Versus – Awake

By starrymag | October 6, 2019

By: Jenny Vintzileos

 

 

Q) Walk me through the songwriting process of writing “Awake.”

A) The process was extremely meticulous. We spent over six months going back and forth with producers and the band. Tyler tracked the drums with Paul Leavitt in Maryland. The rest was tracked in Seattle, Washington. So, the process was a bit more spread out.

Q) How do you feel this new release compares to the music from your original EP debut, The Black?

A) This single gets back to the root of Versus like you heard in The Black. Our full length, The Cardinal, was a step into a more nu metal path. But the new single takes it back to the sound we had in the earlier days. I’m so much happier with it.

Q)) You are known for addressing the issue of mental health in your songs. Why is it important to you to discuss this issue using music as the platform? 

A) Well, the band was founded in the months following my step dad’s suicide. I don’t even really have to think about it like, “I’m speaking out for mental health.” It’s become a lifestyle. It’s in my bones now. Real words will always be sung out of my mouth until the day I stop breathing. I hope that continues to help people. It’s an important issue. I think it’s more important to show people your common ground with mental health than just say it will get better. 

Q) You went on tour for The Cardinal back in 2017. What’s your favorite song to perform live? 

A) Hmm. This was a hard one. That tour was so nuts. Every song we played seemed like I gave me a high like no other. I would have to say the “The Cardinal” was my favorite to play. I watch a live stream video after a sold-out show in Denver. When that song dropped, I saw everyone’s heads moving so aggressively I was worried for their health. The crowd energy was insane.

Q) After your tour for The Cardinal you took a break while vocalist Joe Taylor (Joe Taylor Must Die) and Guitarist Joshua Wayne Kendrick (Low Bodies) pursued solo projects of their own. How do you feel that that break and their branch into new projects helped to shape the music you are creating now?

A) With a few member changes, I needed to take a mental health break. I had to check myself in. I was carrying too much pain and grief. I needed to get better, so once I got out of the hospital, I wrote a solo EP and direct supported a full US tour with Ryan Cabrera. That was a good way to ease myself back. And even that was rough in my brain. So, I went home and moved to a big property north and out of the city of Seattle. I got six German Shepherds and began to heal myself. This move gave me the level of peace I needed to write new Versus singles and confront my demons. 

Q) Out of all the songs you’ve recorded, which one means the most to you? 

A) “Sick People” from The Black. I can hardly get through that song is so emotional to me. 

Q) You’re currently a part of the Revival Recordings family. What was it that pushed you to make the move from self-releasing music to becoming part of this label? 

A) We signed with Revival two years ago under the idea of staying small with family vibes and focus more and creating a message of awareness for mental health as opposed to creating revenue. Still there. Same values. 

Q) Being from Seattle, it is best known for being where grunge music started, as well as heavier genres such as metal music. How much of your geography has influenced your sound and how much of it was influenced by other sources? 

A) It helped the aesthetic of the band, but the sounds you hear are just us as raw humans. No geography can influence that to me really. It just helps to be somewhere you love. And I do love it here. I’m forty mins north of the city at the base of mountains on a big property with a bunch of German Shepherds now. So, things are even more relaxed. That’s why I took so much time to release this. I’m living in a wonderland in the woods surrounded by evergreens. 

Q) With “Awake” out now, when can we hope for a new album? 

A) I don’t really know honestly. I’m not really focused on an album right now. I just plan on releasing singles with good content for a bit. If the people want a full record, they know how to make it happen. [smiles]

Q) When will Versus be headed out on tour again? 

A) That’s not really up to me. At the end of the day that’s on the business end of the industry. If the right tour comes along, I’m willing to talk about it. But right now, I’m just focused on making good music. After ten years of touring I’m confident the fans will let us know when and where they want to see us.

Q) What advice would you give to anyone looking to break into the metal music scene?

A) Get ready for a long battle. But stay true to your soul and to your art. Mold the industry. Don’t let the industry mold you.

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

A) I love you for being you and keep your head up.

 

 

All Questions Answered By Vocalist Joe Taylor