EastScene

EastScene recently got in touch with the boys of Florida’s The Almost to talk music, touring, and the much-anticipated release of their sophomore album entitled Monster, Monster, set for release Nov 3^rd of this year.

First off, who are you and what bands are you currently a member of?

I’m a member of the Almost and I also play with Captain Geech and the Shrimpshack Shooters.

When was The Almost first formed?

The Almost took shape in its very first baby-sized form, probably in late 2005 when Aaron just started writing stuff that didn’t necessarily fit the mold of Underoath.

What makes the music you guys produce better than the stuff that’s out there right now?

Studio musicians. When you hire the best, you get the best results.  Joking, I think we worked really hard on this last record, put every bit of ourselves into it that we could, and came out with a really good result. A lot of bands these days kind of phone their records in it seems like, “oh man, let’s make a sweet record, put it out quick, and go crazy live.”

Obviously with Underoath, there’s a message within the lyrics themselves that talk about the idea of something beyond a material world, something spiritual. Do you find yourself bringing the same ideas into when you’re writing with The Almost?

Of course. I think that if you’re a spiritual person, elements of your faith will be revealed through your acts, whether it be writing/painting/playing basketball/being a dentist.

What’s the hardest part of bring in two successful bands at the same time?

Well, Captain Geech doesn’t take up too much time for me. The Almost is really my first priority.

What inspires you personally as an artist?

I just love creating things. Whether it’s illustration or music, I love conveying ideas into something I can appreciate that doesn’t exist just in my mind.

Who’s your favourite band to tour with?

I really have a good time touring with Paramore. I love those guys. Our tour with The Used right now is super cool, too.

If you weren’t doing music right now, where do you think you would be?

I’d probably be illustrating children’s books somewhere.

How would you describe The Almost’s live show?

Like right under the level Kiss is at. Not AS much fire. Honestly, we just like to have fun, get the crowd stoked, and get a party going up onstage.

Best band tour experience?

A couple of years ago we played Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show on TV. Earlier that day I met Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath). If touring gets better than that, then I’m not going anywhere.

Worst band tour experience?

My first band (that included our drummer Joe) was driving to a show in our recently purchased van. We smelled smoke as we were driving and started seeing some come through the air vents. We immediately pulled over, and within about a minute, fire burst through the fire wall and completely torched the entire van. All of our clothes, CDs, fireworks, everything just gone. The seats were wire frames once the fire was put out. Crazy.

Some bands have certain habits that they form when they’re on the road. Are there any weird ones that you guys have, certain foods you have to have on the bus, etc?

Flatbread and hummus on this tour seems to be everyone’s favorite. It’s been a big cereal tour too; Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a real hit. We really know how to party.

Have you guys as a band noticed a change from Southern Weather (2007) to upcoming Monster Monster?

I think the songs are more fun to play live. I think as a record, it’s got a little more diversity to it musically. There’s big epic songs with strings, there’s songs that are more aggressive than SW, and there’s a cool little country-tinged song on there.

What should fans expect from this album?

A really entertaining album, beginning to end I think. I hope listeners will find some staying power with this one for sure.

Looks like you guys have a pretty solid tour schedule from now until around the end of November. Tour plans for the upcoming year?

As of right now, we’ll be hitting Australia in late February and into March, doing Soundwave Fest with My Chemical Romance, Janes Addiction, and Faith No More. Hopefully we’ll hit the US again in late spring or so, and then maybe do a little bit of summer touring.

SPEED ROUND

Last time you got a haircut?

Two years. I look like Crystal Gayle right now.

Best Halloween costume you ever had?

Dressed up as Gene Simmons when I was a little kid.

Most embarrassing moment with your parents?

Watched “Clerks 2″ with my dad. That kinda broke some serious ice.

Last pet?

I’ve got an awesome Boston terrier named Liam right now. Love that guy.

Boxers or briefs?

Boxer briefs.

Favourite tattoo, and its location?

I’ve got “Myrtle Beach 2001″ with the Chinese character for “party”

under it. That’s on my lower back, right over my butt crack.

Any special messages for fans?

Get Monster, Monster and start the party!

Fans can pre-order Monster, Monster on iTunes now.