20 Questions with Rising Tides

With their new 4 song EP out this week, Rising Tides will be making their first ever tour this March with their framed photo of Clint Eastwood to envelope you in a wave of sound of real music.

Tell us about the name of the band. What were other names considered for the band?
Ryan Came up with the name. We were trying to think of a name that implied hugeness, something that we felt fit with the sound of the band and the vibe of the music. I'm sure we ran through quite a few names before deciding on Rising Tides, but I honestly can't remember any of them.

So with the name in place how did you become a band?
It was an odd and laid back process. Ryan and I had been friends for awhile, and had discussed doing a project together, mostly for ourselves. We started jamming together and put together the songs that are on the EP, along with a few others, and decided to record them. We liked what we were doing so much that we decided to play a few shows, and invited Brad to play guitar and our friend Ken to play bass. The shows went really, really well, and in September of last year we decided that this would be our full time band. Ken was a little busy with life things and his day job, so, he gracefully bowed out, and Steve joined us on bass, he had recorded the EP, and was already hanging out with us at shows, so, he was a natural fit.

On your myspace you have a one line bio that reads “Headlights shine, lead designs in winter skies.” What does this mean collectively to you all as a band?
It's a line from "the floor says hello" It was put up in lieu of a bio, because we felt that everything we needed was in the vibe and sound of the music. It's my favorite line in the song, to me it's just about the cold gray damp weather that we're living in all the time.

How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you before?
That's a hard one. I usually find it hard to try and describe what we sound like. People usually connect something new to something they know, so, I usually throw out the names of a few bands that people have said we remind them of. Or, "loud melodic, sometimes spac-y rock"

Who would you say are your major influences?
Lots of late 80s and 90s music. Smashing Pumpkins, Failure and Swervedriver are all big influences on me personally.

So we guess your first EP will be dropped on February 26th and it’s kind of a big deal. What can you tell us about the process of recording it? How long did it take you to write and record it? How many tracks are we looking at?
The EP is really a teaser for the next record, that will be out in early summer. There are four tracks on it, and were some of the first that Ryan and I wrote together. Those came together pretty quickly, and the recording process was involved, but, relaxed at the same time. We ended up doing a lot of production and arranging in the studio, as opposed to just going in and laying down tracks. We'd record basic tracks and then listen to them and Steve and Ryan and I would talk, discuss Ideas, figure out what we felt the song needed or didn't need, and then go back in and lay down more tracks, the pre-production demos, especially of "the girl who loved aeroplanes" sound much different than the final tracks on the EP.

What is your favorite song on it?
I keep going back and forth between "aeroplanes" and "the floor says hello"

What can fans expect from this EP?
Really, it's an introduction to Rising Tides. We kept it at four tracks so people could get a sense of who we are and what we sound like, without having to get real deep into a full length album. I think it's a well put together little record, and that people who dig it will end up being excited and ready for the next record.

What is it that inspires your lyrics, and is there one particular lyric that means the most to you?
I think I quit writing songs that are about specific things a long time ago. I tend to draw from memory, from what I see or hear, or just a particularly good line, and try to sort of paint a picture as opposed to telling a story. To convey emotion and imagery, but leave the lyrics open enough to allow for personal translation. It's not something I really try and do on purpose, just the way I write. It keeps me interested in the lyrics, because the meanings I attach to the songs constantly change depending on what's going on in my life.

After two cd release parties you’ll be hitting the road for a tour throughout March to Oregon, California, Nevada, and Utah for the first time. How are you all feeling about this? Excited? Nervous? Indifferent?
Oh, all of us are really giddy. It will be Ryan's first long tour, so, I know he's stoked, and we all love being on the road. When you're out, you just have to worry about driving, playing shows, and finding a place to sleep. All the everyday, day to day worries just sort of fade to the background, and you're just doing what you love to do day after day. To me, being transient is therapy. I like waking up in a different place and interacting with different people every day. We will be doing the tour with our friends Microtia, and that makes being on the road even more fun, having another band that you really like and get along with playing every show with you.

