Interviews: Awake At Last

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band, Awake At Last from the USA. 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 name Awake At Last represents the spiritual awakening we all felt when we decided that music could be both a catharsis, and a way of life and what we wanted to do for a living. We hope that it stands to inspire others to feel similar courage when manifesting whatever happiness they seek.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

I think like many others we inherit and forge when it comes to creation. A lot of us were fans of rock and roll before we ever took up guitars and began writing songs of our own. I strive to bridge the gap between hard rock, and also to paint a cinematic and theatrical picture that can inspire and elevate the minds of our listeners.

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

We have all performed in different bands from our respective scenes, and it was great when we all came together. That being said my guitarist Eric and I have been playing in groups together since we were young teens. Imran joined as a second guitarist when it was decided that I would front the band, and then Drew is our newest member.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Vincent Torres: Muse, Afi, Coheed and Cambria, The Used, My chemical romance, etc etc there are so many.

Eric Blackway: Too many to count

Imran Xhelili: Bring Me The Horizon, Linken Park to name a few

Drew Hansen: Crown The Empire, and many more.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I've always been inspired to write music because I know that when I fell on my hardest times growing up music was always there to lift my spirits and inspire me to push forward. Storytelling has been a human tradition since history was ever told and I feel that when putting stories to music there is a magic of sorts that we feel when our hair stands on end when we hear an amazing progression or a beautiful lyric. It's ingrained in who I am as a person and It is a place of great comfort where I can give my thoughts, negative or positive form and purpose.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last show was at a place called Ottawa Tavern during a headlining run we did. We were out with our friends in A Light Divided, and it was a great time. As a tour prank they all came out for our last song with pillows and blankets calling themselves "Asleep at last." It was a night of great vibes and friendship and I remember it fondly.

7. Where would you like to act?

I don't know if many of us would be interested in acting, but I know as a Singer and fan of theater I think I would thoroughly enjoy a chance to perform in a theatrical production. I often write stories into my music as a nod to the theater.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We've had the pleasure of featuring with some amazing artists such as Ice Nine Kills' Spencer Charnas, and Rick Dejesus from Adelita's way. Both songs were fantastic, but I do think it'd be great to do a feature with a Female Vocalist. Perhaps Mixi from Stitched up heart, or Diamante. I also think that Ariel from Icon for Hire is very talented so that'd be really cool too.

9. Whom not?

I think that music is often improved by minds and talents coming together so I can't think of anyone that I specifically wouldn't want to feature with.

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

I think that we all have in some way or another. My only advice is to have a small conversation with yourself where you can tell yourself that you've got this, and be open to stripping yourself of the anxieties and the negative thoughts associated and instead turn them to positive thoughts that reinforce you. When it comes to performance remember the audience is there because they want to see an amazing performance, and the only way you'll give your best performance is by believing in yourself. It gets easier with time, but It's never fully gone. Having the courage to take the stage despite being a bit scared grants a lot of inner strength.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Personally, I've always leaned toward theatrical bands. I grew up with bands like The Used, and My Chemical Romance, but I also have a lot of love for Muse, and Coheed and Cambria. I admire the storytelling and songwriting that goes into their many amazing albums and always strive to carry that torch. It's really hard to only name a few because there are so many that I love, but I always respect those who paved the road for us.

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

Our fans have been amazing, and honestly they don't ask us for anything that I would consider "weird". We enjoy having contests and collectible things that they can strive for though, and it's always fun to see what they come up with.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I am of the mind that a band is only as strong as their fanbase and I think the connection of band and fan is symbiotic and amazing. Our fans have helped us to soar to heights we've dreamt of, and they give me strength when I find myself faltering.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think that it's really organized and stands as a great medium to connect like-minded musicians, and fans to what they love the most! I for one am very happy to do this interview, and hope to see more in the future. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

15. Something you'd like to add?

We are here to elevate and inspire our listeners, and I can't wait for shows to come back so we can see this great distance of the past year and half closed and we can once again be amongst friends at awesome venues listening to awesome music.