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
