Tall Heights, a local folk duo, comprising of a guitarist and a cellist (both gifted with top-notch vocals) came in to the studio to perform the entirety of their new EP, Rafters, out now on their site, and stuck around for a quick Q & A with The Upbeat Alternative DJs (http://tallheights.bandcamp.com/album/rafters).
Tall Heights Interview by wtbu
Interview by Natalie Frassica and Sam Gwizd

Tall Heights, a local folk duo, comprising of a guitarist and a cellist (both gifted with top-notch vocals) came in to the studio to perform the entirety of their new EP, Rafters, with The Upbeat Alternative DJs. Listen to it below.
Tall Heights Session by wtbu
Interview by Natalie Frassica and Sam Gwizd

On Saturday January 14th, the Internet came to the House of Blues in Boston in the form of The Dial Up Tour. YouTube stars LiveLavaLive, MeekaKitty, Nanalew, Olan Rogers, and musical acts Alex Carpenter and Jason Munday took the stage to perform a set of comedy, dancing, and singing. Deanna Archetto and Beth Brodsky got the chance to sit down with Alex and Jason before the show and talk about how they got from behind the video camera to up on stage for a 17-show tour all across the US. You can find more information about Alex and Jason at youtube.com/alexandercarpenter and youtube.com/jasonmundaymusic. Tune into Internet Killed the Radio Star on WTBU to hear their music every week!
Dial Up Tour by wtbu
Interview by Deanna Archetto and Beth Brodsky

The local Boston rap juggernaut Retrospek has been challenging listeners to alter their perception of what “Boston hip-hop” really is since their inception in high school. Their sound is unique to them only, and, since their inclusion in the Boston Phoenix’s 2011 rap class, Retrospek has gained more attention from local and nationwide fans. Their electric influenced boom-bap production, provided by Rah Intelligence, is perfectly accented by the intricate and poignant rhymes of the two MCs, A. Spendcash and JuneLyfe. They came by WTBU’s studios to speak about their new found attention, video production, future products, and their influences in the ever changing rap world.
Retrospek In-Studio by djrapscallion

Interview by James Miller

Rani and Livia of PB & Jams interviewed Sam Siegler from Rival Schools about 90s bands, the hardcore scene, and Gene Simmons. Check out the transcript below:

Rani: Can you state your name, what you do in the band, and if you were a ‘90s band, who would you be?

Sam: Ok. My name is Sam Siegler and I play drums in the band Rival Schools. And…uh…’90s…if I was a band who would I be?

Rani: Or ‘80s if that’s easier. Or 80s and 90s!

Sam: Oh, well the ‘80s opens up a whole other thing! I mean, I don’t know…the ‘80s, maybe Keith Morris and the ‘90s maybe Kurt Cobain. Something like that.

Rani: That’s legit.

Sam: But still alive.

Rani: Oh yeah, that’s a good point. But Keith is still alive, he’s still kickin’.

Sam: He is, true.

Rani: Alright, what’s one band you guys listen to that people normally wouldn’t expect you to listen to?

Sam: Ummm, I don’t know. I mean there’s this band called The Witch, which is this band – I think they’re from Africa – in like the ‘70s. They’re kind of funky. I could be wrong on the ‘70s and Africa, but I think I’m right on that. But The Witch – really funky. In my mind it’s like these guys just got a hold of some Jimi Hendrix and just started a crazy funk psychedelic band and I think it’s pretty cool. And uh, I listen to a lot of Brant Bjork and Can, but I don’t know if those are too obscure.

Rani: I have not heard any of them, but I’ll have to check them out!

Sam: Yeah! Check them out, check them all out!

Rani: So you guys have roots in the hardcore scene, and I was wondering – what are some positive changes you’ve noticed over the years, and what are some negative changes?

Sam: All of us really came up in the hardcore scene I guess, like the mid to late ‘80s and the ‘90s and stuff, and in some respects it’s definitely changed and in some respects it feels kind of the same. I don’t totally follow it as closely as I used to, but I do see records of a new band or a t-shirt and it kind of looks the same or feels the same. And some of the stuff I’ve heard, you can see a continuity in it. For everybody it’s different I think. For me it was a magical time. It was ’87 and I was 14 or something like that, and I was just going to shows and there was a big mix of kids – like punks and skinheads and straight edge kids and non-straight edge kids – all at the same show, and it was all run by the kids. There was this record store called Some Records that we would all hang out at. You know, it was a real community and all that good stuff. And then eventually it went away because I don’t think these scenes can last. You know, any good thing can’t really last. It got really violent…it got kind of segregated, where the straight edge shows were just only straight edge kids, and the punk shows were only punk kids. In that way it lost a little bit of magic for me. But somewhere today I like to think it’s happening for somebody somewhere. I’m sure there’s some 12 year olds or 15 year olds in a basement somewhere just going nuts and having a show, and that’s how it started for me so that’s cool.