If you could choose anyone alive or dead. Who would be on your dream tour?
Hmmmmm....dream tour. I think as far as the band goes, It would be amazing to tour with Team Sleep. I love the vibe of that band and their music, and they just look like they get really into their stuff and have a good time on the road. Personally, if I could be on ANY tour, alive or dead, I think I'd really like to be on one of the very, very early rock and roll tours. It would be awesome to be on the road in those days, before all the big buses and big business, getting to play with and watch guys like Eddie Cochran, Roy Orbison, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry. All the guys who pioneered the way rock bands tour and act. If I wanted total insanity, I'd choose Butthole Surfers or Black Flag back in the early 80's.

For those who have never seen you live before and want to decide whether to go check you out or not, what can you tell them they can expect to see or experience at one of your shows?
Sonically, a wall of sound, for sure. We like to really try and envelop ourselves(and by proxy, the audience) in a blanket of sound, and all four of us just get into the groove of what we're doing and the sounds we're making. It's nothing heady, nothing really elaborate, no lasers of smoke machines or anything like that. Just us playing music and having a good time.

How do you get ready for your shows? Do you guys have any pre-band rituals?
usually sitting in the van and taking a few shots of Bulleit and talking. tuning guitars. Just relaxing and getting loose.

What song do you enjoy playing live the most?
I think I like to play a newer song called "aspect ratio" the most. It's a heavy, dron-y, shoegaz-y kind of song, and really easy for me to just loose myself in.

What do you guys plan on doing to kill time while on the road?
Most of the time killing will be driving or sleeping. I'm sure we'll hang out with some friends we haven't seen in a long time, and maybe see some sights. I like going to the Ocean when we're in San Diego.

What are 3 of the most unnecessary items you plan to bring on tour with you?
Everything we bring, from the hair product to the booze to the framed picture of Clint Eastwood, is an absolute, undeniable, necessity!

What kind of sacrifices have you made for your band?
Being in a band, and making that band your life is a sacrifice in itself. God, I've made too many to really count. Going far beyond money or time, you kind of give your life to music. Lots of people don't understand musicians....it's like a drug or a religion, it becomes something that you just don't love, you need it, can't live without it, so, you sacrifice thousands of tiny things and hundreds of big things, and usually the only payoff is writing a song you love, or playing a good show, but, that's enough to keep doing it and keep sacrificing for.

What advice would you give someone who wants to form their own band?
Don't worry about all that "life" stuff. Throw yourself into it 100% there's always time for girlfriends or school or a job or a career or whatever. If you want to be in a band, and you really want to do that, just go for it, play what you love to play and write how you want to write, regardless of what's popular. Get on the road, make friends with other like minded people, and have fun.

What are your plans for after your one-month long stretch of a tour?
We will be playing local shows in April and May, and doing demos and pre-production stuff for our next record, and I'm sure that we'll probably write more songs in that time too. we try to write constantly, regardless of how busy or free the schedule is.

What are the major goals you hope to accomplish with your music this year?
I want to make another good record, and I want to get the music out to people who like what we're doing. I try not to over-plan things, and just go with the flow. I just want to make good music and have people hear and appreciate that music.

So in honor of this being one of our last “20 Questions with…” series interviews. We’d like to give you the last word. Feel free to shamelessly promote yourself or leave a message for current and future fans.
I just want to thank everyone who's gotten on board with us. We've only really been a band since September of 08, and we've had so many people who have gotten involved with us, doing sound, designing shirts and posters, spreading the word, and being supportive. It's a great feeling to have a network of people around you who feel as passionate about what you are doing as you do, so, thanks!!! and thank you guys very much for the opportunity to rant and give longwinded answers to your questions!

20 Questions with Life Like The Movies

Life Like The Movies is a mix of musicians from all corners of the United States, inspired by The Used and their love of movies. With their influences of Underoath and Saosin to Lost Prophets and Taking Back Sunday, they're quickly on a mission to win the hearts of many music lovers around the world.

On your myspace page you say, “The name "Life Like The Movies", was created to be interpreted by the fans and for their own unique take on it. When it comes to what it means to the band, they say that most people don't find enough excitement in life...seeking more of a life....like the movies.” What we want to know is how the name actually came to be.
Well it all started off with Charlie coming to the idea of having a name with something a bit more diverse, something that could roll of the tip of the tongue and have a ring to it that would match our sound, image, and performance. From there we were highly obsessed with movies, loving the stories, the characters, the influences of modern day life with a twist of imagination, thus came out the name "Life like the Movies".

How long has Life Like The Movies been around?
A good 2 years now, we have gone thru a few member switches but have found the right lineup to match with the right attitudes.

