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Estrella: Why did your band change their name?
Sean: We were always Downside Risk. I don't recall us ever being another band. We did know another band. They tried to be us, they sucked
Estrella: How did you come up with the name Downside Risk?
Sean: Well, it's really stupid actually. On the road Brian is living on, there's a sign with a horse on it. It says Down Side Risk. Chris, jokingly, was like, "Dude, that would make a good band name". And I was like, "What about Downside Risk?", which means in a sense, the amount of loss that could result from a certain potential decline in an investment. It's an economic term, but you could use it for other situations too, I think.
Estrella: What do you like most about being in a band?
Sean: I dunno, there's a lot. I mean it's just great playing music and writing about things that you want to write about. I actually get pissed and kind of crazy sometimes when I play. It's a great outlet for stress. I also love all the guys in the band, Brian, Chris, and Brendan. It's a creepy kinda relationship because in a sense, it's like we are married, we fight and make up and are even closer then before. Plus everyone's combined influences blend to make a sound I really enjoy playing. That and traveling and meeting different people who are doing the same thing, that's cool too.
Estrella: Who are some of your influences?
Sean: Wow, that's one question that I don't know if I could ever answer precisely, because I could just rattle off great bands ya know? Musically and lyrically, it's different. Chris seems to be heavily influenced by Kid Dynamite, Minor Threat, The Lawrence Arms, Bigwig, Honor System, The Broadways, Fugazi, Rise Against. Brendan is more influenced by more metal type bands, like Bleeding Through and As I Lay Dying. But, also Minor Threat, Bigwig and shxt like that. Brian is a hard one, I'm gonna go with shxt like Propagandhi, and Against All Authority, and Bleeding Through. Me, personally, Rise Against, Kid Dynamite, Propagandhi, Lawrence Arms, 7 Seconds, Bad Religion, Dead Kennedys, and Children of Bodom, I mean their guitarists, wow, I'll never be that good, but it drives me to keep trying. Plus Brian and I used to be in a ska band for years, so that influence comes out too I think. Sorry long answer, but I really don’t know how to answer that. Look at each of out CD collections and there's your influences basically.
Estrella: So, where are all of the members from?
Sean: Harford County. Brian and I met in Kindergarten and I went to school with him till 8th grade, then most of the end of 9th. Then, I ended up at school where I met Brendan and Chris, which was North Harford, sadly.
Estrella: Alright, who writes most of the songs, if not all of them
Sean: Nobody. It's basically now a complete combined effort, that's why they all come out so different from each other cause somebody will write something and somebody else will change or add on or whatever and it goes around until its done. Personally, I think it gives us an original sound
Estrella: What's the whole band doing now? Working on new cds, etc?
Sean: We have 2 we are in the middle of writing. I mean the music is basically done for them, just they need lyrics which usually takes FOREVER. I'm anal as hell about lyrics and the problem with that is, I have a hard time writing lyrics that are good. So it's another group effort on that. Everyone writes lyrics. We are playing out a lot as much as we can, traveling a lot too. Not really touring per say. The demo is completed finally, so we are sending that off to everyone, everywhere. Got some good replies too. That's it really, we are pushing ourselves harder than I think we have ever pushed ourselves in any band.
Estrella: Well, what are you currently listening to?
Sean: I grabbed up the new Give Up The Ghost cd, Ii think its pretty fxcking good so I've had that in a lot. Plus American Nightmare. Same band but fxck it. I had The Exit in a lot, I like them. Dimmu Borgir is amazing, Children of Bodom.
Estrella: What do you think about your fans?
Sean: Well, since Downside Risk, as a band is relatively new, the only fans I can think of is just the ones that come up and say, "Wow, you guys were fxcking good!", "You guys are so original sounding", "You guys can fxcking play!" or whatever. In old bands, the ones that knew the words, sang along, and went nuts, those kids will always be remembered because they made it an experience to amazingly and great for words.
Estrella: And lastly, do you have any words of advice for other bands or closing statements?
Sean: Play your axs off and promote the shxt outta your band. Once you think you are ready to promote it, don't just play out when you think you are "good enough" and if you think you are pushing yourselves too hard, push yourselves harder. I dunno if thats good advice, but that's what I'm doin at least. And, my final statement is buy our demo and stickers and shirts when we get them.
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