E: Anchors For Arms is a band out of New Jersey who released their Angst Into Energy EP about a month ago... how long had you guys been together before you decided to seriously record?
Ryan: We've been a band for about two and a half years. When we started out, we were just recording little two- or three-song demos for our friends. But as we kept playing and things got more serious, we decided to go and really take this recording seriously. So we booked time at Nada Studios in New York. It was amazing.
E: Were you planning on making this CD your solid, promoted debut, or were you considering just doing a test-the-water release to see how the scene would react to what you've been working on?
Ryan: From the beginning, we all decided to really bust our asses for this recording. We want this EP to open eyes and ears and we're going to doing anything we need to do to make sure we do that. But we also want to stress that these songs are just minor examples of what�s coming ahead. We're very excited about our new material.
E: Did the number of album sales meet your expectations?
Ryan: Well we just released the EP only about three weeks ago, but it's been selling pretty nicely at shows, and on Smartpunk.com we're like #26 in top CD sales right now. So that's pretty cool. We're just going to keep promoting it like we have been and hopefully kids will take notice and spread the word.
E: In your opinion, how a band should choose a producer for their debut album, as opposed to how they should choose one for their second or third release?
Ryan: Well it depends on the band. We are the type of dudes who like to do a lot of things ourselves, so when it comes to our music, we like to keep full control. But we do love outside input, so working with John [Naclerio] at Nada was easy. He didn�t try to change our sound or anything... we couldn't handle that. But yeah� some bands prefer producers, so it just depends on the band.
E: Do you think that as making music becomes a more accessible hobby, with it being easier for broke kids to do, more and more bands are starting off comprised of young musicians than in past years?
Ryan: Oh yeah, definitely. I started playing music with Chris and Kenny back in like� 8th grade. I think it�s awesome that so many kids are starting bands when they�re so young. Music is an amazing thing to create and play.
E: How does achieving fans through touring compare to fans through an album release?
Ryan: Well getting fans through the live show is, in my opinion, a much more reliable and lasting connection. When you see a band live, it�s on a much more personal level and the music is much more raw and moving. Plus, we're a live band... we'd rather be on the road than in the studio� but the studio is still a kick ass time.
E: How do hometown fans help on a national level instead of just within their flyering zone?
Ryan: Well I wouldn't even consider us on a national level yet. They are a big help in the New Jersey scene. Our hometown fans have really helped to spread our name to their fans in other towns� our hometown fans are awesome. Randolph represent.
E: Thanks so much! Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Ryan: Thank you guys for being so wonderful and interviewing us. Listen to our music. Come to a show. Spread the word. |
