O'Brother Interview

O'brother Photo Credit to Christy Parry

I recently had the pleasure of seeing O'Brother in concert along with Thrice and Manchester Orchestra. I had been listening to them for a while now but never realized this group is not only awesome, but they rep ATL. They have recently released a split EP on vinyl which is fantastic. Catch them on t our soon with Deas Vail in June, or make the trip to Cornerstone and watch them tear up the stage. Thanks goes to the Great Anton (anton dang,bass player and founding member) for taking some time out to talk with me...

How did O'Brother come into existence? How long have you guys been together?
O'brother started when mine and Johnny's old pop punk band broke up. We just wanted to start playing songs that sounded like the bands that we started getting into at that time. Bands like Colour Revolt, mewithoutYou, and Appleseed Cast. So O' brother started in late 2005 and our old singer left in 2007, found our singer, Tanner, and our third guitarist, Aaron, in 2008 and have been working hard ever since.
How did you get hooked up with Favorite Gentlemen Records?
O'Brother has been friends with Manchester Orchestra for a few years and when Andy and Jeremiah mentioned something about starting up a community based label back when we were a four piece, they wanted us to be a part of it and we agreed.
Can you tell me the inspiration behind your EP "The Death of Day."
We wanted to release something that was as close to a complete thought as we can. So it naturally turned into a concept record. Most of the songs have the same dark under tone and similar themes and refer to sleep and dreams and what not.
I'm a big fan of "Providence", can you tell me the story behind that?
Providence came from a sort of dream/daydream Tanner had after falling asleep at this church he went to. He thought that most of the people there were hypocritical and and only there for the social interaction, but realized that he had no basis for judging them because he himself was a hypocrite. So the conclusion was that he was just as wrong as everyone else. In fact, the only thing that is certain is that everyone is wrong, but being wrong is sort of the point.
How would you guys normally approach the writing process of a song?
We don't have a normal process for song writing, it's been pretty different every time. We're still trying to figure it out. Sometimes Johnny will write a riff and we'll build off of that, sometimes Tanner or Aaron has a whole song written out and will bring it to the band, sometimes we don't have anything and just jam for a while until it starts sounding good.
Any plans for a full length soon? Currently writing/recording?
We're hoping for an early 2011 release. We've already started writing songs and now we're trying to find a cabin somewhere and just go out there for a few days with nothing to do except writing. We'll see how it works out for us.
How is the tour with Manchester Orchestra and Thrice going so far?
It was going really great for us, but unfortunately it was cut short due to dire family emergencies. Please keep Dustin's father and family in your thoughts and prayers.
So what's next for O'Brother?
We're going out with some friends of ours, Deas Vail, in June. We'll be playing Cornerstone this year. Afterwards, we plan to write, record and continue touring like we have been.

Interview The Honesty

This is an interview with an awesome band called the Honesty. This group is currently made up of Tasha Gilbreath, Adam Jessamin and Mikey Davis (formerly of the Bigger Lights) and they are need of a fourth... The Honesty showcases some great pop-rock, with great male/female vocals. Not only do I like their music, but we seem to have very similar tastes in music we like to listen to. Go check out their new two song digital sampler available on itunes! Also check them out at MYSPACE.COM/HONESTYROCK.

Hey guy and girl, how is everything going?
Everything is great, thanks for interviewing us.
So when did you all officially begin this project?
We officially began this project in September of 2009.
How did you guys meet and decide to collaborate?
We met via myspace. Tasha contacted Mikey about singing after hearing some songs he had been working on. We met when Mikey was selling merch for Sparks The Rescue on the Manatour, and we've been working together since.
The few songs you have put out so far have been tremendous, is a full length album is the works?
We have an 8 song EP that is supposed to come out later this Spring of 2010.
So far, how has the writing process gone? Do you write together mostly?
The writing process for the EP was interesting. We had to write songs over the Internet, then take them into the studio to lay them down. Now we write together and have the luxury of bouncing ideas off of each other, which makes writing easier.
Any plans for touring soon?
We hope to start touring later this Summer or early this Fall.
Quick... top five favorite albums you are both inspired by.
The Almost - Southern Weather
Anberlin - New Surrender
Paramore - All We Know Is Falling
Mute Math - Armistice
Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew
You both have such powerful voices, who are some of your favorite vocalists you admire?
Mikey: Chris Roe of The Ataris, Aaron Gillespie of The Almost, and Jason Vena of Acceptance

Interview with Dia Frampton of "Meg and Dia"

This one is for Amanda, Park, Bill and Robert...and any one else who has jammed out to Meg and Dia with me.

