Brandon Herbel
08/18/06, 01:57 PM
This interview was conducted through email while the band was on Warped Tour 2006. I would like to thank Sunny and Kyle for taking the time out to do the interview.
This is the bands first year to play Warped Tour and play in front of this many people. What do you think of the whole experience so far?
Kyle: So far it’s been amazing. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but everyone’s been very receptive, and it’s nice having bands you respect come and watch your show every day.
Sunny: Warped Tour is hands down the most fun, bizarre, and amazing experience we’ve had…I just wish more girls would show us their boobs.
Have you been getting alot of good feedback from fans, bands, and new listeners?
Kyle: Actually yes, I wasn’t sure how we’d be received here, cause we don’t really fit the bill, but a few bands have been announcing from stage to watch us. It’s been very encouraging having bands of that caliber say nice things.
Sunny: Ya, actually the guy at the churro cart is a die hard fan now. The chance to reach such a big audience and grab the attention of people who were just walking by and normally would have never been exposed to us is such a great opportunity, it always pushes us to give 110% every show.
What do you think has been the best experience of Warped so far?
Kyle: I really enjoy watching AFI. Its kind of inspiring
Sunny: Haha, one morning when I was half awake and trying to find coffee and I got run over by my crazy Canadian buddy on his bike. Remember kids, don’t drink and drive. I got to sport some grapefruit sized bruises on my legs for about a week. That’s hot.
*Now you guys just got off of a 7 week tour with Greeley Estates. How was the first experience of the east coast and Canada for you?
Kyle: It was amazing. There were some cities that received us better than ones we had already been to. It made me realize how powerful the internet can be.
Sunny: Canada actually treated us better than a lot of the American cities we went to. As for the east coast, we’ve been dying to make it out there for a while so it was really great to show up and have fans as excited as we were. It was also really nice to se some of my family over there.
Kyle: I liked Chicago pizza
Any really memorable moments from the tour?
Kyle: I won 150 bucks playing blackjack in Canada, then bought absinthe. It made me happy
Sunny: Yes;
*Alot of people want to know when the band is going to record a full-length. Can we see any of that happening here in the near future?
Kyle: Not in the near future, but I hope we can record one at the end of the year or early early next year. Writing that record is honestly my priority right now.
Is there a reason that the band decided to do the two EP's first?
Kyle: The first ep was because we felt like we needed to put something out to actually become a band if you will. So we could tour and get music in people’s hands, and the second honestly came from demos turned an ep. With our schedule we didn’t know when we’d be able to complete our record, so we made an ep to hold people over and get our new stuff out.
Sunny: Lately im seeing a lot of bands being really rushed into throwing out their “debut full length” and then months later end up really unhappy with it. We just want to take our time and release something that we will always be proud of and know we put everything into it that we possibly could.
I know that a few of the songs are based off of short stories written by Kyle, so is that how all the songs come about?
Kyle: I usually write stories after the songs are written, try to tailor them to the feel of the song.
Did you ever want to become an author Kyle?
Kyle: I was actually in school for English with hopes to write before I dropped out for the band
*Obviously the new EP "This Is My Boomstick" is an Evil Dead reference. Any significant reason to why you used that?
Kyle: we kinda wanted to do something fun before we did a full length. Do something a little outta our element.
Sunny: Well, as much as I wanted to call it “this bloody infatuation that will make me kill myself a week from Tuesday”….i was overruled. Seriously. And If I see anybody steal that name I’ll be out for blood.
With the changes at drummer occurring as This Is My Boomstick was released, we haven't heard what Pat brings to the table. Will there be a difference in the style of drumming on the next album, can we expect more of the same, or will it be somewhere in between?
Kyle: It’ll definitely be a little different, but we write collectively, so I think it’ll mesh well. He’s very creative and open minded, which is exactly what we were looking for.
Sunny: I cant wait to write with Pat, he has a killer style. I can guarantee that everything we put out will be different from the album before, new drummer or not. We’ll never make the same album twice.