How do the individual roots of each member help or harm the band’s success?
Well everyone is very different in their own ways, we kind of see ourselves as a Real World crew, coming all from complete different sides of the United States, you can say we bring the best out of each other as if we were all family.

Who or what is your earliest musical influence?
Great question. Well it definitely ranges from earlier hits from the Used. All of us have always found ourselves at a point were we have been neglected, rejected, with no money or food that left us with struggles on day to day basis, and bands like the Used show that all it takes is dedicating love and friendship w a talented edge to be able to show the world that their are better things in life than all the materialistic things we are forced to live in.

What other bands do you guys listen to that you draw your influences from?
Anything from Underoath and Saosin to Lost Prophets and Taking Back Sunday

You guys recently released two new demo songs (“Earthquake” and “Je Ne Comprend”- I Don’t Understand) that you recorded with Falconi Productions. Are there any plans to record and release an EP or full length cd this year?
We're actually planning on recording mid-June a complete ep that should really show a stronger edge of where we come from and a lot of our situations and outcomes from life. But we definitely will be releasing bonus songs that we've been recording in the studio in the very near future!

You currently have 3 of your songs (“C’mon C’mon”, You’ll Believe Anything I’ll Say”, and “Don’t Kid Yourself”) for purchase on your myspace page, but you also have your two new songs “Earthquake” and “I Don’t Understand” along with again “C’mon C’mon” and “You’ll Believe Anything I Say” for free download on your Pure Volume page. In the music biz, there has been quite a lot of controversy over illegal downloading of music. What are your feelings on this?
We feel that too many bands are worried about making a quick buck rather than really interested on what’s more important, sharing your music with new fans, new friends, new family.We understand that it is very hard for bands to get around without having the luxury of affordable recording and merchandise, but we feel that sometimes you can make a bigger impression between selling a song to a stranger and offering a part of what we enjoy doing to our friends/fans.

Who writes your songs and where do they usually draw the inspiration for the songs from?
We all actually right our individual parts, we help each other with certain ideas here and they're but can fairly say that everyone is as hard-working as the next member

What's your typical music making process like from creating lyrics to putting down music and recording?
We really couldn't give a good answer on this one (Laughs) it can be a random guitar riff to a catchy lyric or poppy bass line that catches a certain special mood we share

What has been your favorite song that you have written and recorded so far?
Well once again, we couldn't give you an exact answer but it would probably have to be between "You'll Believe Anything I Say" and " Earthquake".

From what we’ve seen through videos your stage presence has a lot of energy, what are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Thank you, we definitely appreciate the positive feedback :) We actually practice 2-3 times a week and normally give every single minute of practice as much intensity as we do our shows live.

You guys have a quite a few shows coming up in the next few months. What do you always hope fans leave the venue saying? What will you hope they take away from your performance?
That we are easy-going, fun-loving, good hearted people that are happy to have gotten a chance to share our feelings through our music with new and upcoming friends!

What is your favorite part of being on stage?
The crowd feedback, even playing with complete different genre bands and fans we have still gotten great feedback that we cant help but to shine a wide smile :)

With your style, how do you stay fresh? How does Charlie keep his voice alive?
Just like every other band, road trips and oldie sing-a-longs (Laughs.)

What has been your biggest challenge as a band so far? Biggest accomplishment?
Biggest challenge we can say is traveling around FL, as much as certain people are very dedicated to their local loving bands the economy is changing to the point that its all about money and have literally been stranded cause of agencies that booked us shows and never gave us a cent even for gas. Biggest accomplishment would definitely be opening for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, amazing show!

What’s the music scene like in South Florida?
Depending on the sound and location, certain parts of South FL are amazing! But of course you always have your bad seed spots.

If you could collaborate with any artist (local, global, dead or alive) who would it be and why?
The Used, the attitude, the music, the strong family they have with each other, its very rare to find bands that can still be so close and loving with each after such a long time that we definitely respect.

If you had to cover any song what song would you want to cover?
The Police- Message in a Bottle

What have you learned so far about the music business that you can give insight to others on?
If your hungry for the money your in the wrong profession (Laughs) If your interested in making a career, make sure your dedication and patience is strong and never ending cause in the end that’s what matters, love.

