INTERVIEW: Miles Apart

Lately we’ve putting the spotlight on post-hardcore, metal, and hardcore bands. Our latest is no exception. From South Carolina, here’s Miles Apart, a melodic hardcore band that’s all music and no nonsense and hype.

You’re just 1/5^th of the outfit Miles Apart. Tell us what your role in the band is.

I play guitar and write some lyrics from time to time.

Now tell us about your band mates, who they are and what they do.

Randall plays guitar, Justin plays drums, Lukas sings, and Matt plays bass.

How did all of you meet?

Justin, Lukas, and Matt started the band with different members and a different style I guess around a year ago, and that's how I got hooked up with Matt and Justin, me and Lukas have been friends for like three years and Randall was another acquaintance that everybody shared because he'd been in a bigger local band awhile back.

How long have all of you been playing your instruments?

I know I've been playing guitar for about seven years, Justin's been playing drums for like five years or so, Matt's been playing bass for three years, and Randall's been playing guitar for like seven or eight years too. Luke started screaming about a year and a half ago I suppose?

What inspired the name Miles Apart?

It's a lyric from a band called Polar Bear Club, minutes away but miles apart.

What genre(s) would you consider Miles Apart, or are you not a fan of labels?

Melodic hardcore is a pretty good description of our band.

Why are you guys making music?

Mainly just to deal with all the different stuff we deal with on a daily basis. We started it for pretty selfish reasons but it's nice seeing people relate so much to what we're doing.

Who is the primary songwriter in the group?

I used to be the primary songwriter because our old drummer quit and Justin used to play guitar, so I became the only guitarist. But after Randall joined the band it's become a lot more of a group thing. Someone will come in with an idea and we'll work on it until we like what we have. Lukas writes all the lyrics.

If you could share the stage with any band/singer (just one!) who would it be and why?

I'm not sure about everybody else, but I think sharing the stage with other like minded musicians, whether they sound like us or not, is a pretty awesome feeling. It's a cool perk to watch awesome bands for free, but we try not to idolize any of the people in bands we like. They're just normal dudes too for the most part.

Some musicians state that where they’re from has shaped them as an artist. How has South Carolina contributed to who you are as a band as a whole, and your individual growth as an artist?

I think it's kept us well grounded, there really isn't much a music scene here, and what we do have is something I feel that our friends have put a lot of work into so we're constantly reminded that having this is a privilege. Greenville (where we're from) is rapidly expanding and tons of new people are coming in every day, so it is a pretty exciting time to be where we are.

Who are the primary influences for Miles Apart?

The Carrier, Defeater, Modern Life Is War, Glassjaw, Hopesfall, Taken, and a lot of nineties screamo stuff.

Who do you cite as your personal influences (not those of Miles Apart)?

Uhmmmm, musically, Jeff Buckely, Thomas Erak, Kurt Ballou, Greg Ginn, and anybody that tries to make their guitar sound like something completely different.

What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a concert?

One time we played at a bar here in town and the floor was wet and I fell on my back and somehow Luke fell over top of me. This is all while we're playing.

What do you think makes your band worthy of media attention? In other words, what sets you apart from everyone else?

We don't do this band to get media attention or to get girls or money or whatever. We just play the music we would want to hear and if people dig it, that's cool. I don't think there's any "unique" bands anymore.

No band is immune to internal conflict. Sometimes it’s enough to tear the band apart. How do you and your band mates keep the conflict from breaking you guys up?

We bust each other's balls on a regular basis, just to remind each other that we're all still good friends.

Some bands engage in a pre-show ritual to ensure a success performance. Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Nope.

This is my favorite question. Let’s pretend that, through my ninja powers I am suddenly in South Carolina and I just stole your iPod. What’s the most embarrassing song I’ll find?

U2.

Some bands use their success to promote a particular agenda, like animal rights/welfare or raising money for impoverished areas. If Miles Apart had to do a benefit concert for an issue, what would it be and why?