Kyle, you have seemed to have an easier time singing the songs live. What do you do to make sure your able to hit those high notes day after day?
Kyle: When we went on tour to support the new ep, the stuff I was doing for the old songs didn’t feel right. It didn’t seem honest, so I got a mike stand and kinda re-discovered how to play live. With the stand to center me it helped me control my breath, and I also began voice lessons when we got home.
So, there was an incident a few months ago dealing with a stupid kid getting on stage and falling over on Sunny's cello. Do you guys not let kids up on stage anymore? Is there anything you would like to say about that incident?
Kyle: You can’t really tell kids what to do at a show, but you just hope they’re respectful, of the band and each other. Kids were having fun and one was just tanked. To me it’s the same as the other day when two girls started fighting during our show in phoenix. People should be there for music.
Sunny: Modified Arts is a tiny art gallery/venue in downtown Phoenix. It’s where this band was born. To be completely honest, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that we can’t play our favorite venue in our hometown because a few people lack self control and respect. It was a pretty expensive lesson to learn… And its just bullshit.
What are the main inspirations for the band, lyrically, composition wise, and to stay on the road and continue doing what you do?
Kyle: I really want to create a substantial, well respected album. That’s really it.
Sunny: Our goal always has been to create music that challenges the norm; its pretty obvious “what works”. Who cares. It’s not some secret formula, whats the fun in reproducing it over and over? We’re big fans of gallivanting outside the box.
What bands do you feel have influenced your sound?
Kyle: Everyone’s different. At the time of the last albums I was into Zepplin, !!!, Murder City Devils. But the list would be stupidly long if I listed everyones tastes. We’re very eclectic.
Sunny: As of late, some of the old blues greats like Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters. But mostly just pirates.
What're you currently listening to/reading?
Kyle: Portugal the Man, On warped its hard to read, but I was reading Les Miserables
Sunny: On this tour I’ve been reading “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger and editing Kyle’s short stories. When it’s time to sleep I’ll throw on Neko Case, Ours, portishead, 16 horsepower, or Job for a cowboy.
We all knew this question was coming but Sunny… Are you single?
Sunny: The only men in my life are my teddy bears- White Bear and Ghost Face Killah.
Kyle, how is it dating someone who is also in a band thats constantly tour? and how does it feel to finally be on warped tour and being able to see her now?
Kyle: It’s honestly one of the hardest scenarios I can think of. Everything’s always changing, and you have no idea how and when you’ll see them again, when your plans will change. We always hope for a vacation, but always have to cancel them. It’d be easier if we were rich too, not gonna lie. The thing that’s nice is it’s never stale. Whenever I see her it’s just as intriguing, and it honestly gives me something to look forward to. I remember driving twelve hours to see her for a day, and being so happy the whole drive, I guess having an occupation that involves living in a vehicle helps condition me for that aspect. It’s wonderful seeing her at warped, however we’re both working all day. I always wanna sneak off and find a coffee shop or something that remotely feels like a date, but there’s always something to do. Haha, I guess I’m just bein redundant in saying that it’s very hard, but you can’t control who you fall for, and I’d consider myself weak if I didn’t try to make it work.
With Shelly and Paul now engaged, do they plan on still touring as much as you guys are now?
Kyle: Yes. Both of their fiancés are very supportive, and sometimes kick their asses to work harder. We’re not gonna half-ass this
Sunny: yes.
What do we plan on seeing from you guys in the next year (getting signed, tours, new cd, ect)?
Kyle: Touring, and hopefully a record some time mid next year (I hope). With labels… I have no idea, but if we don’t find anything that fits, we’ll keep going.
Well, thats about all the questions I have for you guys. Once again thanking you for taking the time to do this interview. Are there any last words, thank yous or shout outs you would like to give?
Kyle: Thanks to anyone who spreads the word, anyone who supports us.