I saw Meg and Dia open for the Spill Canvas at the Masquerade over two years ago, and both my friends and I were hooked. That following weekend I went to four stores to find their album "something Real", and Parker did the same. "Monster" got me pumped up before tests and I sometimes fell asleep to "Setting up Sunday." I was even more impressed with their newest release "Here, Here and Here" which was even more diverse than the first...

Lead singer Dia chatted with me briefly while in an Internet cafe in Bangkok, Thailand even though she was running out of minutes...Thanks Dia!

So what have you all been up to lately? Traveling. In Bangkok. Went to Seoul, S. Korea and are going to China soon. Mostly a pleasure trip, but also excited to learn about the business of importing and exporting to different countries. It is very interesting.
I really have enjoyed your newest release ("Here, Here and Here"), can you tell me a little about the inspiration behind this album? It is odd to answer a question such as that, since that was almost 2 years ago and it is hard to remember exactly what I felt, save for my journal. We have changed so much as people since then, just by travelling and experiencing different things, different relationships. It was, of course, very educational to be able to work with the producer we did, and to be able to work together as a band for such a long period of time, through the writing process, the rehearsal process, and then through recording.
"Here, Here and Here" is so diverse and composed of so many different types of sounds both vocally and instrumentally. Did you approach the making of this album with that in mind?

You can't approach music...with anything in mind pertaining to how you want it to sound. You just gotta let it go its natural path; you can't push it or prod it to be a certain way I feel. It always ends up being dishonest.
Can you explain how you all normally approach the writing of a song? ...you mean, how the song approaches me. Sometimes it comes when I'm watching a movie, or when I actually sit down and say 'I want to write a song,' or when I'm cooking Pasta.
Are you currently writing or recording? Writing, yes.
The "Black Wedding" video was outstanding, where did its inspiration come from? We wanted it to be visually stimulating. I loved the directors previous work, as well as the mood he created for the overall piece.
How it is traveling on the road with a bunch of guys? Pretty messy? They are cleaner than us.
What things do you look forward to on the Warped Tour? We enjoyed the company of our band and friends as well as playing The Gorge in Seattle.
Any great memories of Warped Tour you would like to share? It's all a big blur of days that run into each other. You become quite robotic...
Can you tell me one crazy story/prank that is most memorable from all of your years of touring? Meeting one of my favorite authors at a show and having him sign a paper for me. "House of Leaves"
Top three most influential albums...
The Avett Brothers: I and love and you

Tom Petty: Wildflowers

Miss Saigon: Broadway

Graham Colton Interview...

I recently had the chance to see one of my favorite solo acts out in concert, Graham Colton. On top of putting on a great acoustic performance, he has been very busy churning out a string of ep's this past year. His most recent EP is strictly acoustic, and somewhat incredible. I had the chance to speak briefly with Graham about what has been going on lately.

Just to let you know....Graham Colton holds the highest record for most consecutive appearances on a Mouser mix. That record is four. Kudos Graham. Kudos.

You just finished up a stint touring with Needtobreathe, how was the experience? Did you enjoy changing it up and playing acoustic shows?

Loved the experience. Nice to have a CD that's acoustic and offers a taste of the acoustic show.

Who are some performers that you look up and maybe have helped to shape your performance?

Adam Durtiz, Kevin Griffin, Tom Petty

You are a veteran of touring... what's the first craziest story about a fan or a big prank between band members that you can think of?

Definitely when Counting Crows put jalapeno seeds on my microphone.

How do you normally find inspiration for writing a song?

I find inspiration in anything and everything. I never plan for it to happen in a song.

What was the inspiration behind your new EP "twenty something"?

The inspiration was from the "in between feeling." In between adolescence and adulthood.

How does your writing process normally pan out? Do you normally sit down and a song flows out, or do you work at a song for a long period of time?

The writing process is always different. Never planned. It seems like the songs fall out of the sky.

How was collaborating with Howie Day on his newest release?

Howie is a great guy and an amazing artist so it was easy and a ton of fun to watch the song come together.

