Interviews: Layman's Terms

In this new occassion we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Hardcore band Layman's Terms, from UK. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Rob: Layman's Terms is basically saying "No bullshit", y’know? We like to think our music is like that. No bullshit, just doing what we enjoy. 

Danny: We had a list of names that we thought might work, or at least sound good but when it came down to it we chose Layman’s Terms it best represented what we do as a band which is straight up melodic hardcore punk with not many frills. But that how we like it. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Rob: I think it's a genre we love above all others. Y’know I like metal and some ska and shit but nothing competes with the energy in melodic hardcore. 

Danny: I like quite a broad spectrum of music genres but when I was 13 I got a copy of Punk In Drublic by NOFX on cassette and loved that style from that second onwards. Then heard bands like Bad Religion, NUFAN, Descendents, Frenzal Rhomb etc. but when I first heard Strung Out I knew that is the style I wanted to play. 

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

Rob: Most of us knew each other or had at least met. Some of us had been in other bands together and played gigs together so when we did get together there were no surprises over the direction the band took. 

Danny: Yes we did. 

4. Each band member favourite band? 

Rob: Not sure I can pick just one but if I really had to I'd say Descendents. They're the band that got me into punk. 

Danny: There are too many to mention in reality but if I had to go with just one it is Strung Out. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?  

Rob: Everyday shit. Things that annoy me. Like people queuing for new fucking iPhones. Fucking idiots. It'll be obsolete before you get it home. No Trust is slightly political but I don't like to be preachy so it's fairly neutral. 

Danny: Literally anything can inspire me to write a song. Stuff that’s going on in the world, in your own city , in your life, things that are happening to other people. Other bands can have an influence and people you meet, good or bad. 

6. Where was your last gig? 

At the Thunderbolt in Bristol, that's a cool venue. We were there with 15 years, they're a rad band check them out. 

7. Where would you like to act? 

Rob: Act? I'd like to play anywhere where the people are into it. Y’know, not too cool to enjoy themselves. 

Danny: Pretty much anywhere but ideally I’d like to go back to America, possibly South America, Europe, Japan and Australia, so…..anywhere. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Rob: I'd love to play with Descendents, NOFX, Pennywise. To be honest there are loads of bands I'd like to share a stage with. 

Danny: We’re lucky enough to have landed a support slot with Strung Out in August in London so that’s onebox ticked already, and Consumed in November. Box two ticked. Other bands would be NOFX, Descendents, Frenzal, pretty much all the bands we’ve already mentioned. 

9. Whom not? 

Rob: I can't think of any bands inside our genre I wouldn't play with. I wouldn't want to play with Coldplay or some shit like that. Needs to be relevant. 

Danny: I wouldn’t have a problem playing with anybody unless they have strong views that I don’t necessarily with. 

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

Rob: I would think we all get a bit nervous before a gig but I think the key is to just remember that it's a personal choice to do this and it's supposed to be fun. 

Danny: I’ve played countless number of gigs, big shows, little shows, festivals and everything in between and I still to this day get nervous. Every time. The thing to remember is that you’re there for a purpose doing something you want to do, you enjoy doing with people you enjoy doing with. I think if don’t get nervous then I think that’s a been weird. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Rob: I think the DIY ethic of the early 80's hardcore bands like Black Flag have been massively influential in terms of getting out and doing what we love. From a song writing perspective I would say bands like NUFAN, Strung Out, Pennywise, NOFX, Descendents are probably the heaviest influences. 

Danny: See all previous band mentioned but also things like the DIY scene of the early 80’s and labels like Epitaph and Fat Wreck who are fiercely independent and DIY, doing things in their own terms and look at what is possible 

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

Rob: To play more... 

Danny: For me being asked to sign stuff. It’s bit weird. One guy in Boston once asked me for the socks I was wearing. 

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Rob: If we have fans then that's cool. We do this for ourselves primarily but if people like it then that's a bonus and of course we're happy to play for them. 

Danny: If we have them then that’s awesome and I’d like to meet them both. 

14. What do you think of our site? 

Rob: The site looks good, simple to navigate. I like it. 

Danny: Yes, it’s cool. Easy to use, great bands, great site. 

15. Something to add? 

Come and see us buy our merch, have a beer and enjoy the show.