Interview with This Side Of Town

Hey Guys this week I was joined by Melanie Dawn Ast the lead vocalist for Vancouver based This Side Of Town. The band consists of 5 members, Melanie (Lead Vocals), Ryan Fournier (Lead Guitar), Jennifer Lai (guitar), Connor Krawelitzki (Bass, Backup Vocals), and Chris Kavanagh (Drums). Recently they released their first ep titled #TheStreets and as highly anticipated as this album was, it delivered with nothing less than what would be expected from TSOT. One word simply summarizes this album, and that word is AWESOME. I will post a link at the end to where you can purchase their EP on ITunes. So here we go.

ITS -So you guys just released your brand new ep #TheStreets at your ep show that you headlined, explain that experience. 

 

Mel -"It was a really interesting experience for us. We’ve technically been working towards releasing the EP for over a year now but due to complications were set back more than once. Overall though, I think the whole experience helped us grow as a band both musically and as friends. There were some rough moments (especially towards the end) where we were all pretty touchy but we made it though and are probably a lot closer as a group because of it."

 

ITS -Why the name #TheStreets?

 

Mel -"It started out as sort of an inside joke among us that caught on with friends and fans throughout twitter and facebook. So when we were looking for a name for the EP it’s the only thing we felt fit." 

 

ITS -So recently you had a new member join the band (Ryan), what does he bring to the band that you wanted to have?

 

Mel -"A pretty face? lol no, I’m kidding. I think what was most important to us was the level of commitment that he was able to offer in terms of touring and longevity with us as a band."

 

ITS -What songs are your favourite off the EP individually and as a band?

 

Mel -"As a band I’d say we like Be My Escape the most. It’s uplifting and catchy with musical variation as a whole. Individually we like: 

Mel – My Life

Jen – Back Again

Ryan – My Life

Connor – Back Again

Chris – Be My Escape"

 

ITS -2014 is no doubt going to be a big year for the Vancouver music scene, what plans does TSOT have for the next year?

 

Mel -"We’re planning on playing many many more local shows this year and heading out of town for a tour or two! In the next little bit here though we have The Cellar Launch Project coming up in February which looks like it will be an awesome experience for us and in March we’ll be out of town for a show or two as well."

 

ITS -Final question. What is your dream concert lineup that you would love to be in. (Headlining or opening)

 

Mel -"There are way too many bands we love!!! It would have to be a massive music festival for sure but Paramore and Tonight Alive would have to be a part of it."


Well thank you so much again for taking the time out of your busy schedule and talking with us. If you want to join TSOT on what is sure to be their remarkable journey to stardom here is their Social Networking information.


This Side Of Town
Twitter - @TSOTBand
Youtube - TSOTBand
Facebook - This Side Of Town

Melanie Ast - Vocalshttp://twitter.com/ThisSideofMel Jennifer Lai - Guitarhttp://twitter.com/ThisSideofJen http://www.youtube.com/Xxjen831xX Chris Kavanagh - Drumshttp://twitter.com/ThisSideofChris Ryan Fournier - Guitarhttp://twitter.com/ThisSideofRyan Connor Krawelitzki - Bass/Backup Vocalshttp://twitter.com/ThisSideofConor http://www.youtube.com/connorkrawelitzki Also here is the link to purchase #TheStreets off ITunes -  http://bit.ly/1ePvGxF And for a look of what is to come music video wise here is a cover they did for Breakdown by Tonight Alive. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO0KScnNzbQ

Interview with Chase Your Words

Hey guys just real quick before I get to the interview with Chase Your Words, I just want to say I appreciate all the support I have gotten from you guys. It is you that motivates me to keep doing this. So this week as I previously stated I have Chase Your Words joining me, CYW consists of Chris Siglos (Lead Singer, guitar), James Songalia (Lead Guitar, vocals), Curtis St. Louis (Bass),

