after six albums,

I saw you and Brent were

this point, since their last record

That was good, I agree. I

to be able to branch out and play

on with Jarrod Alonge, the

got a lot of acclaim, but I think

think his clean vocals fit the

some different genres of music.

YouTube guy. I have to know

that band’s awesome.

song awesome. I heard violins

And just try different things that

how that came about. That was

again on the album.

you might not expect.

a funny, funny video.

Yeah.

There are not a ton of newer bands, especially in the metal-

I like taking the “no rules”

He hit up our publicist and

core world, I am gravitating

approach to our music, especially

wanted to do something with us.

towards. I’m pretty jaded on the

I can’t remember the name

at this point. We started dabbling

We came through Atlanta on our

genre as a whole, being in it for

of the song, but one had a

with that on Leveler and our fans

last tour. He came up with the idea

so long and it changing so much.

Western-themed

were gracious enough to accept

of doing a funny video where we

I don’t like to sing pop choruses

us for doing that kind of thing.

were basically pretending that we

and that kind of thing.

For the Western section (which

It gave us more leeway and the

were always in a Christmas band.

For heavy albums I’m excited

is in track six, called “Majors and

confidence to do more things

We had seen his stuff before and

for this year, the new Between

the Minors”) I couldn’t tell you

like that in the future, which I

knew that he was a funny dude.

the Buried and Me that’s coming

exactly where inspiration for that

foresee us continuing to do.

We improved the whole thing with

out in early July. ... I’ll men-

him, and started to really drive it

tion that we have a guitar solo

bridge.

Where did that come from?

came from or why we launched into that sort of thing. Ever since

It’s become your own lit-

home. We were maybe more dry

from Paul Waggoner of Between

we did “Internal Cannon” like

tle thing, you know? To have

than we should have been with it.

the Buried and Me on (our new

that on Leveler, I’ve been getting

these types of bridges. I think

It was a fun interview to do,

album), on the song “Everlasting

these sorts of questions. “Where

it’s really cool, too.

for sure. Very, very different for

Ending,” that ridiculous guitar

did that come from? Why do a

Thank you. I’m sure there’ll

us because we’re not generally

solo. That was really cool for us.

part like that?” There’s generally

be other people who will think,

known for doing comedy stuff,

Being longtime fans and friends

not ever a great answer. “Well, I

“That song was cool until you

I guess.

of those guys, I know it was real-

heard this. And was feeling this.

went into that part!” (laughs).

So... I wrote this western section” (laughs).

ly special for me personally. What

your

favorite

In all seriousness, though, I

up-and-coming metal or hard-

I didn’t realize that. I’d

It just came out. I was noodling

really do see that as a part of

core artist? Are there any new

heard the song, but I didn’t

around and I came up with the

you guys, and it’s cool I saw that

bands you’re listening to?

know that he did that.

backbone of the part. I fleshed it

continuing. I was curious if you

OK. That’s a hard question for

People are going to think

out and turned it into what it is

had gone to the desert for a year

me (laughs). One of my favor-

that’s me, and it’s totally not. I

on the album. I like that kind of

and had this revelation...

ite bands relatively new in their

can’t play that part!

“WE DON’T FEEL LIKE WE’RE AT A POINT IN OUR CAREER WHERE WE CAN JUST LIKE REST AND LET THINGS HAPPEN.” — Brubaker

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN A PHRASE MANY THOUGHT WOULD NEVER BE SAID: “THERE’S NEW EMERY MUSIC”

BY DOUG VAN PELT PHOTOS BY MATTHEW DEFEO

“We have, for this record, spent zero time in a room together.” — Matt Carter

their super-popular Bad Christian

exploding craft brew market, it’s

unwavering and even a dog-

podcast. Knowing this in advance

surprising to find a 30-something

matic belief in staying true to

made me feel comfortable going on

touring musician stuck on generic

Christian community. Why is

their bus, parked outside the Dirty

brand lights.

that so important to you?

Dog Bar in downtown Austin, Texas.

