Modern Life is War blew me out of my shoes when I saw them at the end of 2003 and I jumped at the chance to do an interview via Email with their drummer, Tyler. I feel that this band, as good as they are now, have even more potential thats going to keep them on the radars of many hardcore kids for years to come.

PL: Sell yourselves to a group of buyers at a trade meeting who know nothing about you or your product.

1. Pretend this is the first day of school and introduce and describe yourself.

I'd bust in the door and be like, "yo yo this is da man, the myth, the legend, and the drummer for Modern Life Is War (drum roll) . . . TYLER!!!!" Or something similar. Um, I like long walks on the beach, romantic candle-lit dinners, and sweet nothings whispered into my ear.

2. Explain the theme of your layout. Is there a meaning behind it? If so, what is it and how does it coincide with your lyrics?

We gave our design-guy (Chris Cannon of Isotope Studios) a few ideas about what we wanted but really we owe it all to him. He read the lyrics and went out and took some pictures in Brooklyn and found some old pictures and documents and put it all together. Needless to say we were very pleased with the results.

3. Martyr Records seems to be a fairly young label (unless I missed something) that is signing great bands and quickly making a name for themselves. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

Bottom line, we owe a lot to Steve of Martyr Records. Not only was he the first person to offer us the money we needed to record a full length but he's supported everything we've asked for or wanted to do with the album. I would highly recommend bands to look into putting something out with him. He's a great guy and has a lot of resources to make a band feel at home.

4. What do you think that Martyr Records will be able to do for you as a band?

He's already done a ton. Like I said, he's supported us really well and given us a lot of freedom. Now that the album has been out for awhile Matryr is running some ads and getting us on some promo comps like the one Lumberjack Distro. is doing.

5. What have you guys learned about each other (band members) as your relationship as a band grows?

We've learned a lot and we're still learning. We've all grown up in the same little town and been friends for years but playing in a band with someone is a whole nother ball game. I think we know each other really well now and it really is like a family. Whether you're writing songs together every weekend or touring for weeks on end you can really get to know someone. We all know each other's boundaries and how each other's personalities work.

6. What has each individual band member taught you about yourself, music, life, etc.?

You Barbara Walters or something? Um, I can't put my finger on any one thing but we've definately had to learn how to deal with problems and disagreements within the band. Being out on the road touring is just a whole new experience compared to normal everyday life. Sometimes you get an immense sense of freedom and elation and sometimes you're just plain pissed off and homesick. There's no doubt that this whole experience will have a deep effect on the rest of our lives. The more we play the more we better our song-writing and understanding of music. And, the more we spend time together the more we learn about each other and ultimately ourselves. Yay.

7. Any mishaps or good stories from your most recent tour? If mishaps, how did you deal with them and what did you guys take away from the situation?

Chris, our bass player, was in a bad accident the day before we left on our last tour and if his passenger hadn't made him put on his seat belt he would have been in the hospital for sure. Other than that it was a really solid tour and everything went really smoothly. Playing CBGB's was definately one of the high points.

8. What was your reaction when you frist saw your album at a record store?

I think it's a sense of accomplishment when you see it being sold somewhere other than just at shows or mail-order. So yeah, it's cool to see stores carrying it.

9. What is your mission as a band?

Our mission is to simply make the best music we can and just enjoy ourselves. We'd like to have as many people connect with our music and lyrics as possible.

10. What is the worst thing about being in a band?

Sometimes getting all dirty at shows and tearing down equipment sucks. It can take up a lot of your time just writing songs and practicing but, we're not complaining. We're having a great time and the pros far out weigh the cons in the end.

11. How would you describe music today?

Well, I think it's interesting to see how diverse and eclectic popular music is today. I think there will always be a bunch of bands/groups pushing the bounderies and making interesting music. Obviously, you can see how much R&B and hip-hop has gained popularity in the last few years and taken over the mainstream. I think, for better or for worse, you'll see less and less big rock bands in years to come. I can definately see a transition into computer and digitally driven music from traditional instrumentation with guitars and such.

12. If life ended tomorrow, would you be satisfied with what you've accomplished?

No, not really. I'll be more satisfied once I finish school and figure out what I'm going to do for a job/career. I'm excited to see where the band goes and how far we can take it. We don't do it full-time or to make money so it's like the coolest hobby you could ever have. That's a weird way to put it but oh well.

13. What would you say the funniest thing you've ever seen has been?

Man, I don't know. I've seen a lot of funny/disgusting things on the internet but nothing really sticks out in my mind. I can tell you that the funniest show on tv these days in Curb Your Enthusiam.

14. If you had to describe your sound in one word, what would it be?

Power.

15. Final Comments

Thanks a lot for the interview and if anyone wants to keep up with all things MLIW they should check out our website at www.modernlifeiswar.net for news and tours and such. Thanks.

Interviewed by RF

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