Rani: What’s one of the most memorable shows that you’ve been to?

Sam: Ah, that I’ve been to…these are all memory questions [laughs]. My memory is not that good! Um, I saw the Beastie Boys open for Madonna at Radio City Music Hall in 1984. Man, there’s a lot of noises here – it’s kind of exciting.

[laughs]

Sam: You can tell people are at like, a drag race. Hanging out and getting’ wild. But yeah, the Beastie Boys. I actually used to go to a lot of concerts like that. Umm, yeah, I don’t know…let’s go with that one!

Rani: Haha alright! Well this is kind of on a different note, but who are some writers or lyricists that you guys are influenced by or just really enjoy?

Sam: Walter writes a lot of the lyrics for Rival Schools, but for myself, I listen to a lot of different stuff. I mean, I guess Bob Marley is a real obvious one. A lot of reggae stuff is really positive, and some of the good hardcore stuff was really influential. I don’t know, I mean some of the classics like Crosby, Stills, and Nash…Neal Young, probably.

Rani: So you guys have obviously been in music for years. What’s one thing that you’re most proud of?

Sam: I love making records that document certain times in my life, so it’s always fun for me to look back at them and they’re all sort of special in different ways. I was really happy and proud of that first Glassjaw record that I played on. It was a really exciting time, I met my wife there, I met a bunch of new friends there, we were in a really beautiful studio, we made a cool record. I loved the stuff with Youth of Today. I thought that was a really important band. I thought it was a band that was on a mission, that had something to say at that time. So those stand out. And the first Rival Schools album, you know? I mean, I love them all, pretty much, in different ways.

Livia: What are some non-musical influences?

Sam: Well, I guess my family. My father plays drums, my grandfather plays drums – maybe that counts as a musical influence but they were really an inspiration for me. I grew up in New York City in Lower Manhattan and there’s just an energy there. You’re exposed to a lot, whether it’s food or people or music or cultures, and that keeps you open. Or at least for me, I was exposed to a lot of different stuff that I think shows – well, I hope shows – in the way I play.

Livia: Awesome! What is the driving shift while you’re on tour, and what do you listen to while you’re driving?

Sam: Recently on this tour we’ve been listening to a lot of comedy albums. A lot of Andrew Dice Clay. Yeah, different comedy things I guess. The Rolling Stones have been popular as of late. We’ve got two wonderful crew guys out with us who are driving, and uh, yeah…it’s good.

Livia: Do you feel like Rival Schools was a natural progression from your hardcore projects in the past?

Sam: I do, yeah. Even between that I was in this band called CIV, and CIV was sort of like, you know, another step more musically evolved maybe than sort of the real hardcore stuff. I played in Gorilla Biscuits in ’85 and Side By Side in ’87 and then Youth of Today in ‘87, ’88. Then you can see it kind of in Judge where we all kind of learned to play a little bit more. We learned there’s actual guitar leads, like a double bass drum pedal, there’s different things. And then CIV was a little more, you know, exploring some different musical stuff, and it evolved into Rival Schools for me. And for Walter you see it; he was in Quicksand, and you can see his progression. But yeah, that’s the point – it’s to keep moving forward, and it doesn’t necessarily mean get lighter as you get older, but just evolve, you know?

Rani: That’s really interesting, because now, in my head – I don’t know why this just clicked – but it makes sense. I don’t know, the musicianship, I guess…

Sam: Yeah, I read some tweet about our show in Buffalo I guess, and somebody tweeted “Just realized that Walter has been the soundtrack of my life for the last 15 years”. He’s a really good songwriter, and he wrote Gorilla Biscuits and CIV and Quicksand and you know, with other people, but he’s the main driving force behind that stuff. You can see how he’s evolved and how the band’s evolved.

Livia: Well, the last question is: What’s one question you’ve never been asked in an interview that you’ve always wanted to be asked?

Sam: Oh, like Gene Simmons – like how many women have you had sex with?

[bursts out laughing]

Livia: Exactly like that! That’s where we got it from.

Rani: Why don’t people ask that more often?

Sam: [laughs] Cause it’s only for Gene.

Rani: He is a character.

Livia: He’s always on Loveline, and it is the weirdest thing ever.

Sam: I love your Fantasia notebook. [to Livia]

Livia: Oh thanks, I try. [laughs] I kind of like Disney…

Sam: Disney’s alright. It’s popular, it gets around. [pauses] Awesome!

Rani: Well, that’s all we have for you!

Sam: Cool!

Rani and Livia from PB & Jams on WTBU had a chance to sit down and talk with John, from Balance and Composure.

Alright, so state your name and what high school superlative you think you fit under.