Talking to the multi-instrumen-

Carter: I guess we figured that’s

With their thick Southern drawls

talist Carter on the bus, he told me

the central thing. I mean, all the

and Everyday Joe aura, they made

why the band doesn’t do as well in

other stuff about Christianity

themselves approachable and don’t

the Northeast. “We liken it to the

is super twisted up — cultur-

put up much of a wall of mistrust

culture up there being really tough,

ally and commercially, even —

for media.

and they kind of see us as pussy,”

but the idea of being connected

I found a comfortable spot on the

he explains. “Like, we’re heavy,

to people is the most import-

bus; we engaged in small talk and

but we’re still sassy. Girlie. They

ant part. Everything else will

they offer me a beer. While I stay

like their metal purely aggressive,

come out of that. Maybe they’re

pretty up to date with their pod-

and we’re a fruity version of heavy

important, maybe they’re not.

cast, I should have known founding

metal.”

But if you have a tight-knit com-

The guys in Emery have taken

members of the band Matt Carter

honesty to a new level. They’ve

and Toby Morrell love their mass

made their faults, quirks and every-

market light beer. While most of

amidst

contro-

you would also learn from them.

day personalities accessible through

the United States is enjoying the

versy you’ve stirred up is the

You would also, naturally, gather

munity, people you’re involved One thing that stands out any

the

with who are open and honest,

with them. You could, natural-

body, then maybe everybody

you. Especially little kids. The

estly, right now, yes. But 10 or 15

ly, pray with them and worship.

would be disqualified, and we

point is to be careful, don’t lead

years from now I just might be

You don’t necessarily need all the

couldn’t have any leaders then?

somebody astray, but a sermon…

tired. There’s only so much you

institutionalized stuff.

That doesn’t really make sense.

We put so much weight into the

can take.

All the good stuff that’s ever

Morrell: I think most of us

word “sermon.” Is every action

We have conversations with

happened in our lives has come

would be disqualified. If you

I do supposed to be a five-point

people, and I’m not trying to

from the small community, more

really looked at our entire picture

hermeneutical exegesis on what-

convince them, not say, “This

so than the thing at large. I don’t

and our entire life, it’d be really

ever truth? That’s stretching it a

is what I believe,” but put it out

know if we preach that or if that

hard to be qualified as a leader,

bit far, so I would kind of resist

there to think about it, expand

just comes out, but that seems

but, at the same time, I don’t

it, too.

my mind a little bit just to see

like the overlooked thing. We’ve

want to think of myself as this.

Morrell: You can’t attain that.

— and you realize they just don’t

institutionalized

community

The Christian culture is really big

You can’t live by that. You’d go

get it. They’re not going there. I

somehow. We’ve almost reduced

on leadership. There are train-

insane, I think.

do believe there might be a shelf

community to when you’re with

ings and DVDs and conferences.

Carter: And whether or not

life on how long I can actually

somebody for an hour and a half

We heard one today: How to be

people listen to you? That’s for

take it and just go, “Well, I’ll

on Wednesday nights. You have

a More Effective Leader Quickly.

them to decide to listen to you

just keep my ideas to myself,

“church” and you have “commu-

People think, “I’m a leader, so

as a role model or something.

and I won’t push back as hard,”

nity,” and I think that’s a prob-

I need to learn some skills.”

“Leading people astray” is really

because it’s just too exhausting

lem.

(Leadership) is something that’s

abused, in my opinion, because

sometimes.

Morrell: I think for so long, on

kind of endowed upon you as a

it’s license to, in all things, be

We had this conversation the

both sides, people have thought

gift. If we are leaders, it’s noth-

conservative and careful and not

other day. People really don’t

that the supposed “good guy”

ing I did.

daring, not bold and not your-

want their ideas challenged.

does the right thing. Goes to

Carter: From our point of

self. You use “don’t lead peo-

It feels good when somebody

church, believes this, this, this

view, what we’re trying to do is

ple astray” completely as fear.

agrees with you. My whole life,

and this. I think that’s not the

not teaching or (being) leaders.

“So, therefore, don’t do this. Just

people just told me about Jesus

truth. Christianity, like anything

We’re thinking of contributing

don’t do it.” That’s what it always

and God and hell up until I was

else, is so vastly different from

some reality to the stream. Even

means. I’ll push back. Maybe I’m

about 15-, 16-, 17-years-old and

person to person to person, from

if there’s no way I’m qualified,

wrong, maybe I over-push, but

my grandfather quit preaching.

preacher to preacher to preacher,

biblically, to be an elder, pastor,

that’s what I think.