Alex Johrden (Drums). Many bands have their own inspirations of coming together and doing what they love. In this instance Chris got the amazing opportunity to sing "Dear Maria, Count Me In", a hit by All Time Low, with ATL on stage in Vancouver. Then they were mentioned on a twitcam by the band 5 Seconds Of Summer, after that, their fan base exploded. and are becoming one of the quick rising great bands to come out of Vancouver. ITS - How did you come up with the name CYW? James -  "I was just jamming out and listening to “Lights Out” by a band called We Are The In Crowd, and I heard “So chase your words with your tongue, ‘cause you can’t avoid me now.”" ITS - You guys have been together since February and recently played your first show opening for The Faceplants how was playing your first show? Chris - "It was rad! We got to share the stage with two amazing local bands, GreenTree, and The Faceplants. Since this was our first show, it’s awesome how welcomed we were! There were quite a few people who seemed to want to get closer to the stage, but overall it just felt incredible to actually play in front of people instead of the usual acoustic twitcam show we’d put on." ITS - What was the inspiration behind writing your first single Under Attack? Chris - "It was originally written about my ex-girlfriend, but it just became a whole lot more than that. Putting up with that for two years and then getting dumped on Christmas eve? Not cool. That’s mainly why I wrote the song. There wasn’t any intent to make the song come off as sexist or crude in any way. Under Attack isn’t just a song for guys either. The idea is that you shouldn’t have to ever put up with bullsh*t from anyone. We’ve had some." ITS - Now it's no secret that All Time Low is a big inspiration of yours what other bands inspired you to form as a band? Chris - "Well, to give you a list (in no particular order) blink-182, The Story So Far, A Day To Remember, The Maine, Neck Deep, Real Friends, State Champs, Mayday Parade, Man Overboard, Go Radio, and many other bands. Of course, most people would listen to our currently released iTunes singles and say “What?! How could Chase Your Words be influenced by these bands if they sound NOTHING alike?” (We’ve heard similar words). The answer to that is simple. Expect something new in 2014 from us." ITS - How would you describe the pop-punk scene in Vancouver? Chris - "It seems like there’s more of a pop scene in Vancouver than there is a pop-punk scene. Lately the shows we’ve been playing have been with more of the pop-rock/pop artists. We have yet to play with more pop-punk bands, and we’d very much enjoy being more involved the pop-punk scene. On that note, there’s not much for us to say about the pop-punk scene in Vancouver." ITS - Final question. So what can the fans expect out of CYW in 2014? Chris - "You can definitely expect new music before the summer. We’re working hard on making new material, but we’re also working hard on breaking out the local music scene and we’re want to tour across Canada (and hopefully before the end of the year, the USA)." If you want to follow CYW on their journey to superstardom follow them on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter youtube.com/ChaseYourWords facebook.com/ChaseYourWords twitter.com/ChaseYourWords twitter.com/ChrisYourWords twitter.com/JamesYourWords twitter.com/CurtisYourWords twitter.com/AlexYourWords Also check out their 2 singles Under Attack - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMSyjUGgTPE , ITunes - http://smarturl.it/UnderAttackiTunes You And Me - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHaTzk4kyls ITunes - http://smarturl.it/YouAndMeiTunes

Interview with The Faceplants

Alright guys so this week I was joined by Dan Botch of The Faceplants. The Faceplants are a band based out of Coquitlam BC and has 5 members Dan Botch (lead vocals, guitar), Garrett Ward (lead guitar, vocals), Matt Genereux (bass, vocals), Graham Mackinnon (keyboard, synths, vocals) and David Fox (drums). Back in 2012 FP release their self titled EP which included their party song Last Night. 2013 was a big year for them as they did 2 tours in western Canada in 2 months. a little unknown fact about one of their tours they had a show in Prince George BC for the first time and played a show for 700 people. one of their biggest shows yet. To help them spread the word of themselves in the local area they have been playing to a younger audience playing at local Middle Schools providing amazing and upbeat music to the younger fans. So with that lets get to what Dan had to say.




ITS - How did The Faceplants form and how did you decide on the name for the band?




 
Dan - "I would say, The Faceplants as you know us now, formed somewhat around 2 years ago, but like most things you can predate it. Garrett (Guitar) and I were friends all throughout elementary school all the way through high school, and one day decided to both take up instruments. We started jamming and covering songs and finally summed up the courage to start writing our own material and play local shows. Those “beginning” years were extremely nerve-racking, but they we're amazing. The idea of being in a band, the thought of playing music to a crowd of people, it just drew us in. We've been hooked ever since. I'd say probably Grade 10-12 Garrett and I
were heavily influenced by ska and reggae music, and a lot of bands in that genre have crazy wild names (Reel Big Fish, Toasters, etc.), we thought “The Faceplants” fit. It stands out, it's different, so it works."