Are you hitting the studio anytime soon for a full length album?

The new full length album is almost finished and due out later this year.

What's next after this?

More touring, new album, more touring.

Poema Interview...

I found out about these girls via Purevolume and they are truly talented. This is due to three things...great vocals, awesome lyrics and lastly they rep Rio Rancho, New Mexico which is where Mousertime's Grandma lives. I got a chance to speak to these ladies about their new EP and upcoming full-length release on Tooth and Nail records...

So why such a cool name like Poema?
Elle: We really liked the way it sounded first of all, then we actually found out that if comes from a word meaning Beautiful Masterpiece in Greek so then we knew it was the perfect name for us.

I am very pumped about the new album, I am currently awaiting my "personalized" cd with much anicipation. Can you tell me a little about the making of the album?
Elle: It was lots of fun, and I'm very pleased with the way the recordings turned out.
Shealeen: We got to work with a producer who we've looked up too for years it was a dream come true!!
I'm a very big fan of 2AM and City boy. Can you tell me the inspiration behind those two songs?Shealeen: 2 am was just a funny idea.. it was alot of fun to write. City Boy was just about how pouring into someone else's life can actually be a blessing to your own life. I guess it's just about friendship.
Any plans for a full length any time soon?
Elle: We already have a lot of new songs we want to record so, yeah we're really anticipating the next album!
Did you all record in New Mexico?
Shealeen: Our demo was recorded here. Our Tooth & Nail album was recorded in Seattle.
What inspires you to write a song normally?
Elle: Just regular everyday things sometimes, and other times it's a specific situation. It depends
Do you write songs together or seperate?
Togetherrrrrrr!
How is the music scene there? Any sweet venues?
Shealeen: It's pretty cool. There are alot of bands here.. mostly alot of heavy bands it seems like. Elle: Yep there's some cool venues. We personally play at Warehouse 508 a lot.
How did you guys get hooked up with "Tooth and Nail"
Shealeen: We met an A&R rep on a tour back in November 2008. We showcased for them in January and they offered us a contract within a couple weeks!
Touring soon?
Shealeen: Yeah! We are doing a 3 week run with playradioplay in May. And there are other tour's in the works..
Any crazy/funny stories from the stage that you would like to share?
Elle: Ummmm... not really YET! haha

The Wedding Interview (Matt Shelton)...

The first time that I remember listening to the Wedding was at a listening station in a Family Christian Bookstore. I remembering purchasing their self-titled album by way of the chill factor. If I listen to a band or musician and a get chills...consider the CD bought. I can recall countless nights of jamming out to that album with some of my closest friends(shout out to Jordan and Rob). Whether in the car or in the shower, the Wedding could always get me pumped up.
Over the years, even through changes in their line-up The Wedding has continued to grow stronger, putting out one more LP("Polarity") and two solid EPs(Rumble in the South" & "The Sound, The Steel"). Last week I had a chance to speak with their current lead singer and former lead signer of one of my favorite groups Letter Kills, Matt Shelton....

So you guys have recently put out a very powerful ep called "The Sound The Steel". What was the inspiration behind the making of it?
Matt Shelton: "The Sound The Steel" was and is very important to us. It tells the story of the road we have traveled and are set to travel. It was a way of solidifying and uniting our purpose.
Were these the first official recordings including all current members?
Matt Shelton: Yes
You all have been through some tough times and many changes in your line-up, but you seem sound and seem so strong. What do you attribute this to?
Matt Shelton: We hold fast to the promises God has given us, we fight together, we fall together,we all recognize our desperate need for a savior. Life is hard, it beats us and throws us away, when you realize you aren't alone, it makes it a lot easier to keep going.

Can you tell me how the process the Wedding normally goes through in composing a new song?
Matt Shelton: We jam.
Any plans of a new full length? Are you currently recording or writing for it?
Matt Shelton: We have written a ton of songs. The bad news is we haven't found a label to release a full length at this time, but the good news is we are going to do a new EP on our own dime to hopefully satisfy our loyal fan base until we find a new home.
If so can you tell me a little about it? Like what direction you are trying to aim for? Any potential surprises?
Matt Shelton: It's rock n roll. That's all we have come to know and understand. We are so excited.
What can inspire a Wedding song to be written?
Matt Shelton: Anything real.
Who are some bands the Wedding truly admires/have been influenced by?
Matt Shelton: Blackstone Cherry, Thrice, Aerosmith, Rage Against The Machine, Andrew WK, Johnny Cash, Rolling Stones, Beatles and many more
Any specific album that influenced your music?
Matt Shelton: That's what you call copyright infringement.
Any chance you will be hitting the road soon for a tour?
Matt Shelton: May 2010 "It May Get Loud Tour"