He was a pastor, and I went to

from church to church to church.

shepherd, overseer, bishop — I

We feel like our demograph-

can still talk about whatever I

One thing I love about what

he retired, my parent’s marriage

ic is really under-represented in

feel like on the podcast and peo-

you guys are doing with your

fell apart, and they quit going

the world. You can be real and

ple can listen to it. To me, it’s just

communication

to church because they were so

have questions and have your

talking to Toby and Joey and let-

including people in the con-

real personality, and it can be

ting other people listen. I don’t

versation. A lot of that reflects

I think there’s a point where

good and bad. It’s OK to express

need to count that any more seri-

youth and the mentality that’s

that’s just all you can take. I hope

both of those and not feel con-

ous than how I just described it.

his church my whole life. When

you’re

exhausted from it.

embraced by youth, to dissect

we would do that, but I don’t

demned or worried that your

Morrell: I guess, honestly, I

controversial subjects by hav-

know. It’ll be interesting to see,

image is hurt or something like

don’t think I am a teacher. I kind

ing an open discussion. How

for sure, to see how much energy

that. We need a savior, so why

of hope I don’t end up being that.

do you think all this trans-

we have.

do we care about our image? I’m

I don’t want to teach anybody

lates into old age? Do you think

Carter: I’ve always felt differ-

showing you why I need Jesus

anything. I’d rather we (learn)

something’s going to change

ent and opposed to the status quo,

with both the good and the bad.

together.

10 or 15 years from now?

so I can’t imagine that changing.

What do you do about the whole mentality of “being a

Carter: The Bible says not

Morrell: Like that Ben Folds

But how many conversations are

many of you should aspire to

5 song, where you turn into the

you going to have with this per-

teach. (Editor’s Note: James 3:1.)

man or something (laughs)?

son that’s mad that you cuss?

respectable leader” and the

Morrell: That’s funny. I had a

Carter: Are we a little behind

You say the word “damn,” and

“higher standards” put upon

pastor tell me once, “Everything

schedule? I mean, maybe I’m a

they go, ‘Oh, listen…’ You can’t

leaders in the Bible? How do

is a sermon. Everything you do is

later bloomer and doing things

even get to the meat of what it is

you wrestle with that in the

a sermon.” I don’t think I want

late. We’re pretty middle-aged.

because of a word you use!

grand scheme of things?

to believe that. I hope it’s not.

I’m 35; Toby is closer to 40. I

Are you asking, do you think

Carter: You don’t have to be

If that’s the case, then there are

mean, I’ve still got a lot of fire

our views will soften up or that

a leader. If you’re disqualified

sermons about, “Watch how bad

for trying to resist the system

our activity will wane?

from leadership biblically, you

I’m doing at everything.”

or do something different. As of now, I still feel aggressively

Will the flavor change? It’s

tion. Or I can hide the things

I get the point. I agree with

anti-the norm. The norm always

a very freeing, open envi-

that might disqualify me so I

you. What do you think? Do

drives me crazy, so I feel like it

ronment that you promote. I

can continue to be a leader, but

people look at you the same

always will.

wonder if you’re still going to

that don’t make no sense. If you

way?

should make that determina-

knew everything about every-

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

Morrell: Well, people watch

Morrell: I don’t know. That’s a great question because, hon-

have the same mindset. I don’t know the answer.

Carter: I just think I’ll be an

ing all the vocals in Charleston,

everything ourselves, so Matt

have made it different in that

equally unique old person. I

South Carolina, while Matt’s in

is needing to get a guitar track

order? Like, if we had made In

won’t be the same as I am now.

Seattle, Washington. Dave’s in

recorded, but at the same time

Shallow Seas next, and then wrote

But I’ll just be a weird, old guy.

Indiana.

he has to talk to a distributor to

Only A Man and recorded it, I won-

The frustrating part is I work

help us distribute the CD. And

der if we would have approached

hard on something and then we

then he has to talk to magazines

the recording and the arrange-

all listen to it together and peo-

to try to get the thing promoted.

ments differently? What if we

ple go, “Here’s my input.” I spent

With that being said, we’re also

wrote those songs now? They

Carter: I think it’s permanent.

hours on that part, so how do

doing our daily jobs. We’re doing

would still come out differently

Morrell: It’s a gift.

we go back? Then I know I allot-

the podcast. We have families

again — even the same songs.

ted this amount of time in my

and all that stuff.

I’m a weird 35-year-old now. I’ll be a weird 65-year-old. Morrell: So, your awkwardness will be a strength?

