Interview with Mightier Than Me

Hey readers!

I got the chance to interview 5-piece alt-rock band, hailing from

L-R: Charlie, Wes, Randy, Sarah, Robert

Greensboro, Mightier Than Me consists of Randy Williams (vocals), Wes Frank Norman (guitar), Robert Justin Seawell (bass/vocals), Sarah Barker (keys/vocals), and Charlie Fuson (drums).

We discuss recording their debut EP, Robert's special feather, and their favorite parts of being in an emerging band. Enjoy!
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KK: Hey guys! How are you all doing?

MTM: Doing well, thanks!

KK: Awesome! So, how did you all form the band and when?

Robert: Well we all met at GTCC (Guilford Technical Community College) in a music ensemble class. About how long ago, Wes? A year?

Wes: Fall of 2015. We officially started the band in January of 2016.

Robert: Yeah, August sounds about right for when we started playing together. It took us a while to give the group a name, but it was definitely at the beginning of the semester

KK: Nice! So I hear you guys have been working on an EP, due out in December. What are your top 3 fave parts of the journey to completing it?

Robert: Yeah, we spent most of the summer in the GTCC studios recording it. It's our self-titled debut album so we're super excited about it. As far as top three favorite parts, I'd definitely have say that the songwriting sessions have been my absolute favorite. These guys never fail to surprise me with their musicianship, so it's always a blast. Second to that has been all of the shows we've played leading up to the release. We've done a lot of local promoting, and I really like any chance we get to play live. I guess third is the actual recording process and the time we spent in the studio itself. It's my first time ever being a part of something like this, so I've spent a large part of my time embarrassingly giddy.

Wes: For me, it was getting to work with everyone at GTCC to make our album sound so great. Thomas Johnson and Scott Hartsell did a fantastic job of producing the album. Also, everyone involved in bringing our album release show together. Ron Barrens, Nick, Wes, Lee and David Sprauve have done an amazing job with the lights and sound production for this concert. Something you only see at major concerts. Our manager, Enasha James has done awesome at managing us and our project since day 1 in the studio.

Charlie: Well, meeting and getting to know these very talented and driven musicians is the best part of it all... I loved recording with these guys and gal! I didn't feel any pressure...they just let me do me....lol and I can't wait to perform this release with my fellow band mates!!! I know it's going to be a highlight of my life!!!

Sarah: Getting to experience the recording process has definitely been one of my favorite parts! I have never recorded anything prior to this, and it's been one of my goals for a long time. Another favorite are the members of this band, we really seem to mesh well and getting to work together with people you really like is always a good thing!

Randy: 1. The actual writing of the songs. We would get together and jam, come up with ideas on the spot, or bring in things we’d been working on at home. There were two or three practices where we would hit a nice groove and leave with a finished song.

2. Being in the studio was awesome. It was my first time making real professional recordings after so many of years of recording one-take songs and putting them out for anyone who wanted to listen. We got to see how our songs really sounded in detail, and make changes on the fly that made the songs stronger.

3. Working with all of the supportive people at school and in the music scene gave me a lot of confidence, especially in the earlier stages of recording. Particularly, our engineer, Scott, and producer, TJ, helped us a lot with our creative vision for this record.

KK: It is great to see you guys have had a lot of fun and a strong support system so far- this is exciting! So to those who haven't checked you out live, what kind of vibe is the audience to expect at your shows? Does it get rowdy?

Robert: I think we bring an energetic vibe, but I don't know if I would describe us as rowdy exactly. {laughs} You see more people dancing at our shows than moshing, if that helps.

KK: Totally! Dancing at shows is always a good thing! So about your self-entitled debut EP, where and when will it be available for fans to buy it?

Wes: It releases December 2nd and will be available at all  major digital retailers and physical along with digital downloads will be available from our website.  So Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, Groove, etc.

KK: If you were to open for a band of your choice, who would it be?

Wes: Everyone should answer this.

Rob: Yes, boss!

KK: {laughs}

Charlie: Foo Fighters.

Robert: Damn, that's a good one!