John: Ok, I’m John from Balance and Composure and I’m most likely to be president.

Alright! So I really dig Separation, and I know the response for it was great. I’m just curious to know if there’s anything you would change on the album now that you’re reflecting back on it since it’s been out for a little bit.

John: I mean there’s always things you wish you could change. Songs you wrote for it…just overhearing them and playing them over time, so that’s just natural. Really though, I’m proud of what it is. It’s our first full length, I think it’s really good. So yeah, I’m proud of it!

Nice! You’ve said that you’re heavily influenced by 90s bands yet you still manage to retain a sound that is unique and separate from a throwback band. Is this a conscious effort or just something that has come naturally?

John: I think it just comes naturally. I mean, we’re not always necessarily influenced by 90s bands; we just try to do something different and push ourselves and make something different sounding, be original of course. Um…yeah it came naturally I think. We don’t really try to sound like a certain band.

Well, going off of the 90s theme, when I listen to you guys I hear a heavy 90s influence. So I’m just wondering, what do you think is missing today that was present back then?

John: Well, this is corny but I think a lot of bands are missing the heart, really. It’s all about like passions and just like, expression and people are more focused on other things like girls, money, whatever comes with all that. And they don’t really put their heart into it – they just do what sells. That’s what ruins music. If you’re just…if you’re honest and genuine in your music then I think that’s the most important thing. I think more bands need to do that. I’ve noticed more bands…there’s like a scene right now, a lot of my friends’ bands doing a good thing. So it’s getting better, I think, right now. But there was a time when it was really worrying me.

Do you think your songs are more about giving listeners a message or do you think they create their own message with the words that you write?

John: I think they create their own message. But when I write songs, I’m not really thinking about the crowd or like, our listeners. It’s like therapy for me. It’s my feelings, and I’m putting them out there, and if someone wants to relate that’s cool but it’s mainly more focused on an outlet for me. When I write lyrics and play, there’s no overall message we’re trying to send. We’re just trying to, I guess, play shows and people sing along with us if they like it, really.

Alright, so this is kind of a joke question, but how would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

John: I’d lock myself in a room filled with burritos. I’d just stay there and bolt all the doors in and I’d watch zombie movies to learn strategies in case I ever had to fight one.

Nice. Is Zombieland on the list?

John: Yes, Zombieland is on the list. And Shaun of the Dead.

Oh man, I still haven’t seen it!

John: You need to see it, it’s great.

A lot of bands now are either sticking to one label or they tend to “label hop” as we like to call it. Do you think there’s a downfall in doing either one of those, or do you think it’s a good thing?

John: I don’t know if we’ve necessarily always been on one label because of our contract and we’re happy with what we have. But I don’t necessarily think there’s a downfall; it’s all about whether the band is happy with the label or not and if they’re getting the right treatment. So, it doesn’t really matter for the band – if they still make good music, great, but if they keep changing their sound for labels then that’s stupid obviously.

Are you guys planning any future splits with any bands?

John: Um, I don’t think so. I think we’re gonna start writing a new full length.

Mayday Parade released their new self-titled album on Tuesday, October 4! They will be on tour with There For Tomorrow, We are the In Crowd, and You Me at Six. Catch “You Had me at Nerd” on wtburadio.org every week! This post was originally on http://wtbuyouhadmeatnerd.tumblr.com/ .

Livia: So, congratulations on the new album. I should start off by saying that. [laughs]

Jeremy: Thank you very much.

Livia: So, you produced this album with the same guys who produced A Lesson in Romantics. Was the recording process different this time?

Jeremy: um, no. The recording process was the same. And, reason we went back to them was because we had such a fun experience with them the first time. They are very laid back.  You know and they’ll voice their opinions but if we don’t wanna do it they’ll say fine do it the way that makes you happy. They’re very laid back. We kinda bring across the ideas that we want. That’s one of the biggest reasons we enjoy working with them and love this album so much because it really is, you know just us doing it. Last album, the label had a lot of influence on it but this one is strictly just us.

Livia: Awesome. How does the song writing process work for you? Do you guys like compile the lyrics collectively as a band or does someone do it specifically.

Jeremy: Usually, we, for the writing in general, not even just for the lyrics, someone will come up with an idea and maybe just like a couple of chords with lyrics and if we think it’s good enough to work on we’ll take those chords and lyrics and work on it and try to branch it out to a full song. So, it doesn’t have to be a completed song. Anybody can come up with the idea. We all just work on stuff individually and then we come together as a group and we share with the rest of the band. You know, if we like it, we’ll work on it. And, then Derek will continue writing lyrics to it. You know change lyric, and the rest of the band will work on the music so, it’s kinda how it goes.

Brianna: How did you divide the backing vocals on this album?