ITS - So 2013 was a pretty big year for you guys, what were some of the highlights.








 
Dan - "2013 definitely has been our biggest year yet. A ton of personal hallmarks and milestones. Some highlights include touring across Canada, performing for radio and TV, meeting new faces and gaining new and amazing fans throughout the process. We also got a new drummer! (David Fox). However cheesy it sounds with every month that goes by we find ourselves more inspired than the month before. Meeting new people, playing songs to a new crowd who has NEVER heard you before, and seeing how they react. (One of my favourite feelings ever). We are a strong band, and I believe it has really shown this past year. Looking into the beginning of 2014, we're constantly thinking of new ideas, writing new and better songs, and getting one step closer to our worldwide domination."




ITS - So you guys released an EP that was produced by Tommy Mac of Hedley, explain how that connection came about and your experience working with him.


 
Dan - "The connection came about quite organically and super easy! A simple phone call! We had a meeting and afterwards we we're confident that he'd be the right choice in taking those songs to where they had to go. He's a down to earth dude and did a great job."




ITS - So explain the idea behind the music video for Last Night. It looked like it was a lot of fun to do and a messy experience.


 
Dan - "The song is pretty straight forward. It's a party track! We wanted to shoot a video that captured that, nothing more. It's an energetic and kind of an ADD video, hopefully was a good match for the song! And yes, very messy..."




ITS - Now you guys have experienced some success as an unsigned band from Vancouver, with it already being a challenge for bands to make an impact the way you have what advice do you have for those bands?


 
Dan - "Even though The Faceplants are still a relatively “new” band, and don't really have the “authority” to be in the position of giving hard advice, I can say this, no matter who you are or what you do, a musician, a dancer, a professional wrestler, it's all about putting in the hours. Working, writing, and developing. Starting a band is exactly running a business, so instead of creating “Apple” computers you've created “Band X”. You now have to work your butt off, build your brand, and put yourself out there. I've spent A LOT of time thinking “Who are The Faceplants?” and trying to find our identity. You do that by writing songs, and playing shows. You need to know who you are and what you do and do and be able to do it almost to the point of agnosia, because once you get in front of people, they are going to pick you apart and make up there own version of who you are. You need to get out there, don't give a care what people think, and do you. If you're good, people will notice."




ITS - Who inspires you as a band and as individuals?


 
Dan - "Man, everything inspires us. Literally. I know it's the most cliche thing to say “Oh well each member comes from a different background so our inspiration comes from a wide spectrum”, but that's more than 100% the case with The Faceplants. We've got Garrett who's into the Top 40, Graham who comes from a more classical and oldies background, Matt loving Jazz and funk, and Dave who's a straight hard rock dude. Personally I find inspiration in everything. I could be listening to a punk track and for some reason have the inspiration to write a soaring Pop hook, or be laying in bed thinking about my day and a “catch phrase” will pop into my head. Inspiration is RANDOM and it cannot be forced. I often like to go for a good bike ride and clear my mind, sometimes that right there is the most inspiring."




ITS - Final question. What can the fans look forward to from The Faceplants in 2014?


 
Dan - "Tour! We will be touring as much as possible. Our main objective is gaining fans the proper and original way, playing shows. We will be back in the studio in the spring... THAT'S RIGHT! We will be recording a new single and will be releasing and pushing that for summer time, so keep your eyes open. We are really focusing on putting on a real “show” for people, and we all believe that is so paramount for bands, being great live. Putting everything you got into a show and hitting people with it. If they don't like it or get it, so what, you've done your best, and I guess that ties into #5, always do your best. Put out the best material, record the best songs, put on the best show, and guess what, you will be the best."