Let’s talk about the new album. Carter: I’ll talk about the crowdfunding part of it. That is

Morrell: That’s true. Carter: I would be interested in

schedule to do this, so if some-

Morrell: I was talking to Matt

thing changes, that means my

about this the other day. It would

schedule changes for when I get

be so fun to go back and just have

back home.

a month to be in the studio and

thought it was really neat and

seeing that, too. Morrell:

the

time,

so exciting. It’s so good to put

At the same time, it’s been

record. We did that. With The

creative. I think we might have

ourselves out there. We didn’t

really cool because I believe I’ve

Question, we wrote the record in

left some people: “I don’t know if

want it to be a cash-in thing,

really pushed myself (lyrically

one month and, the next month,

this is the band I’ve loved for the

where we just got a bunch of

and vocally) because it’s just me,

recorded it. It was very fast, but

last two albums? Is this Emery?”

money and said, “Oh cool, now

and I want to try and do some-

I would kill to have that much

And maybe it was too much for

we don’t have to worry about

thing really cool. So, “What does

time now. ... But now, with kids

them in the moment.

the record,” which crowd-fund-

Toby think is really cool right

and my life and everything,

I really love that record. I love

ing can be. With all the other

here?” and “What do I think the

everything is on us, so we have

that time. I love everything

stuff we’ve been doing with Bad

guys will think is really cool?”

to make all of the decisions.

that went into that. That whole

Christian and BC Music, we’re

Carter: It’s really adventur-

At the same time, we get to

time was great. Honestly, when

operating more closely to how

ous. Yeah, there are songs where

make the decisions. Nobody’s

I go back and listen to all of our

a real label operates. There’s

you’re just like, “Ah, classic

going to tell us, “Hey, you really

records, occasionally I’ll pop in

not just an independent band

Emery! This is so cool!” And

need this song to go first on the

The Weak’s End — or whatever

that puts a CD out and puts it

there are songs where you’re

record,” or, “This is your first

record it might be — I’ll play

on iTunes. We’re going to be

like, Man, I’m going to listen this

single.” Whatever we say is what

all of them, and when I hear

in stores. We’re going to have

one a few times and figure out

we get to do.”

that record, I go, man, this is

a distributor. We’re working it.

what the hell this is.

really neat. I love what we did

We have advertising, marketing

Dave Powell (drummer): It’s

If you knew then what you

on this record. Even with this

budgets and all those kinds of

been fun for me, because we

know now, how would your

record right now, that’s what I

stuff and publicity and we’ll be

tracked this album months ago.

career be different and why?

was kind of thinking. One of my

functioning like a full label.

When we tracked it, I didn’t

Morrell: I don’t know if this

favorite bands, if not favorite,

really

know how the lyrics were going

will be cred or cool, but I wish

is Weezer. I would love it if they

exciting to me, on the business

to go. ... It’s like listening to a

I could switch our record, In

wrote another Pinkerton. They’re

side, is that we were able to fund

new band for the first time. It’s

Shallow Seas We Sail, with I’m Only

probably not going to, but that’s

it independently. We’re going

kind of cool. It makes me think.

a Man. I don’t think people were

what I know about Weezer, and

That’s

what’s

been

to use that money to leverage

Carter: We developed a thing

ready for that record. If those

I want that to be Weezer. They

ourselves and put us in a posi-

where we don’t, at any point,

would have switched, it would

could each go to write differ-

tion where we can act like a real

really play together or rehearse.

have been a better transition to

ent records, but when I hear a

label. I’m really looking forward

That’s not really a part of the

get to that record. When that

new Weezer record, I want it to

to working the release and really

process. People ask a lot about

record came out, they thought,

be Weezer. I understand that.

trying to not just cash in on our

songwriting process. Ours is

Emery’s changed everything!

When they listen to Emery, they

2,000 best fans, but still push the

almost entirely digital, as far

What are they trying to do? I

want it to be Emery. Maybe, in

music out to new people.

as working independently and

think that would’ve been a

retrospect, it would have been

Morrell: This time, it was dif-

putting it together when we

smoother transition.

nice to say, “Let’s meet our fans

ferent because we all live all over

track drums. We have, for this

I have to understand a little

a little bit where they’re at so

the place, so we’re doing things a

record, spent zero time in a room

bit more where people are at and

they can move along with us.”

lot over the Internet. I work at a

together. At no point have we

meet them where they are and

Some bands are great at doing

church. I have a family — three

played the song together. Not

not just try to force what I think.

that. Some bands are able to

kids, a wife. And so to fly and

even once.

