|
Estrella: State your name and what you do in the band.
Dave: David Benischek and I am [the] singer.
Estrella: How long has the band been around for?
Dave: Come June of 2004 it will be 3 years.
Estrella: How did all the members meet?
Dave: We were all in different bands that played together all the time. We'd all open for each other and hook up shows together. Coincidentally, they all broke up at the same time. We were all orphans without a band and started writing music together.
Estrella: Who are some of your influences?
Dave: Me personally, Guns N Roses, Marilyn Manson, Eminem, Linkin Park, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Glassjaw, Story of the Year, and P.O.D.
Estrella: Who writes most of the songs lyric wise? And also musically wise?
Dave: Lyrics, I handle. Occasionally, Evan will throw out an idea for change which is really helpful. Musically, the whole band is writing collectively. I like kind of staying away from it and see what they come up with and then get my hands in it. It always pisses them off, because I'll come downstairs after listening to them write and be like alright, "I like this, cut that, this part is great, just get rid of that and then it will be great." But in the end, we've started really hitting a groove in the writing process. We're gelling together. It's really organic and rewarding.
Estrella: Where do you find inspiration?
Dave: The news, movies, life stories, anything that moves me, ups, downs and demise of relationships.
Estrella: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it?
Dave: It's in your face, rock with an attitude, a message, and a sensitve side.
Estrella: What would you be doing if you weren't in a band?
Dave: It's hard to imagine not being in one. I love creating art, so I reckon I would be applying that in some way. I can act too, watch out Brad Pitt!
Estrella: What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Dave: Performing is my favorite part. To do it with your friends makes it that more special too. We're all intense and love to play out. So when we're onstage, we're out for blood, it's great.
Estrella: What do you like about your fans?
Dave: They really get what we do and appreciate it. They don't seem to care about trends or what people say. It's special to build that bond with the fans and create a community to share music with them.
Estrella: What are you currently listening to?
Dave: I've been on a Guns N Roses kick since I was little and recently re-bought their whole collection. I've been listening to Marilyn Manson alot, as well. He's a great artist, entertainer and writer.
Estrella: What are your goals for the band?
Dave: The first step is to live off of it. Travel the world, connect with the fans and continually write great music that people can relate too in the process. I could care less about being a millionaire. I'm not a suit and tie boy and I want to make my living off of playing in a goddamn rock band.
Estrella: Do you have good tour stories?
Dave: On Warped Tour in Ohio, we were all in the hotel, stoned and drunk out of our minds. I don't remember who started it but we were horsing around and started a big pile. Everyone started jumping on each other until there was like 6 of us piled up crushing each other. We couldn't breathe and everyone couldn't stop laughing from being so fucked up, and we couldn't move. It stayed that way for at least 15 minutes until we were like, "Duude get off me, I'm gonna die!!" The next day we got up in time to go to the show and we were all fine. It was great.
Estrella: Do you have any closing statements?
Dave: Over the years I have realized that good music hits home and we as artists effect peoples lives. Lyrics become guidelines to which people live by and it's a powerful connection that the band makes with its fans. I love and welcome the challenge of connecting with people. It's one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. I couldn't see my life any other way.
Check out their site
|