Interviews: Take It Or Leave It

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Punk Rock band Take It Or Leave It 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? Did you plan it, or come out just like that?

We were throwing around a bunch of ideas, but Take It Or Leave It stuck because it felt like the perfect attitude. It sounded raw, direct, and unapologetic. The more we sat with it, the more it felt like a mission statement for how we approach our music, shows, and life in general.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

This genre was the sound of our youth. Punk rock shaped how we heard music and how we processed growing up. We want to capture that same energy, but with a tone that feels more mature and lived-in. We’ve been through some things, and this is how we let it out.

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

Yeah, we go way back, as three of us worked at GameStop together. As time passed, Mario and Zach wanted to start a new project, got introduced to Craig, and dragged their old buddy Devon into it. We’d all been in different bands before, and this one felt right from the start. The chemistry was instant and undeniable. 

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Craig (Bass, Vocals) - Rancid

Zach (Lead Guitar) - SPYAIR, but for English music… Polyphia

Mario (Rhythm Guitar) - Blink-182

Devon (Drums) - Queens of the Stone Age

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We write when something grabs hold of us. It could be a memory, a meltdown, a moment you keep replaying in your head. Some songs start from just a feeling that needs to get out before it eats you alive. One of our songs, “Therapy,” has evolved over time from playing it live and hearing how the crowd reacts. Our audience helps shape our songs in real time, whether they know it or not.

6. Where was your last gig?

In the past few weeks, we’ve played at Olive’s in Nyack, NY, The Seven Crest in Teaneck, NJ, and Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Spring Open House in Madison, NJ. Next up is May 17th at Montclair Porchfest in Montclair, NJ. Olive’s turned up and got loud, Seven Crest is always a great time, and Porchfest will give us another outdoor crowd to feed off like we did at FDU. Every one of those shows brought a different energy, and we’re grateful for all of them.

7. Where would you like to perform?

We’d love to hit Asbury Park, NYC, and Philly more often since they’re all close enough to feel like home. But if we did a national tour, we’d love to go to places like New Orleans, Nashville, Denver, and a few California cities. Bringing Pasta Rock to new places has always been the dream.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

We’d love to share the stage with bands like Green Day, New Found Glory, or even Blink-182 if the stars aligned. They defined a whole era of pop-punk. At the same time, we’ve got a lot of respect for bands like Sincere Engineer, Origami Angel, Millington, Keep Flying, or Lucky Boys Confusion, who might not have the same name recognition as the big bands but are constantly getting played on our car’s speakers. They’ve got that raw energy that pushes the scene forward alongside those national touring acts.

9. Who not?

We’ve played enough shows to know that vibe matters. We come early and stay late. We want to play with bands that treat the whole show with that same respect. It’s not just about your set, it’s about showing up for the entire scene. If a band dips the second their last song ends, that’s not the kind of energy we want around us.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

All the time. Even now, after tons of shows, the nerves still creep in, especially when we’re playing something brand new. The key is to lean on each other. Having your bandmates by your side makes a huge difference. You don’t beat stage fright by waiting for it to disappear. You beat it by walking through it, one song at a time.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Definitely a wide mix. Here’s a list of some of our favorites: Blink-182, Queens of the Stone Age, Sum 41, The Wonder Years, Four Year Strong, Rancid, Goldfinger, Descendents, and Operation Ivy. And there’s always new stuff sneaking in that adds a twist to what we do; we don’t limit our inspiration.

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

We play a lot of out-of-genre covers, so we’re constantly asked to play popular hits. The weirdest request has to be someone seriously asking us to play Free Bird. We could do it, Zach can shred with the best of them, but come on. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

13. What do you think of your fans?

First of all, we have the best fans. Their dedication is what keeps us dedicated. We love talking to people after the set, too, hearing what they liked, what surprised them, and what we could do better. The performance is as much for us as it is for them, and we want everyone to leave feeling like they got something out of it. Without our fans, we’d be playing in an empty room, and that’s no fun for anyone. 

14. What do you think of our site?

We appreciate the interview tremendously. Sites like Breathing The Core help bands like ours reach new people, and that means a lot. We also love that you support bands in other ways, too, like posting music and pushing the scene forward. That kind of work doesn’t go unnoticed.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for checking us out. We are Take It Or Leave It, from Rockland County, NY. Every show, we give it everything we've got. This music matters to us. So come grab a shirt at the merch table, follow us on your favorite socials, and rock out with us at our next gig! We hope to see you there.