The Stolen – If I Left Tomorrow (Will I Stay Here When I Die?)

By:  Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) Tell us a little bit about the process of writing “If I Left Tomorrow (Will I Stay Here When I Die?).”

A) I (Rob) wrote the song on an acoustic guitar, but when bringing it to the band I had the vision of making it a NJ anthem. The goal was kind of like if “Secret Garden” and “Dancing in the Dark” were released on Drive-Thru records in ‘05. It encapsulated this idea that really felt like home and where we were from, which is what the song is about.

Q) You recently shot a music video for this song, using footage from last tour. What inspired you to create the video using that footage?

A) The video for this song came to us while we were on tour. We had the idea because being on the road you’re constantly traveling and when you finally arrive in a new city and see a lot of familiar faces it does give you a sense of home.

Q) Which song would you consider your favorite on this LP?

A) My favorite is constantly changing with this LP. “If I Left Tomorrow” has become my favorite to perform live while “Before You Were Gone” is my favorite to listen to at the moment.

Q) How do you feel your music has evolved since your first album?

A) We’ve been a band through a lot of our formative years so what inspires you both musically and just environmentally over the course of time is always going to change and adjust to your sound. I think early on we were a part of a very dense local scene in New Jersey with a lot of DIY bands being our friends and peers. There was this very “Jersey Pop Punk” sounds that instilled both us and our friends early on. It’s amazing seeing as our friends grow as well where they’re at five to seven years later musically. I think as we got older, we started really reflecting more on our roots of what we grew up on our what our parents put on for us. We also are huge suckers for a catchy melody, so pop music always holds an influence in our hearts as well.

Q) You’ll be touring this fall to promote your new LP. What particular venue do you look forward to playing the most?

A) This fall run is going to be a fun one. We always say that fall is the best season to tour. I’m really looking forward to our home show at Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ. It’s always super hectic when you’re first there because everyone you want to see and care about is there, but it always ends up being a great time and we grew up playing The Brighton for years.

Q) What is the best part about touring?

A) The best part about touring is playing music every night and getting a true taste of different cities each day.

Q)  Last year you made the decision to sign with Revival Recordings. What was it about the label that helped you to make that decision?

A) When speaking to the Revival team we really had a great feeling about their passion for their artists. You don’t feel like just another band on the roster. They really take the time to work with you and pushing out your vision. They’re super cooperative and really let us do us which to find a label that truly trusts the artist, that trust becomes reciprocal.

Q)  If given the chance to collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

A) I think to do a collaboration with either a classic songwriter or a modern innovator would be really cool. I think a collaboration with McCartney or Springsteen would be awesome. Also, something with a modern-day innovator like Bon Iver would also be super cool.

Q)  What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the music business?

A) There’s no right or wrong way to do the business side of things. The music industry is a wild circus. The only thing you can control is creating the best music you possibly can and being the best human you can be. If at the least you create undeniable music and you’re a good person, it’ll catch on.

Q)  What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) There’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude that comes from doing this every day. It’s unbelievable that people support us in any avenue they can. To be supported in any facet is super lucky let alone to what we have and how outgoing and amazing our supporters are and it doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re super thankful for what you all do every day.

All Questions Answered By Rob Chiarappa