 
Thank you very much Dan for taking the time in doing this, I'm sure the fans will be looking for to Faceplants 2014. If you want to follow The Faceplants on social networking follow them on


 
Facebook- facebook.com/TheFaceplants
Dan Botch
David Fox
Garrett Ward
Graham Mackinnon
Matt Genereux


 
Twitter- @TheFaceplants
Dan - @FPDanBotch
David - @FPDFox
Graham - @FPGMack
Garrett - @FPGward
Matt - @FPMattG


 
Instagram-
Dan - fpdanbotch
David - fpdfox
Garrett - fpgward
Graham - fpgmack
Matt - fpmattg










 


Unfortunately I'm not able to post the video here this week due to some technical issues with the site but here is the link for The Faceplants song Last Night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61a9InQWTYE

Interview with Halfway To Hollywood

Hey guys so this week I was joined by Brenden White from Halfway To Hollywood or as all the Hollywooders call them HTH. HTH consists of 3 members Grant Walker (lead vocals, guitar), Brenden White (vocals,Bass) and Roman Zugarazo (drums). 2013 was certainly a big year for HTH becoming the first and only unsigned recording artist to win 5 nights in a row on Sonic 104.9's Sonic Spin-off with their single Unbelievable and being inducted into the spin-off hall of fame. They also toured across Canada with Take Me To The Pilot. Their newest EP titled Party Like It's Prom Night was released in March of 2013 and topped at # 17 on ITunes' Canadian Pop Chart within hours of being released. With 2 EP's under their name 2014 will surely be a year to follow HTH on their journey in the music industry.

ITS- So explain how you came up with the name Halfway to Hollywood.

Brenden- "Grant and I were trying to come up with a name for the band and during the process of recording our first demo (the speechless EP) we would say "we're Halfway to Hollywood" anytime we had a good idea or performed a good take of whatever.  Eventually it kind of hit us that maybe that should be the band name!

As far as what the name means?  Basically that we're all Halfway to Hollywood in some way or another.  When you're in the process of working hard and following your dreams, you're "halfway to Hollywood""

ITS- Who are the biggest influences to you as a band and as individuals.

Brenden-"I think we're all fans of bands like All Time Low, FTSK, The Cab, MTrench, Hedley.. stuff like that!  We're really trying to develop our own "sound" right now though and really trying to break any sort of mould people think we do/should follow!"

ITS- Recently you were on the Sonic Spinoff for your song Unbelieveable, and it was retired in the HOF describe that experience.

Brenden- "It was honestly just amazing seeing all the support from all of our fans and friends.  We honestly didn't realize that many people wanted to see us win and would help us achieve that.  Being the only unsigned band to win the Sonic Spinoff five nights in a row is a pretty great feeling and we hope we can translate that to some more success at radio in the future. :)"

ITS- 2013 saw you tour with Manitoba's Take Me To The Pilot what was the best part of that tour?

Brenden-"Obviously playing the shows was a ton of fun.  Those guys are a GREAT band and we have so many great things to say about them.  They are really good live and super chill dudes.  They helped us out through a few tight spots and we can't say enough about their professionalism.  Life long friends i think.  we still talk quite often and have been sharing demos and stuff of new music we've both been working on.  wish those guys all the best in 2014 :)"

ITS- 2014 seems like it's going to be a big year for bands in Vancouver, what can the fans expect from HTH?

Brenden- "Well we're doing another tour in Feb/March... some dates have been announced and you can find them on our FB.. more will be announced soon.. possibly some cities we haven't played before so stay tuned! And we're also working on new music for a new EP.  We have one song completed and as I speak Grant is tracking guitars for a second song which may be a single in late January. We will be releasing to radio soon and may need everyone's help again for the sonic spinoff <3"

 

ITS- And finally if you had an artist or band you would was to collaborate with who would it be?

 

Brenden- "It'd be pretty rad maybe to do something with the Faber Drive boys.. we're pretty big fans and it would be an honour! Whatcha think guys? haha:)"

 

Well Thank you very much Brenden for taking the time to do this interview. If you would like to follow HTH through their career follow them on social media.

 

Facebook-

Grant Walker

Brenden White

Roman Zugarazo

Halfway To Hollywood

 

Twitter-

Grant Walker- @halfwaytogrant

Brenden White- @halfwaytobren

Roman Zugarazo- @halfwaytoroman

@halfwaytoholly

 

Instagram-

Grant Walker- @halfwaytogrant

Brenden White- @halfwaytobren

Roman Zugarazo- @halfwaytoroman

 

Youtube- Halfway To Hollywood

 

Also check out their website for future concert dates and more up to date information www.halfwaytohollywood.ca

 

And Now here is their most recent single Unbelieveable.