Randy: The Killers! I love them and hear they put on a fantastic show. I feel like there would be a great level of cross-over between their fans and those who would like what we do, although we're not really that similar.

Robert: Well, my first two thoughts were Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy, but that's just because I love those bands. lol I've thought about this a lot, and I'm actually torn between AWOLNATION and The Killers. I just think the kind of show they put one would go good with our style. I can see a natural blend there.

Sarah: Reliant K. Fallout boy is a good one!

Wes: I would love to open up for MGMT, Arcade Fire or The Black Keys. I would just fanboy the whole time. {laughs}

Robert: Someone get these people on the phone already!

Randy: Tell me about it dude! I'd be smiling too much to sing!

Sweet merch for Dec. 2!

KK: {laughs} Those are all great bands, for sure- now that I think about the pairings would be rad! Mightier Than Me definitely has a sound that can cross over into different shows and would definitely make sense either way!

MTM: Thank you!

KK: No problem! Anything else you would like to add?

Wes: We will be featuring Rumy Da Beast and Sir Plus for a special remix at our album release show.  These guys are amazing rappers and we love to work with them every chance we get.

Robert: Just a special thanks to everyone who has come to a show, pre-ordered an album, or shown any support in any way. It means so much that so many have gotten on board so early, and we're truly grateful! Now can I please go back to being outrageous and goofy?

Wes: Go for it Robert.

KK: {laughs} Be outrageous and goofy all the time- it's encouraged! Haha

Sarah: {laughs} yes!

Randy: {laughs}

KK: Waiting on the goofiness... Just kidding... Kinda.. {laughs}

Robert: {laughs} I'm looking for my feather.

KK: Oh my... Dare I ask?? {laughs}

Randy: {laughs} The feather gives him powers. Not sure you want to know much more than that!

Charlie: He wears it every show. {laughs}

Sarah: Well that and his shades! {laughs}

Robert: The feather itself is an antennae for awesome. When set on full blast, I get a solid jiggawatt of streaming awesome!

KK: {laughs} Sounds powerful- keep it in a safe place between shows! Keep spreading the awesome vibes! Thank you all so much for your time! Looking forward to hearing more from you all and hearing the full EP!

MTM: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us Krystal!

---------------------------------------To pre-order Mightier Than Me's debut EP before December 2, go to www.mightierthanme.com

You can also stream the Mightier Than Me Album Release party, which will be held at GTCC Center for Creative and Performing Arts Theatre (901 S Main Street, High Point, NC) live on December 2nd, 2016 at 7:00pm EST. Click http://www.mightierthanme.com/live-stream

If you dig this band, you can give them a follow and show them some love on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reverbnation, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Amazon, and iTunes.

@rockdinthe6ix

#NewMusicMonday "Event Horizon" by Polarity!

First blog back in Toronto, and anyone who knows me has heard me go on about Toronto-based progressive rock band, Polarity, and how incredibly stoked I have been about their upcoming album "Action Potential" (produced by David Bottrill/ Chris Creglia) they have been working hard to perfect.

Polarity consists of Jasmine Virginia (vocals), Jason Swait (guitar), Mike Sitana (guitar), Matt Hamilton (bass), and Eric Zimmerman (drums).

Here is their freshly-released music video for "Event Horizon", directed and edited by their bassist (who is also a filmmaker), Matt Hamilton. Enjoy and happy Monday!!

Tantric In The Studio For Pre-Prod

Today, Tantric is in Ohio at the studio doing some pre-production, working on their upcoming, untitled seventh album! That's right- Tantric will be releasing another album! 

I had the opportunity to listen to the demo versions of the tunes on the bus, and I gotta say I am really digging the new material! So stoked!

The picture on the right is my view earlier of the boys hard at work on their tune called "Wannabe". 

The photo to the left is of Tantric bassist, Scott Wilson tracking bass, as guitarist, Tommy Gibbons helps out.

All I can tell you is that long time Tantric fans will absolutely love this fresh new album, as well as draw in new fans with these tunes. The album is gonna be killer!!