What are your major goals you hope to accomplish with your music this year?
Expanding our name, sound, and love with the rest of the music lovers around the U.S!

That’s 20 questions boys and here's your shameless self-promo spot: anything you'd like to add about yourselves, the music, or anything else?
We thank you for this amazing interview and just to let you and our fans know, we have plenty of brand new things coming your way so definitely stay in tuned with us thru our myspace and youtube, this is only the beginning!

20 Questions with After-11

After-11 is yet another PGR sponsored band who we believe is the next Bloodhound Gang, with their crude lyrics and catchy beats off their latest cd Donuts are Rad.

How did you get the name After-11?
If we told you, you would have to grant us the rights to your first born child.

What inspired you to make music together?
(Joel Says) Cody’s mom.

You guys proudly embrace being a pop punk hip hop band. Do you think that genre doesn't get enough respect?
Well, not really. We have not really ever heard another band with that genre.

You guys mention that you are "just three kids who love acting our shoe size, not our age.” How this does comes through in your music?
We sing about dumb shit.

Your album, "Donuts Are Rad" is a great cd to throw on during parties or when you want a good laugh. Could you ever see the band changing directions and writing more 'serious' songs?
See song 13 on Donuts Are Rad. We do serious songs when we need to, but an album of serious songs, we cannot see that.


Your cd went up on iTunes in November, how was the recording process for that, and how has that been received by your fans so far?
Fun, but stressful. And our fans love to run naked to it.


What is your favorite song off that cd?
That’s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child.

You guys incorporate a variety of sounds in your music. What is the writing process like?
Well, really it all depends. Sometimes we have a great melody and write words off of it. Or sometimes, while sitting in health class Cody will come up with some lyrics.

So, your new demo “Peter Time” is now up on your page. How would you say this reflects how your music has developed since you first started out?
We are much more musical, have a smarter sense of wit about us, and we are more sexually retarted.

What are some bands that you guys have most enjoyed playing with?
Scarred For Life, Schmegma, and China Man Rage (A.K.A-Beard Eats Face)

For those who haven't seen your live performance, can you describe your live show? What they should expect? What gets the best reaction from the crowd?
Be on the lookout for energy, musicality, Joel crying, and Cody’s penis. (that’s why joel is crying)

What is your favorite part of being on stage?
The boner from crowd participation. Without the crowd, we would be ass holes on stage, not a band.

What is it that fuels your passion for what you do?
Our dive to the Grammy’s. (Laughs) We just love making music together and we can’t see ourselves doing anything else

What has been the biggest moment for the band? What has been the biggest challenge?
8-8-08

Name one guilty pleasure. Anything!
Cody-i wear a jock strapp, all the time

Josh-I sniff peanut butter, when im alone

Joel-I eat kittens.

What is one piece of clothing that you can't live without, and why?
Cody-Dickies

Josh-Converse

Joel-tube thongs

Who would you wanna win a date with?
Cody-Tom Cruise and Santa Clause

Josh-Travis Barker and a goat

Joel-Coney Cody

What are you currently listening to?
All These Things Ive Done-The Kilers

What are some goals for the band for this year?
Nationwide recognition

What's next for After-11?
Big plans, stay tuned

Anything you’d like to add to conclude this interview?
that’s far out, coney’s, and roshambo, candy mountian

20 Questions with Christine of Scene Trash Magazine

Scene Trash Magazine is a regional monthly print magazine as well as a promotions company that is just as dedicated as PGR to helping bands out. We had the pleasure of having Christine answer 20 of our questions to give a little bit of an insight to how things work.

Who are you and what is your position for Scene Trash?
I am Christine Osazuwa (stalk me on Facebook?), I'm a sophomore at UMBC, and I was born in the 90s. I am the president/editor/CEO/everything else of Scene Trash Magazine & Promotions
How did you come up with the name "Scene Trash"?
I'll be honest, I remember having a conversation with a friend I no longer talk to, and it was the best idea ever, at the time, but the meaning has developed over time. It's not because we trash the bands or we like to "whore 4 whore" or whatever else crazy kids are doing these days. It just kind of combines all things "scene." Not like dinosaurs and bows because if you're over 13 years old that's probably tacky-looking (unless you can do it right), it's about the music and the lifestyle it conveys including the companies, the bands, the people, and yes, even the clothes. It sounded a lot better than "scene salad" plus it really gets your attention, doesn't it?