Jeremy: Derek basically had all the parts in his head. He knew what he kind of wanted to have done as backing vocals. So he kinda knew what he wanted Jake to sing. So that was already planned out in Derek’s mind. We didn’t really see all that until we stepped down as far as vocal wise but for harmony and things like that, we got in the room and kind of picked parts that we thought it would sound best and just kind of threw them in there.

Livia: What’s your favorite song off of the new album? And, what’s the meaning behind it?

Jeremy: My favorite song is “When You See My Friends”. It’s about a relationship where it is a self destructive relationship that you know want it to go good but the entire time in the relationship it ends up going bad. You end up not being the person you want to try to fulfill the needs of you know the other person and the relationship the entire time is just continually crumbling on itself and it’s just about getting out of those types of relationships.

Livia: Great. I know bands such as Defeater are writing concept albums while other bands are pulling from personal experience. As Mayday Parade, do you pull from both conceptual ideas and personal experiences? Or is it more like one?

Jeremy: For the majority of the stuff, it’s definitely personal experience. Every now and then you know, this goes for all the records, every now and then we’ll develop a storyline for a particular song that we think is kind of a cool concept and we’ll throw a couple of those on the album but for the most part it really is personal experience. Past people we have dated, just things that are going on with our lives at the time

Brianna: So now, that we’re in October and the year is almost over, do you have a favorite album that’s come out this year so far?

Jeremy: I really like Manchester Orchestra’s album, new Dangerous Summer record that came out. Those are two on the top of my list. Obviously, a lot of our friends put out records that are really great. Every Avenue and A Rocket to the Moon and We are the in Crowd, so those particular albums I fancy I guess. [laughs]

Brianna: Favorite show. Whether you’re on the road or at home that you absolutely have to watch? Do you have one?

Jeremy: I really like Fringe. Can’t wait to watch the new season of Dexter, that’ll be great. I love the Breaking Bad series, it’s phenomenal. I heard they’re going to put out Arrested Development series, that got cancelled a few years ago. But, I heard they’re bringing it back for another season. So, I’m really excited about that.

Brianna: Definitely. Yeah, definitely.

Livia: What’s one question that you’ve never been asked during an interview that you’ve always wanted to be asked?

Jeremy: Um…I didn’t know I actually had to think about stuff. [laughs] Let me see…

Livia: You don’t even have to answer the question. You just have to come up with a question. But, feel free to answer it if you want.

Jeremy: Let me think…I don’t know. You come up with a question that you think I’ve never been asked.

Livia: Oh, man. Um… I don’t know.

Jeremy: It’s tough, isn’t it.

Livia: We’ve had the tables turned on us once before and it’s worked…I don’t know. This could be off the record, but I’m just curious, how you guys deal with fangirls. ‘cause I just  don’t know how you do it and I’m always impressed.

Jeremy: You can keep it on the record that’s fine. Basically, they just want to meet the band and have things signed. And, I mean if you do that they’re easy to, uh, I’m not going to use the word escape, because that’s the wrong word but, easy to please if you would give them some sort of  attention. And, if you don’t they’ll continue to follow you around until you do. So, it’s better to give them attention and you know, I’m not saying that’s a problem for us. We love going out after shows and signing stuff for them. We’ve been going out after every show, signing things for kids since the band started and we haven’t missed a show. And, you know they’re just looking to meet one of their idols. It’s like if you go and meet your favorite band and the lead singer gave you some attention that would be great. You do that and then they’re happy and then they’ll allow you to go off and go back to the bus or do whatever you were about to do. It’s not too hard, it’s pretty simple.

Livia: I just thought of a question that you might not have been asked. How do you feel about the whole Occupy Wall Street business? I don’t know if you get that many political questions.

Jeremy: No, we don’t actually. But, you know I think they’re trying to do something, you know, good. Their hearts are in the right place, I guess, you know. They’re doing it not just for themselves but, they’re trying to make a difference for everyone and I don’t know if it’ll work. Probably not. I don’t give them too much longer being on Wall Street before they all go home.

Livia: Yeah, I gotcha. They’ve been out there for three weeks. I don’t even know how they’ve done that. And, here’s the last question. I remember when you guys could only tour in Florida and couldn’t find any venues outside of the state and now you’re touring around the world. How does that feel?

Jeremy: It feels awesome. We actually do better outside of Florida than we did in Florida. It’s kind of a weird turnaround. We don’t really do so well in Tallahassee anymore. You know now we can sell out venues around the United States but we still can’t even have a sold out crowd in Tallahassee.  I don’t know if that has to do with the fact that we’re from Tallahassee and they feel like they could see us on the next tour or things like that. But, it’s awesome being able to do this and get to travel. Play shows that are you know, packed and do what you love.

Livia: Awesome. Well, that was all of our questions. Thank you so much.

Jeremy: Oh, thank you.