At this point it would most likely be for marriage equality. We've already been part of a compilation where all the money went to the same cause, we have lyrics about it, and we're actually coming up with some new shirt designs with some different images speaking on that topic. The why is because we don't think that any religion or political system should affect what two lovers, male or female, can do legally. Obviously there are going to restraints, but nobody should say that you can get married to the person you love because you aren't like them.

Let’s play another game of pretend. You are granted the power to go back in time and alter Hollywood history so one of your songs could be featured on a soundtrack. What song is it, what movie would your song be featured in, and why?

It would be Stagnant in the scene of Road House where Sam Elliott and Patrick Swayze get in the fight behind the bar. R.I.P Swayze.

For now what are you next big plans for Miles Apart?

I have no idea, we kind of take everything one day at a time. We'd like to get signed and tour more, but realistically right now we're just focusing on doing what we love and all that other shit comes second.

To check out their tunes, head to http://www.myspace.com/milesapartsc. There happens to be an indie pop band that shares the same name, but these guys are the only Miles Apart band to carry the Juno seal of approval. So show ‘em some love!

~Juno

Battle Studies: An Exploration into the Art of the Breakup by John Mayer

I've been listening to this album for about 5 months now and I knew from the minute I heard it that I’d have to share it with you all. But this album has so many layers and facets to it, that it’s taken me awhile to feel acquainted enough with this album to do it justice in a review.

John Mayer’s fourth album, Battle Studies was released in November 2009. It has 11 tracks and is only 46 minutes from start to finish. And in my humble opinion, it’s his best yet. Alright, I’ll admit that the only John Mayer I had on my iPod prior to this album were the big five (his old stuff that seems to always be floating around the airwaves), so I guess I don’t have a whole lot of authority on this subject. But this album is something new and different from Mayer and shows a musical maturation.

Although Mayer is known to be something of a womanizer and a jackass in general, the lyrics of this album show a depth of character I didn’t know existed. They tell the story of the ending of one relationship and the beginning of a new one. The album gives us a glimpse into the life of the main character as he begins a tumultuous quest to find himself again after a break-up. He dabbles in drugs and serial dating for several songs and has something of an epiphany at a crossroads and emerges throughout the rest of the album all healed and looking for love again.

A melancholy, almost numb feeling encompasses the entire album and the raw emotion that fueled it will peek through on occasion. Mayer incorporates new musical styles into this album along with his famous rock songs and guitar solos. The song "Crossroads" has a heavy Blues influence and "Assassin" begins with an electronic tribal drum thing that is completely entrancing.

But the innovation doesn’t end there. The music video for "Heartbreak Warfare" is the first augmented reality music video ever! And it was really cool . . .when I could get it to work. To view it, you need a copy of the “magic symbol” and you have to hold it in front of your webcam and voila! The music video starts. Don’t ask me how. I’m not the most tech-savvy girl out there. I ran into troubles early on. If you don’t hold the magic symbol in just the right spot, or completely still, it won’t work. And it was kind of hard to watch said video while I was holding a piece of paper up in front of my face. But I got it after three times and it blew my mind! Coolest thing I've ever seen! It was worth the trouble I went through to get it to play.

Screen capture:

If you’re a John Mayer fan or if you simply enjoy life (as my professor would say) then you need to buy this album.

Favorite Tracks: "Half of My Heart," "Heartbreak Warfare," and "Assassin."

-Ally

Battle Studies - John Mayer

Those Who Know Sophia Interview

Finally! This is my first interview piece for MnM! Some of you might not know who I am, but I’m the newest member of this blog. (I would like to give a big thanks to Juno for bringing up the idea that I should be part of the staff and of course to Ellie for accepting me!) It feels pretty exciting.

I contacted the band over Myspace and sent them the questions so they can fill out during their band practice and send them back to me. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you, a band out of Waterford, WI…Those Who Know Sophia!