Sunny: That’s too much pressure, Brandon.
www.myspace.com/thestilettoformal (http://www.myspace.com/thestilettoformal)
This is the bands first year to play Warped Tour and play in front of this many people. What do you think of the whole experience so far?
Kyle: So far it’s been amazing. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but everyone’s been very receptive, and it’s nice having bands you respect come and watch your show every day.
Sunny: Warped Tour is hands down the most fun, bizarre, and amazing experience we’ve had…I just wish more girls would show us their boobs.
Have you been getting alot of good feedback from fans, bands, and new listeners?
Kyle: Actually yes, I wasn’t sure how we’d be received here, cause we don’t really fit the bill, but a few bands have been announcing from stage to watch us. It’s been very encouraging having bands of that caliber say nice things.
Sunny: Ya, actually the guy at the churro cart is a die hard fan now. The chance to reach such a big audience and grab the attention of people who were just walking by and normally would have never been exposed to us is such a great opportunity, it always pushes us to give 110% every show.
What do you think has been the best experience of Warped so far?
Kyle: I really enjoy watching AFI. Its kind of inspiring
Sunny: Haha, one morning when I was half awake and trying to find coffee and I got run over by my crazy Canadian buddy on his bike. Remember kids, don’t drink and drive. I got to sport some grapefruit sized bruises on my legs for about a week. That’s hot.
*Now you guys just got off of a 7 week tour with Greeley Estates. How was the first experience of the east coast and Canada for you?
Kyle: It was amazing. There were some cities that received us better than ones we had already been to. It made me realize how powerful the internet can be.
Sunny: Canada actually treated us better than a lot of the American cities we went to. As for the east coast, we’ve been dying to make it out there for a while so it was really great to show up and have fans as excited as we were. It was also really nice to se some of my family over there.
Kyle: I liked Chicago pizza
Any really memorable moments from the tour?
Kyle: I won 150 bucks playing blackjack in Canada, then bought absinthe. It made me happy
Sunny: Yes;
*Alot of people want to know when the band is going to record a full-length. Can we see any of that happening here in the near future?
Kyle: Not in the near future, but I hope we can record one at the end of the year or early early next year. Writing that record is honestly my priority right now.
Is there a reason that the band decided to do the two EP's first?
Kyle: The first ep was because we felt like we needed to put something out to actually become a band if you will. So we could tour and get music in people’s hands, and the second honestly came from demos turned an ep. With our schedule we didn’t know when we’d be able to complete our record, so we made an ep to hold people over and get our new stuff out.
Sunny: Lately im seeing a lot of bands being really rushed into throwing out their “debut full length” and then months later end up really unhappy with it. We just want to take our time and release something that we will always be proud of and know we put everything into it that we possibly could.
I know that a few of the songs are based off of short stories written by Kyle, so is that how all the songs come about?
Kyle: I usually write stories after the songs are written, try to tailor them to the feel of the song.
Did you ever want to become an author Kyle?
Kyle: I was actually in school for English with hopes to write before I dropped out for the band
*Obviously the new EP "This Is My Boomstick" is an Evil Dead reference. Any significant reason to why you used that?
Kyle: we kinda wanted to do something fun before we did a full length. Do something a little outta our element.
Sunny: Well, as much as I wanted to call it “this bloody infatuation that will make me kill myself a week from Tuesday”….i was overruled. Seriously. And If I see anybody steal that name I’ll be out for blood.
With the changes at drummer occurring as This Is My Boomstick was released, we haven't heard what Pat brings to the table. Will there be a difference in the style of drumming on the next album, can we expect more of the same, or will it be somewhere in between?
Kyle: It’ll definitely be a little different, but we write collectively, so I think it’ll mesh well. He’s very creative and open minded, which is exactly what we were looking for.
Sunny: I cant wait to write with Pat, he has a killer style. I can guarantee that everything we put out will be different from the album before, new drummer or not. We’ll never make the same album twice.
