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I became a fan of Brand New Disaster (who, unfortunately, broke up recently) after picking up their debut album, Maybe We Should Run, soon after it came out. I met them at a show in Connecticut, where I think I was one of the only people there that wasn't playing that night. I talked to the guys and got Phil's screen name. Recently, they dropped their also great sophmore effort, Hold Fast the Summer. This interview talks slightly about that, but the real meat and potatoes talks about cleaning up after dogs.
PL: Introduce yourself.
PW: I'm Phil, I'm the singer for Brand New Disaster.
PL: How is the writing process different when writing a sophmore album compared to a debut?
PW: Well, it was very different for us. The first album was a collection of all the songs we had written since we started as a band and it represented that whole period of time.. so there wasn't necessarily a specific direction. With the new album, we set out with the intention of writing a complete album start to finish, so all the songs are more cohesive as an album rather than just a collection of songs.
PL: Did the new members have any say in the writing process, or did they come on board after?
PW: They came on board afterwards. The record was finished before they joined in, but it's been cool to see the subtle changes we've made to the material on the album in our live show with the new members. They add a new perspective definitely. We've already started writing new material with the new guys, and we're pretty excited about where it's heading.
PL: Is it difficult for smaller bands to draw a crowd while on tour?
PW: Yeah, it's definitely a challenge. If your name isn't out there it's hard to get people to pay attention. You kinda depend on promoters to book a show with some good locals, and then the kids get a chance to hear you that may not have had a chance before.
PL: Is it difficult being on a label mostly known for its metal bands? Do you ever feel left out?
PW: Not really. Tribunal's been really good for us. If anything, it just helps get our name out there. People are more open to paying attention to a band when they are on a label with a good roster of bands. People are into all kinds of different music, so it's cool.
PL: Do you think Tribunal's strategy of comparing their bands to more well known bands on the sticker of a CD is a good one? (This is a well known strategy, and I've been reading about other bands who haven't been thrilled with this marketing ploy lately) Or, do you think it has helped people decide to check your band out specifically?
PW: Honestly, it's not something we really care about. If a comparison to a band on our cd makes a kid pick it up and check us out, that's great. But sometimes, it's weird. I don't really think we sound like the bands on our cd sticker. But it kinda gives kids a direction to go in, I guess.
PL: Would you rather clean dog pee or dog crap off a floor?
PW: Dog crap, I think.
PL: (I'm dogsitting right now-haha) Good call.
PW: If it's kinda together, ya know? You can kinda pick it up really quick. Dog pee is more involved.
PL: Whats a little known fact about VA?
PW: Man, that's hard. Our state motto is "Sic Semper Tyrranis." That kinda rules.
PL: How much of an influence do you think music (mainly mainstream-both rock and hip hop) has on young kids?
PW: I think it has a big influence. When I was a kid I was always seeking out new music.
PL: Name one album, besides your own, that you feel all kids should have in their collection.
PW: Randy "Macho Man" Savage - Be A Man.
PL: Thats great stuff!
PL: Do you have any final comments before you take off?
PW: Remember kids, you can't download a t-shirt.
Interview by: RF