What made you want to enter the publishing world?
Well, I never thought I was that wonderful of a writer. I never had a life-long dream to be an editor or something like that. I just really liked to promote when I was 14, and it seemed like a great way to promote that no one else was doing.

How did you decide what kind of things you wanted to put into the magazine?
Since we're all 20 and under on the staff, and all actually go to shows we know what kids want to read, for the most part, because... we are them. So if we hear that one of our bands is putting out an album we want to know about it. We want to ask our favorite bands what type of cereal they like, and ask our favorite bands managers which bands they actually listen to. We figure bands have their "influences" and their "bio" on their MySpace so why not ask them what we know everyone else is thinking?

What are some of the problems you faced producing your first issue? Ongoing issues you still face today?
The first issue came out a week late. Guess you can consider that a... problem. We just had problems printing and how exactly we should put it all together, etc. Then my graphic designer quit 5 issues in, so I had to learn how to use publishing software. We still face price issues, because it's expensive to print definitely, but thankfully we have subscribers & advertisers now that help cut down costs some.

How did you approach advertising sales on your first issue?
We didn't. I didn't even think of advertisers until maybe the 7th issue or so. I don't think if I was someone interested in advertising I would have wanted to advertise with Scene Trash in the first issues, they were terrible! We may have had one or two scattered about from friends but nothing anyone actually PAID for, that was unfeasible for a while.

After the first issue, when and why did you decide on having more people help with your publication?
Well we started off with 5 people I believe, maybe 4. None of which are on the staff anymore, of course. I knew I couldn't do it alone so I just asked a bunch of my friends, which was obviously a mistake but I was 15 when Scene Trash started. Oh to be youthful and innocent...

How has your magazine changed from when you first started out?
I'd actually read it now. The first four/five issues were God awful. Now, it's full of some great articles by some amazing girls. It covers bands you've never heard of and bands you listen to daily. It's a nice blend and every issue there's always an article that turns out to be my favorite where I really do learn something new even though I'm the editor.

For those readers who have never picked up an issue of Scene Trash Magazine, what can they expect to get out of it?
It depends on what you want to get out of it. If you pick it up thinking, this is such a joke, that's what you'll get out of it. We like to have fun over here at Scene Trash, so what you'll pick up on is our use of "LOL" in an article, or an article dedicated to how stupid girls act in relationships. We think both of these things are great but Scene Trash is about more than that. If you come at it with an open mind, you'll see the articles about bands that can't seem to catch a break, history about some amazing labels, interviews with ridiculously talented people that we're insanely jealous of. You'll find at least one thing you identify with, be you a musician, fan, or in the industry.

How much does an issue of Scene Trash cost? How much does a subscription cost?
An issue costs $2 in person (at tables, from me or the girls directly), $2.50 online due to postage, and $3 in stores because the stores take a cut. A subscription for 3 months is $6, and six months is $10. Subscriptions come with a free back issue of your choice, also.

How do you usually select people to join your staff? Do you have an application, position postings, and/or require portfolios?
We have people send us an "about me" as if they were writing on their MySpace. It includes their favorite bands, best show they've been to, where their from, etc. They also have to provide a link to their MySpace. I go through the applicants and see who made me actually want to click their MySpace link... I figure if you can't write about yourself, how can you write about 5 boys in a band? There's also little Scene Trash staff secrets rules that I don't want to reveal here but, we frown on obsessions, we don't hire sluts, and it helps if you present yourself well.

For many fans, interviewing favorite bands such as The Academy Is… and Cobra Starship would be a dream come true. How did you achieve such feats?
It was simple really. Build up a relationship with the labels and management. Once they know you're not a screaming fan, and you're pretty legit, they're pretty receptive to most of your requests. Mind you, I'm probably not going to be interviewing Fall Out Boy anytime soon, regardless of the relationship I have with PR companies and managers, but it could happen one day. Oh and as for a dream come true, what was better than the interviews themselves is that... the bands actually liked the articles. That's the dream come true.

Which person or band has been your favorite interview so far?
Wow, I can't name just one, I've done amazing interviews and they all had very different vibes. I'll say 2007 was a great year and I should follow up on most of these interviews. Cobra Starship because they played Mario Kart throughout the interview. The Academy Is... because it was the realest interview I've ever done, very heart on the sleeve type. All Time Low because it's always great to catch up with those kids again and show the world who they really are.