Essential Songs:
-"Morning Air"
-"Say Your Prayers"
-"I-540"
-"Redeem"
-"Reveal"

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers Interview

About two weeks ago I went to see a show at Center Stage in Atlanta and one of the opening acts blew me away with their performance. That band was Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. Since then I have been listening to them nonstop. Every hook on their newest album "the Bear" is incredible, so you should most definitely go check them out right now at http://www.stephenkellogg.com/home.shtml. I had a chance to speak briefly with Stephen about inspiration and memories...

So you have been touring the nation with Needtobreathe...how has it been so far?

WE JUST FINISHED THE FIRST PART BUT WE STILL HAVE THE WEST COAST AND SOUTHWEST TO LOOK FORWARD AS WELL AS A FEW MORE MIDWEST STOPS...WHICH WE'RE THRILLED ABOUT BECAUSE I HOLD NEEDTOBREATHE IN THE HIGHEST REGARD AS MUSICIANS AND AS PEOPLE. I'M INSPIRED NIGHTLY BY THEM.

I love the new album "The Bear" and I am curious as to how you approach your writing process as a band?
IT'S ALL ABOUT FINDING THE SONGS, LETTING THEM GET OUT, NOT BLOCKING THEM, TAKING THE TIME TO HEAR THEM AND MAKE SURE THEY'RE AS GOOD AS THEY CAN BE. WE HAD A BUNCH OF SONGS THAT WE WROTE TOGETHER, SITTING AROUND THE LIVING ROOM TALKING ABOUT WHAT IT IS WE WANTED TO SAY. THE LYRICS ARE THE HEART OF ALL THE SONGS WE MAKE...
What makes this album stand apart from previous albums?
ONE OF THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCES IS THAT WE STAYED WITH IT MORE. WE FELT THAT THE RECORDINGS WERE CLOSER TO WHAT WE ACTUALLY SOUND LIKE (OR AT LEAST FEEL LIKE) AS A BAND. THERE ARE SOME VERY ORGANIC MOMENTS ON THE BEAR...AND THE PROCESS OF MAKING IT AND WORKING BEYOND DEADLINES, JUST CAUSE WE FELT IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO, ETC...THAT TOOK A NEW LEVEL OF DISCIPLINE (WE HAD MADE THE RECORD BEFORE IT IN LESS THEN 2 WEEKS)...
What was the inspiration behind "Oh Adeline"?
SHE'S 2 AND A HALF AND CAN STOP MY HEART WITH HER SMILE.
I heard you guys were recording in various studios for the future album, any particular reason for that? Trying to capture different types sounds, or are you just trying to find the right home to make your next album?
THE LATTER...JUST LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT SITUATION TO MAKE ANOTHER RECORD. YOU NEVER HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT ANYBODY IS GOING TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU DO-GOOD OR BAD...SO WE ARE JUST LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT 'SITUATION' WHERE WE'LL HOPEFULLY BE BEST SET UP TO MAKE MUSIC THAT TOUCHES PEOPLES HEARTS.
You all put on such a fun show. Are there any performers that have influenced your act, or that you have modeled yourself after?
THIS WILL PROBABLY BE HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT IT REALLY IS A COMBINATION OF 80'S METAL ACTS (WHITESNAKE, TESLA, CINDERELLA)MIXED WITH ROOTSIER ACTS (,TOM PETTY, JOHN PRINE, RYAN ADAMS)THEN MIX IN SOME GRATEFUL DEAD OR ANY BAND THAT TOTALLY VALUES THE EXPERIMENTATION. I KNOW IT DOESN'T ALWAYS MAKE FOR THE 'TIGHTEST' SHOW, BUT IT KEEPS IT REAL...AND I DON'T KNOW..THATMIGHT BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST ASSETS WE HAVE GOING FOR US.
So you are preparing for your 1,000th show, which is an awesome accomplishment! Can you share at least one crazy prank story or fan story that was memorable?
THIS ISN'T CRAZY, BUT IT WAS FUNNY. MY MOM WAS MOVING AND ASKED THAT I COME BY TO GET SOME THINGS OUT OF THE BASEMENT.I FOUND ALL THESE SUPER DATED VESTS THAT I HAD WORN IN HIGH SCHOOL...I SAID TO GOOSE 'LETS WEAR THESE TONIGHT." (WE WERE PLAYING THE ELECTRIC FACTORY IN PHILLY AND THERE ARE REALLY BIG SCREENS ON THE SIDE OF THE STAGE THAT DO CLOSE UPS). LIGHTS GO DOWN TO GO ON AND HE GOES ON STAGE, I SLIP RIGHT OUT OF MINE SO HES STILL WEARING THIS GOOFY VEST AND OH MAN I WAS LAUGHING SO HARD I DON'T THINK I GOT A FULL LINE OUT IN THAT FIRST SONG.