Well…to start, please introduce yourselves and what instrument you play in the band

Matt Judt – Vocals

Tom Judt – Screams

Jason Freeman – Guitar

Kyle Dolgner – Guitar

Travis Laux – Drums

How long have you’ve been playing your instrument?

Matt – 7 yrs

Tom – 7rs

Jason - ?

Kyle – 4yrs

Travis – 4 yrs

How did you meet each other?

TWKS was formed in early November by brothers Matt and Tom with a lineup that has been completely revamped, due to conflicts of interest, we lost everyone and had to start over. Tom and Travis went to school with one another and also had played shows together in the past. Jason Freeman was our sound engineer whom we invited to play a show as a fill-in, than invited to join full time. Kyle contacted TWKS on Myspace when he saw that we were in need of a guitarist. We are still working on finding a bassist.

When did you form your band?

We formed in early November of 2009 as a side project that has become a fulltime band.

What made you decide to become musicians?

We all feel a deep connection with music and know that it’s the only thing we want too do for the rest of our lives. As we have grown as musicians and together it has become apparent music is who and what we are.

How did you come up with the name “Those Who Know Sophia”?

The night after our first practice we were driving to Buffalo Wild Wings debating what we should call ourselves and Matt brought up that he had thought of a name a few weeks back. Sophia is Hebrew for wisdom so technically we are Those Who Know Wisdom. Majority of the band is of Christian influence and we felt adding the Hebrew gave us a connection between our faith roots and our music.

What genre(s) do you consider yourself to be?

This is always so difficult for us to answer. We like to call ourselves Poppy Hardcore due to our upbeat choruses and our heavy breakdowns.

Who would you cite as your major influences?

Travis-Of Mice And Men

Matt-The Used

Kyle-After The Burial

Tom-Story Of The year

Jason-Hannakuh

I recently read that you guys performed at The Rave opening for Alesana, what are your thoughts on that show?

It was really fun getting up in front of all those kids and throwing down. It made for a really special experience because not only was it a big show but it was also the first show we played together with our new lineup. We will be back to The Rave opening for Asking Alexandria in June.

Before you start rocking out, do you guys have a ritual you do?

Well we are going to keep some details to ourselves. But one thing we can share is that we always make two pizzas to eat after we warm up so we can have some sustenance before we get down : )

What is your most memorable show you’ve played?

Our show at The Rave is without a doubt our favorite show. It was an awesome feeling knowing that we finally had a full line up again and could really start moving forward with our music and our career.

Who would you like the share the stage with someday?

We want to one day tour Canada with Nickelback.

What’s your favorite song to play?

It is not recorded yet but we call it Cat Meets Wheelbarrow. Its our favorite because it is a really fast upbeat song with strong hardcore and pop.

Who in the band, writes the lyrics?

Matt writes all of his parts and Tom writes all of his.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

Our songs range from a very wide area of thought. We write about our own personal experiences and our poetic roots.

What inspires you to write these topics?

Our lives.

Where do you see the band in five years?

We hope to be touring internationally living out our dreams.

Will we be expected an EP from you guys soon?

Hopefully soon!!!

Is there any upcoming shows that we should check out?

April 9^th, and there are more. Check our Myspace.

Is there any song you are thinking of doing a cover for?

We are currently writing a cover. It’s a secret.

What are your dreams and goals for the band?

What are every musicians goal? To be huge!

How do you promote your band and shows?

Myspace, word of mouth. Generally any way to really get the word out.

What are the biggest obstacles for your band?

Getting together and actually writing for a chance. Still gotta find a bassist. I think that’s a good obstacle.

I really suggest you to check them out. You will get hooked into their tunes that will be stuck in your head all day. Trust me, it’s happen to me before. Once they put out their EP, you’ll be sure to read an review from me. Also be sure to see them live on April 9^th at UW- Stevens Point!

http://www.myspace.com/thosewhoknowsophiaband

Enjoy!

-Isabel