I saw this band twice earlier this month, and was very impressed by the energy of their charasmatic stage presence and the fact that their vocalist, Dave, wears trucker hats. I guess you can't help but be a little crazy though when you're on the road with bands like The Chariot. I had to find out more about them, so I met Dave and he agreed to answer some questions. This is what I found out about We Came As Romans!
So what does everyone do in the band, and how would you describe your sound?
I'm Dave and I do vocals, Kyle sings and plays keyboard, Josh and Lou play guitar, Eric plays drums, and Andy plays bass. I like to describe it as pop-infused metalcore.
If you guys had to form a mission statement as a band, your sole purpose for doing what you do, what would it be?
We want to spread a good message to people about loving and caring for one another. Our message is about helping others and doing your best to love and show compassion. While trying to spread a positive message... we also just love playing music.
Your new album, "To Plant A Seed", just came out earlier this month on Equal Vision Records, and it kicks ass! In what ways have you guys progressed as a band from the last CD to this one?
Individually, everyone has progressed at their instrument in the band. However, I think the majority of the progress that has been made musically was our drive to push ourselves to become better musicians and writers.
How do you go about putting a song together? Can you walk us though the band's writing process for the album?
Joshua starts the writing process by writing a "rough draft" of a song. It is then passed around to the different members of the band and everyone submits their feedback. We'll repeat this process until everyone is satisfied with it. Its similar to when you were in high school and you did a rough draft of a paper. After you finished the draft, your classmates took turns editing it for you. Following the group editing and 4, 5, or 6 drafts later... you have a final product to turn in.
What was your first band to really get into, and how has that affected what you do in the band?
I've always been a Blink 182 fan (who isn't?)... which got me into guitar (which was actually my original instrument in this band). Blink 182 was my favorite band for years. Later on, I got into bands like Story of the Year, Thrice, and The Bled. I loved the power and energy behind screaming and always wanted to learn. After various member changes, I was given the oppurtunity to do vocals in the band and I eventually learned how to scream.
Honestly, how often do you shave your beard Dave? Shaving sucks!
I agree completely! I never shave.. only trim!
You guys have an amazing energetic live show with what seems like choreographed guitar swings! Is this stuff planned? If so, how long does it take you guys to pull it off?
The majority of our live show is choreographed. We watch a lot of our live videos to critique our show as well as come up with new ideas for choreography. Once we think of a way to choreograph a part, it doesn't take long to learn it... its thinking of what to do at what point in the song that takes time.
What has been the funnest tour so far, and why?
Every tour has been so much fun and so amazing. I honestly can't pick out a specific one I liked more than the others.
What's your favorite cereal?
Reeses Puffs.
Planning a new music video anytime soon that we should know about? If not, when can we expect one?!
Yes! There will be a video in the works soon! I can't say too much more than that =)
Lastly, what would you like to see in a clothing company right now that hasn't been done before?
Please make my dog, Maddie an Of New Astronomy t-shirt.
The doggy tee is in the works! No joke. Until then, you can check out We Came As Romans on myspace at www.myspace.com/wecameasromans or pick up their brand new album at Best Buy, Hot Topic, f.y.e., or iTunes!
-Aaron
Of New Astronomy apparel
www.ofnewastronomy.com