If you could interview anyone in the world (that you haven't already) who would it be?
I got to interview Kevin Lyman (the creator of Warped & Taste of Chaos) which turned me into a little fangirl on the inside, but I have a heroes section on my MySpace and any of those people would be amazing: Mike Shea, Jason Tate, John Janick, Sean Combs. (I'll let you look up who they are). I've gotten to the point where I'm pretty jaded about being around "rock stars" but people that own record labels, put on festivals, or have created a brand turn me into an idolizing little girl, and I have to stop myself from trying to get an autograph.

Which issue (if any) is your favorite? Why?
My favorite issues are the ones that have great interviews with bands usually, because I just want to show them off. I'm also a fan of all the issues with The Scene Trash Awards because they stir up so much controversy but finally get people talking about all the things they were afraid to say, since I (or someone else) already said it first.

How has the internet helped you with your publishing venture?
We try to be all over the internet on sites like MySpace, Twitter & Facebook of course, in addition we've got great relationships with sites such as thedailychorus.com & fuckthatband.com, that we advertise with a lot. It helps spread the word definitely, plus it's the easiest way to order magazines from us. We like seeing people in person though so the internet is a means to something more. We have a print magazine because we like the tangible a lot more than some words on a screen.

What types of marketing and advertising have you done to promote your magazine?
Word of mouth, especially from our bands is always great. Anytime a band says "our great friends at Scene Trash" on stage or on their blog we always have a spike in page views and friends on MySpace. We also try to put together contests & get our banner out online on all the sites we said above. We're all about doing things that no one else is doing though so putting together compilations, and have prize packs like a "show survival kit" really sets us apart and have people looking our way.

How are you managing your circulation and distribution?
The best way I can. I handle all the circulation, distribution, shipping, and finance. So needless to say, it gets a bit tough somehow but PayPal and Excel are a life saver.

What tips can you give others on getting their first issue produced?
Don't do it. It's more trouble than it's worth, most of the time (especially if you're in school). I, on the other hand, am an over ambitious crazy person, so I probably like the torture/lack of sleep deep down somewhere. Do something else, come up with something that makes me go, damn I wish I would have thought of that. Chances are we'll want to team up! I think we need someone out there to start making music videos and band DVDs!

What do you hope to achieve this year? Any plans to expand into other states maybe?
We have plans to expand again, eventually. We're at a staff of 16 girls or so, so that's really overwhelming at the moment. We plan to finish up the lower part of the East Coast eventually, i.e. Georgia & Florida. We also have a lot of plans that go beyond the magazine, but I don't want to spill the beans just yet. What I can says is that our compilation comes out in a few days, and we hope to grab some merch to give away to our bands before the summer.

Is there anything you'd like to add to conclude this interview?
I guess I just want to say thanks for the interview, seriously! This is the first time I've ever been on this end of the interview process, and it's pretty cool, now I guess I know what all the hypes about. Oh and I hope I don't sound like too much of a tool bag...

20 Questions with Someone To Save You

Someone To Save You is a Purely Gangster Radio sponsored artist who is one of the most unselfish we have ever met. Wes' music can easily be anyone's soundtrack to their hopes, dreams, love, heartache, and life in general.

Where does the name Someone To Save You come from?
Lyrics to one of my Favorite songs…kinda...it’s a twisted version of the lyrics (laughs) Give And Take by Forever The Sickest Kids

How did Someone To Save You come to be?
Me and my friend Ethan were in bands together on and off and I finally just decided to run my own thing for down time and more person stuff, I’m really happy I did

How would describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you before?
Happy, acoustic-y, deep, loving smiles with rainbows and unicorns singing =]

What was it that inspired you to get into music, and is it the same thing that continues to inspire you today?
Two things, God and Taking Back Sunday, they are the band that made me wanna do this for my life. And God is just the driving force behind everything I do (or I try anyway)

Who are some of your major influences?
The Spill Canvas, Forever The Sickest Kids, Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, and Anberlin

Your new EP, Take It All Back, is due out at then end of the month. How was the recording process for that?
Well the song "From Me To You" I put loads of time into because it was about a girl I was with at the time.So I wanted it just right, and the rest I had a billion ideas for. So when I went into record we just sat down and did it because I had literally already written it all out on paper the way I wanted it. (Laughs)

What is your favorite song on it?
Umm I like "Why Can’t You Just Let Go Already" "In the Dark" and "Lies and Alibis"

What can fans expect from this EP as far as sound?
Good stuff and hopefully stuff they will like

What is it that inspires your lyrics, and is there one particular lyric that means the most to you?
Ummm pretty much life and I don't know. They all hit pretty close to home.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Life and God and probably not. (Laughs)

What is it that fuels your passion for what you do?
Jesus. Without music I just wouldn't be me.