Kyle, you have seemed to have an easier time singing the songs live. What do you do to make sure your able to hit those high notes day after day?
Kyle: When we went on tour to support the new ep, the stuff I was doing for the old songs didn’t feel right. It didn’t seem honest, so I got a mike stand and kinda re-discovered how to play live. With the stand to center me it helped me control my breath, and I also began voice lessons when we got home.
So, there was an incident a few months ago dealing with a stupid kid getting on stage and falling over on Sunny's cello. Do you guys not let kids up on stage anymore? Is there anything you would like to say about that incident?
Kyle: You can’t really tell kids what to do at a show, but you just hope they’re respectful, of the band and each other. Kids were having fun and one was just tanked. To me it’s the same as the other day when two girls started fighting during our show in phoenix. People should be there for music.
Sunny: Modified Arts is a tiny art gallery/venue in downtown Phoenix. It’s where this band was born. To be completely honest, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that we can’t play our favorite venue in our hometown because a few people lack self control and respect. It was a pretty expensive lesson to learn… And its just bullshit.
What are the main inspirations for the band, lyrically, composition wise, and to stay on the road and continue doing what you do?
Kyle: I really want to create a substantial, well respected album. That’s really it.
Sunny: Our goal always has been to create music that challenges the norm; its pretty obvious “what works”. Who cares. It’s not some secret formula, whats the fun in reproducing it over and over? We’re big fans of gallivanting outside the box.
What bands do you feel have influenced your sound?
Kyle: Everyone’s different. At the time of the last albums I was into Zepplin, !!!, Murder City Devils. But the list would be stupidly long if I listed everyones tastes. We’re very eclectic.
Sunny: As of late, some of the old blues greats like Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters. But mostly just pirates.
What're you currently listening to/reading?
Kyle: Portugal the Man, On warped its hard to read, but I was reading Les Miserables
Sunny: On this tour I’ve been reading “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger and editing Kyle’s short stories. When it’s time to sleep I’ll throw on Neko Case, Ours, portishead, 16 horsepower, or Job for a cowboy.
We all knew this question was coming but Sunny… Are you single?
Sunny: The only men in my life are my teddy bears- White Bear and Ghost Face Killah.
Kyle, how is it dating someone who is also in a band thats constantly tour? and how does it feel to finally be on warped tour and being able to see her now?
Kyle: It’s honestly one of the hardest scenarios I can think of. Everything’s always changing, and you have no idea how and when you’ll see them again, when your plans will change. We always hope for a vacation, but always have to cancel them. It’d be easier if we were rich too, not gonna lie. The thing that’s nice is it’s never stale. Whenever I see her it’s just as intriguing, and it honestly gives me something to look forward to. I remember driving twelve hours to see her for a day, and being so happy the whole drive, I guess having an occupation that involves living in a vehicle helps condition me for that aspect. It’s wonderful seeing her at warped, however we’re both working all day. I always wanna sneak off and find a coffee shop or something that remotely feels like a date, but there’s always something to do. Haha, I guess I’m just bein redundant in saying that it’s very hard, but you can’t control who you fall for, and I’d consider myself weak if I didn’t try to make it work.
With Shelly and Paul now engaged, do they plan on still touring as much as you guys are now?
Kyle: Yes. Both of their fiancés are very supportive, and sometimes kick their asses to work harder. We’re not gonna half-ass this
Sunny: yes.
What do we plan on seeing from you guys in the next year (getting signed, tours, new cd, ect)?
Kyle: Touring, and hopefully a record some time mid next year (I hope). With labels… I have no idea, but if we don’t find anything that fits, we’ll keep going.
Well, thats about all the questions I have for you guys. Once again thanking you for taking the time to do this interview. Are there any last words, thank yous or shout outs you would like to give?
Kyle: Thanks to anyone who spreads the word, anyone who supports us.
Sunny: That’s too much pressure, Brandon.
www.myspace.com/thestilettoformal (http://www.myspace.com/thestilettoformal)