The Swellers Interview...

I recently went to see Motion City Soundtrack at the Masquerade and was completely taken away by the opening act, The Swellers. I had read some really good things about this band in their amazing review by AP magazine, but it still did not do them the justice that they deserve. There performance was filled with such energy, reminiscent of legendary punk bands like NOFX and MXPX. The lead singer's voice was punk, yet very melodic. I highly recommend seeing these guys in concert and picking up their newest album "Ups and Downsizing." I had the honor of speaking with their front man Nick Diener about the new album, their history and upcoming European tour...





So you guys are from Flint Michigan, how is the music scene there?
Nick:It was seriously great from our inception in 2002 till around 2006. It seemed to have died with the loss of the all ages music venue there,the Flint Local 432.
How long have the Swellers been together?
Nick: Almost eight years now.
Was the band chemistry immediate, or did it take some time?

Nick: Since the core members are my brother and myself, we have always had pretty good chemistry and can read each other well. Our other members have adapted to our style, though, and its a great fit.
I heard you immediately started recording demos after playing a few times, is that correct?
Nick: We recorded a demo after four days of being a band. Played our first show five days after that. Got right down to business!
I recently saw you in concert and you have amazing stage presence. Who are some performers that the Swellers have modeled themselves after/ been inspired by?
Nick: Bands like Weezer, Foo Fighters, and the Get Up Kids were all huge inspirations for me. Punk bands like NOFX and No Use really helped us figure out our live show. A Wilhelm Scream, too.
Can you tell me a little about the upcoming over seas tour?
Nick: All we know is we are playing some big shows with some really big bands like AFI and Sum 41. It's our first time over there, too. Can't wait to check it out.
Is this the Swellers first time traveling abroad for touring purposes?
Nick: We have toured Japan once before. Three years ago. It was unreal.
How do the Swellers normally write music?
Nick: My brother Jonathan, our drummer, and I write everything. Music first,then arrangement, then lyrics.
What inspires you to write a song?
Nick: It just happens. We are a band, so it's our job. Its all we do.
Are you currently writing and recording for the next record?
Nick:Writing a ton. Can't wait to hit the studio, but that wont be for another year maybe.
How has it been having such well respected/critically acclaimed album this past year(Ups and Downsizing)?
Nick:We had no idea it'd be this well received, or that it'd be coming out on Fueled By Ramen. Very thankful for both.
Any particular favorites on "Ups and Downsizing"?
Nick: I think my favorite songs are Do You Feel Better Yet and Fire Away.
I saw that the Swellers are on the "Take Action! Volume 9" album, how did that come about?
Nick: It is something we have always wanted to be a part of. We got a hold of them and they were very into the idea of having us on the compilation.
Top five albums you are into right now...
Nick: All five of Nada Surf's albums. Or the first five Weezer albums.
Any advice for other hardworking honest bands trying to get signed?
Nick:Just make music. Make it sound good. Play it well live. Play live. Alot. Everywhere. Most importantly, don't suck.

Welcome....

So....

As many people know, music has always been a great passion of mine. I have been looking for an outlet and so I have decided to start up a blog highlighting some of my favorite groups and musicians. There is nothing I enjoy more than getting one of my friends hooked on someone's music, in turn being the middleman between the musicians great songs and new listeners. I hope that this blog will shed some light on the music that I love and how it came into existence...

Thanks for reading....


-Mousertime