If you had to cover any song what song would you want to cover?
Ummm wow (Laughs) I’m not sure yet. Maybe “Chopped and Screwed” by T-Pain

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?
Nick Thompson from The Spill Canvas and Caleb Turman from FTSK. They are my favorite musician song writers.

What has been your biggest moment? What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Finding people I can play with and the battle of the bands about 3 weeks ago it was great fun =]

Your myspace bio reads, “ALSO I COMMENT BACK AS MUCH AS I CAN SO IF I DON"T COMMENT BACK TRY, TRY AGAIN =]”. How important to you is it that you connect with your fans and listeners?
I think if I don't do that I shouldn't be allowed to play music. Without them, I wouldn't be anywhere.

How do you feel the Internet has contributed to your music and fan base as a whole?
(Laughs) can you say “co-dependant”. I needed it from the start or no one would know about me.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you that they don’t already know?
I’m not perfect and I am pretty normal. Oh and I LOVE TMNT and YooHoo!

What would you say is the most embarrassing song in your music collection?
(Laughs) Ummm I actually don't have anything I'm embarrassed of. I love all music.

What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t making music?
Drawing. (laughs) or school stuff

What do you hope the future holds for Someone To Save You?
Enough money to play for the rest of my life =]

Is there anything you’d like to say to conclude the interview?
Thank you so much PGR and all the fans! Without you, this wouldn't be possible. God Bless =]

20 Questions with To Be Continued

To Be Continued is fairly young band, but is quickly on their way to the top. Newly signed to Arcade Records these boys have yet to perform at their first show. :)

How long have you guys been making music together?
We have been together for about six months!!

Who came up with your guys’ name?
Our singer/guitar player came up with the name! We were watching TV and we just saw it on a show and we were like, “That would be a sweet band name!!!”

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard of you before?
We are an electro acoustic band and we’re pretty good!

Who would you say are some of your major influences?
Our parents and fans!

What made you go into music? Is there a particular artist or song that changed your life and led you into that direction?
No we just felt artsy and decided it would be a good way to make new friends!

So we heard you recently signed to Arcade Records. What do you think of them?
They are really good! They are about to pay for us to record with Geoff Rockwall who recorded such bands as: Sky Eats Airplane, Artist vs. Poet, And Forever The Sickest Kids

Do you have any plans to get into the studio soon?
Yes. We are planning on recording two or three more songs by the end of this month! :D

You currently only have one song up called “That’s What She Said” so we’ve never heard any other music besides that. What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Girls!

Where does the inspiration for your songs usually come from?
Again, girls!

What do you enjoy most about being in a band? (Girls?)
Making new friends, and hearing that people like our music and it makes them happy!

When you’re not doing To Be Continued, what do you do for fun?
Play basketball! and go to Chilli’s!

What made you stay in the band and made you feel like you really had something? Our fans telling us that they love us and to stay together and we'll make it big!

If you weren’t in a band what do you think you’d be doing now?
We would be nerds who sit on the computer all day!

Do you have any upcoming shows?
We have our first show coming up next weekend at the Crosspoint Church in Midlothian!

How are you feeling about your first show? Nervous? Confident? Apathetic?
We feel very confident because a lot of our fans will be there!

What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
We usually practice every day for about an hour. We go over our songs twice and its very organized.

What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?)
The guitars don’t matter to us, but our KorgMicro is our favorite instrument! It’s awesome and gives us a unique sound!

What advice would you give someone who wants to form their own band?
Stay in it, keep practicing, and don’t give up!

What are some goals for the band for this year?
To get a full cd out into stores and to grow a big fan base and go on tour!

What do you hope the future holds for To Be Continued?
We hope to be famous some day just like every band!

Any last words to end the interview?
We love Purely Gangster Radio!!! :D