They can’t even understand it.

change their sound and people

They can’t even speak the lan-

are just (snaps fingers) — they get it immediately.

stay in Seattle for a month? I just can’t do it. I don’t even have the

What else about the album?

guage I’m speaking, like, even

time possible to do it, and we

Carter: It’s taken a lot longer

when we’re talking about the

Carter: I don’t know if some-

than I thought because we are

church or whatever. They need

body could accuse us of being

What’s been different and

doing it without a label. We’re

a transition to move them there.

self-indulgent. Yeah, we like

kind of cool is that I’m record-

doing it ourselves. We are doing

Carter: I wonder if we would

it, but what does that have to

knew that going in.

“We never thought about being here. I never thought I’d be a dad, late 30s, doing that on stage. That never occurred to me. We’ll play a show soon and Toby will be 40. It’ll happen.“ — Matt Carter

do with other people liking

nothing to complain about, but it

say, “What do you do?” and I say,

Powell: It’s less embarrassing,

it? Sometimes people do like

felt weird.

“Play in a band.” I’ll say, “I’m in

but, I feel like, if you just tell

the music business,” and they’ll

them what you are and you’re

say, “What do you do?” And I

confident about it, they’ll just accept it or not.

I’m Only A Man. The same with Pinkerton: maybe it’s a failure,

Morrell: That’s still part of that: It still sold great.

but there’s tens of thousands of

Carter: I’ll be glad if our new

say, “I play guitar.” They’ll say,

people who think it’s the best

album sells as much as that one

“What band?” And I’ll say, “I

record possible.

did.

play in a band called Emery,” and

Morrell: I say “really hard rock.”

It was a pivotal time for us,

I have one more detail that

they’ll either go, “Ah. There was

Powell: I used to say that, but

making that record and it not

I hadn’t really thought of that

an old band called Emery that

we’re an emo band. We thought

doing as well as we thought it

plays into this. We were at our

I used to listen to when I was

we were an emo band when we

would. That had an impact on us.

height right before that record

younger.” And I go, “Same one!”

started and then screamo came

I don’t know if we would neces-

came out. Everything was the

Morrell: Still going!

around. Now that’s 13 years old. I

sarily change anything.

most promising it could be. We

Carter: Or they’ll say, “What

guess we called it “screamo” for

Nobody owes us anything. We

were on a big tour. It was when

kind of music is it?” And I’m

awhile. I liked emo music. I still

thought at that time that people

Red Jumpsuit (Apparatus) was

sitting there with this business

like emo music, so I don’t mind

like what we do. I thought, “What

big. We were big and they were

man or somebody old — my age

saying it.

people like is what Matt does.”

really big and the tour was going

— and I’m just like, “Um, it’s

And then I was betrayed to find

super well. We had written only

heavy music.” I’m thinking they

out they liked something that

two songs for Only A Man, and

don’t know the genre. “It’s like

yourselves

I did, not whatever I do, which

we played them on that tour and

punk?” I can’t just tell them it’s

the podcast and doing living

is a mistake. I thought what-

they went over really well. But

screamo or something. They

room shows, your fans proba-

ever I make, they will like, and

that was because it was at our

won’t even know what that is. I’ll

bly feel like they know a little

it’s attached to me. But it really

best possible shows at our biggest

say, “It’s like punk, kind of hard.

more about you. How has that

wasn’t attached to me. The stuff I

possible time and it was super

It’s kind of heavy.” They’ll go,

effected your career?

happened to be doing at the time,

exciting. I think it gave us extra

“OK, cool.” It’s singing, scream-

Morrell: I think it’s helped. I

a lot of people happened to like.

fuel to think that album would

ing. It’s really awkward to be this

think a lot of people only get very

But they didn’t owe me anything.

be big. We were like, “Man, we’re

old. I always go, “We started this

brief interactions with bands

When I made something they

playing the new songs and peo-

band when I was 20, but we’re

that they like. Now, there’s a

didn’t like, they didn’t care.

ple are already going crazy. This

still going,” as if that’s an excuse.

little bit of cool celebrity or mys-

new album is going to be huge.”

It just seems embarrassing that a

tique where their hero is onstage

dad in his ’30s would be pursu-

and you can’t get to them.

How did that affect you?