Now we are getting ready to continue the trip up to Detroit! See you at The Ritz!

@rockdinthe6ix

On The Road w/ Tantric

Typing this out on the I-90 on the way to Detroit from Pennelville, NY. 

I don't think I went on a vent about my missing luggage (probably because it's embarrassingly my own fault and left it in the connecting airport to get to Massachusetts), but I finally have my clothes! All thanks to Tantric frontman, Hugo Ferreira for spending countless hours on the phone with the airport- and got them to miraculously deliver my luggage to our tour bus behind Moniraes, just in time to get dressed before working merch! Thanks so much, Hugo!

It was a great show with awesome bands- shout out to Syracuse-based band, One Step From Falling for hooking up the signed CD- such a killer live band you must check out!

Shana (The Fuze Mag) w/ Hugo (Tantric)

I finally got to see the boys from Anomic play their set- and I didn't realize it was them playing on stage until I looked- reminder: there are only two members of the band: Jay Stephenson (vocals/guitar), and Rick Tullar (drums). Their live show has a pretty full sound, especially for a two-piece band! Very impressed!

After the show, the beautiful Shana Toro, and the rad crew from The Fuze Magazine hopped on the bus with us to do an exclusive interview with Hugo. Cannot wait to see it!

Meeting the fans at these shows so far is awesome- so many long-time Tantric fans, and it is nice to see them come out and support these guys!

See you at The Ritz in Detroit!

@rockdinthe6ix

View From Above Tour: Day One in Rhode Island!

So... for all who were wondering why I am in the States for 35 days: I am the touring merch girl for American rock band, Tantric's View From Above Tour!

Tonight we were at 1150 Oak Bar and Grille in Cranston, Rhode Island- great crowd, and awesome opening bands! 

I got to meet North Dakota-based rock duo, Anomic who were my merch table neighbours, and caught a bit of Southern rockers, Elisium's set as well! Both bands will be touring with us on this run.

Check out Tantric on Bandsintown for shows in your area! Hope to see you at one! 

@rockdinthe6ix

Leaving On A Jet Plane!

I am currently sitting in Pearson Airport, killing time while my flight to Philly is delayed. See you in June, Canadians! <3 Heading to the birth country for some rock 'n' roll!! 

@rockdinthe6ix

Nothing Compares 2 Prince

He was a true visionary.
An artistic genius.
He had a distinctive style in every aspect of his being.
A incomparable song writer and producer.
A self-taught multi-instrumentalist.
A fashion icon.
One of the artists who helped break gender and racial barriers.
Injected organic and insatiable eroticism into the lives of fans through his art.
He set television screens and stages worldwide

on fire with his presence.
He painted vivid pictures with his love songs that made even the most cynical hearts believe in romance.
All this and more are reasons why Prince Rogers Nelson was one of the sexiest, most influencial and inspiring humans to ever walk this earth.

Rest in paradise, angel. Your legacy will live on through your soulful music you have left for us to be moved by and cherish forever.

Band Sticker Findings Around The 6ix!

I was walking behind these text-walking zombies going at the most glacial speed in the downtown core of Toronto, when I spotted this Overman sticker! Bam! Can you guess where this is?

Tweet me @rockdinthe6ix

Why Do People Suck At Communicating?

How is this rocket science??

  Today I touch down on the topic of how much
humans absolutely suck at communicating with each other.

  The standards of what is considered a "good conversation"  is deteriorating, hence, why people are frustrated when they are never heard, and therefore, we don't get to know each other the way generations before us used to do.

  Have a listen to Episode 2 of Rock'd in The 6ix below. Hope you enjoy it!

All About V-Day and Dating in your 30s

Best. Bear. Ever.

Welcome to the first podcast of Rock'd in the 6ix, where I talk about various random topics, based on life and music!

Today I touch down on the topic of Valentine's
Day and dating in your 30s with Michael aka Bones from Bishops_and_Bones (to be launched soon) on Youtube, as well as our friend Kevin shares a really bad pickup line!

Hope you enjoy it!
-Jerz