E: Versus The Mirror is another top-quality hardcore band breaking out from Arizona... how do you think your style of music compares to a lot of what's been getting played in the popular music scene these days?
Gabe: I think the one thing that separates our music and band from a lot of the popular music stuff right now is our overall theme as a band. We strive to be creative, intelligent, and to not fit in with all of the stylized music there is today. It's been that way since day one. A lot of music lacks substance and we are trying to bring back music with a message and heart.
E: Is it difficult capturing poetic emotion in a sound that could be called loud and chaotic by those less accustomed to the hardcore scene?
Gabe: When less accustomed people hear our music, they most always think we are pissed off and are screaming about Satan. It's all about how open-minded a person is. Our parents don't necessarily jam VTM, but they know that this is our heart and soul. I think it's also different to hear a loud screamy band and then watch them live. They just have to understand that our music is our only creative outlet and that this is our main love.
E: How important is it to you that you find a way to sustain yourselves purely on an income derived from your musical career?
Gabe: Not too important. We really don't do VTM to make money. Most bands on labels don't really make great amounts of cash. Financial security is important to us as a band when we tour primarily. Making money at shows gets us gas, food, and shelter. I've always had a mindset of just making music, making memories, and making friends. Money also fixes the tons of equipment failures we have or will have.
E: How supportive have fans been to keeping the band's steam up?
Gabe: The fans have been amazing to us. They are what has kept us going over these years and we will continue to deliver honest music for them. We come from a small but very supportive music scene in Tucson, Arizona and they have been there from day one. It's kind of a team effort. We have done our best for them to put out solid music and they keep supporting us. We just get rewarded--meaning signed--so it's dope for all of us.
E: In what ways will the sign create a difference noticeable by fans?
Gabe: Us signing with a label just means that we will be able to get our music to all markets (towns, cities, etc.) and be able to play to all the places we couldn't play before. We are all going to stay the same as people, but it'll put a great deal of pressure on us to put out a great record for everyone. Anyone who knows us or has met us knows that we are goofy and that we appreciate everything.
E: Do you think your next set of recorded material will dwarf the progress you'd made prior to signing?
Gabe: Not necessarily. We are keeping a few songs from our CDEP for the first full length because we think it's strong. The label isn't pressuring us to write the hardcore record of the year. It (the signing) has made us step up as a band a bit, but we are writing and progressing together to the best of our abilities.
E: Would you say that you are currently at the point where you have been well-established enough as a group to be able to continue on your way without a lot of concern as to whether or not you'll be able to stay a group?
Gabe: To us, this is the beginning all over again. We've kinda graduated from unsigned high school and got into a good university and still haven't accomplished much. Everyone in the band gets along and we love each other. We know we aren't going to be the next Journey but it's important to us to enjoy what we have and do it to the best of our abilities. This is kind of our moment and some say that you only get one chance to chase the rock n' roll dream. Where we are in ten years doesn't matter to us, as long as we go day by day.
E: Well thanks a lot, and good luck... any last words before we close?
Gabe: Big thanks to Euphonia for the interview. Props to Sandshaw and the crew. Don't listen to bad music and go check a show in the future. |