Now

that

you’ve

vulnerable

made with

Carter: Well, we didn’t get

We spoke about each album at

ing screamo. It feels super weird

We’re just like regular dudes

rich. It prevented us from get-

length, but towards the end. Carter

to say that to people when I’m

with regular families and all that

ting rich. It hurt my feelings a

began to reflect on his sentiments of

explaining it to them.

stuff. I think people really relate

little bit. It gives you a little bit

middle age.

of anxiety. “Wait, you mean I’m

indie rock bands at home. Some

not in control of this? What if we

about being here. I never thought

of them know our band. A lot of

The thing I dislike the most

sell less? What if I can’t do this

I’d be a dad, late 30s, doing that

them don’t. I just gave up trying

is the idea of someone thinking

anymore? What are we going to

on stage. That never occurred to

to describe it.

highly of me because of this thing

do? Do we have to break up? Do

me. We’ll play a show soon and

I need to get a whole other job?”

Toby will be 40. It’ll happen. It’s

You thought you were in control

inevitable, but that’s not some-

Powell: But now it’s actually

body just because they think they

of something and you weren’t.

thing we foresaw or ever even

becoming popular again. It’s like

should talk to me, because I’m

It’s more existential. We still had

thought about.

a revival of music now.

famous. I think now it’s more like

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

never

to it, because they’re like me.

thought

a band. We still had fans. It was

Carter:

Powell: I work with a lot of

I tell people all the time. They

Carter: It feels like saying, “ska.” It’s a label that’s old, too.

Carter: A screamo revival!

That’s kind of cool.

I did on stage. That doesn’t feel real. I don’t want to talk to some-

they think they can make a joke at

my expense instead of just being

you are? That’s what most peo-

You could just accept these fans,

be really cool. We’ve toured with

in awe. They heard me make a

ple know about me? And I didn’t

and it’s this cool interaction you

other bands that could never

joke on the podcast about poop or

even write the lyrics.

can have. I remember when I

do that. They’d feel so uncom-

It feels way better for people to

could have conversations with

fortable or they have to have a

Carter: It’s completely reliev-

know stuff I think or stuff I say

hundreds of people that you met

certain look or something. We

ing. That’s one of the things

or if I’m annoying or not. That

at a show the day before. It’s

tried that before, but it’s always

about the podcast; that’s really

feels way better. It’s relieving to

kind of exploded beyond that,

backfired on us. We’ve tried to

the main goal. I don’t want this

know that more people under-

but social media has allowed it to

all dress a certain way or look a

to sound arrogant, but I want to

stand about me. It makes it more

where you can create a commu-

certain way, but that’s just not

be known by more people. But

comfortable.

nity with your band or your brand

our personality. We don’t care

or you. That’s real.

that much about it.

something.

known, not known about. A lot

Powell: I think with social

of people know about me, and

media, it’s almost natural for you

There is something to be said

We’re individuals in this band.

that’s uncomfortable. There’s a

to know more about people. We

for a “rock star,” that you can’t

We’re not just a sum or an entity

barrier there, and I don’t know

started with MySpace. I remem-

know this person. That air they

they can’t know or grasp. I’ve

who they are.

ber when we started our Facebook

have attracts people to them, but

always liked the bands like that.

Now it’s just relieving. People

and you had to go and add people.

aside from that, and especially

The bands we’ve toured with and

know what I’m really like. You

This was before you could be a

for us, being real with people

gotten along with are the same.

express yourself through a song

band. I had to go through and add

and our fans is really cool. We

Most people are just real, regular

with some poetic, vague lyrics

hundreds of people a day. “Yes,

like to wear stupid costumes on

people. It probably goes as far up

and that’s supposed to be who

accept!” That’s how it started.

stage and be dumb and not try to

as Kanye West.

H M • M AY 2 0 1 5

FROM THE HM VAULT

ISSUE NO. 143 APRIL/ MAY/ JUNE 2010 “FUNNIEST THINGS ABOUT EACH BAND MEMBER?” When asked to share something funny or quirky about each guy, As I Lay Dying guitarist Phil Sgrosso was quick to blurt out, “Josh (Gilbert, bassist) has a Creed tattoo on his leg. ... Nick (Hipa, guitarist) sometimes finds himself being open to be the one what we all kind of mess with. ... Jordan (Mancino, drummer) is pretty quirky, too. He’s got crazy O.C.D. Some days we’ll wake up on the bus and Jordan’s up front, cleaning the entire lounge. ... Tim (Lambesis, vocalist) is usually the dude stuck to his computer all the time, whether it’s school work, band stuff. He’s definitely the most organized member.”