Interviews: SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Rock/Metal band SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC from Canada. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The band name was borrowed directly from the Beardfish album of the same name. The guitarist and bassist who first started the band thought it was a fantastic name and wanted to expand on the concept.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

The desire to play progressive rock and metal comes directly from a passion for creativity. It's freeing to be part of a band where we don't set any limits on what we're willing to include or explore. 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

Ryan and Greg, the bassist and guitarist, had been playing in bands together for some time. They knew Andrew and Cory in passing from being in the scene but had never spent any time together before their first tryouts.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Everyone in the band has a rotating playlist, all of us listen to more than one genre. In fact, most of probably don't even listen to a lot of progressive metal/rock. Ryan's playlist usually consists of artists such as The Fullblast, Enter Shikari, Kristoff Krane, Bliss n Eso.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our writing style is all over the place. We've developed the band to have an unexplored sound for the listener, this allows us to pull inspiration from anywhere and shape it into the style of Sleeping In Traffic. There are no writing boundaries, we can use everything for our disposal. Having the freedom to explore many different genres and styles allows us to write pretty much anything that we feel will fit in the enormous realm of what Sleeping In Traffic is about.

6. Where was your last gig?

On Monday, August 26th, we played at our friend's wedding reception. They wanted something different than your typical wedding reception so they hired some of their favourite local Edmonton bands to play. We were honoured to play their wedding reception. 

7. Where would you like to act? 

Hopefully one day we can tour Europe!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We love bands who are pushing the envelope. Devin Townsend, Between the Buried and Me, The Contortionist, Haken, The Mars Volta

9. Whom not? 

Over the years, we've shared the stage with many different types of bands. The only artists that we don't want to be featured with are artists who are becoming stagnant in their sound and who are not pushing forward.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

All of us have played in past bands before Sleeping In Traffic when you are starting out, there's almost always a bit of stage fright. That stage fright is exhilarating and exciting, the adrenaline rush is something to live for. As of now, I don't think we experience any stage fright. It comes with experience, but more importantly, it comes with being prepared. Lots of practice, but better yet a few good rehearsals can go a long way. Everyone in the group should be practicing on their own and when it's a time of rehearsals, play like you are playing in front of hundreds of people. Some shows can be a bit stressful, you've got many tasks to do before, during and after the show, but you need to remember to have fun. We love playing music, it should always be fun.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Growing up, we were inspired by bands like Between the Buried and Me, Opeth, King Crimson, Meshuggah. These are the types of bands that inspire us to push forward and experiment with our music.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

To play their wedding reception! 

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are everything for us, they are loyal and committed to who we are. They've grown to understand that we will deliver new music to them in a way they've never heard before. Thanks to everyone who supports us.

14. What do you think of our site?

Websites like Breathing The Core are essential for the metal community. It's a place where listeners can go and discover new music and learn more about artists from around the world. There is so much talent in the world and a lot of artists get overlooked or not even looked at. This website is essential for listeners and artists to be aware of.

15. Something add?    

Our new EP's 'That Which Saves Us' and 'That Which Destroys Us' will be out on all streaming platforms on October 4th.