Will Pugh: Uncensored

[Jason Tate]

Will from Cartel (http://www.absolutepunk,net/cartel) has agreed to do an uncensored interview with us; so now's your chance to ask the really tough questions. There seems to be a lot of talk in our forums lately about selling out, the p!atd comments, the warped tour comments, and a few other things - so let's have your questions on anything and everything. I'll be picking the best ones to ask in the upcoming interview.

[M-House]

Please ask about the DVD that they filmed at the Masquerade a couple of months ago, I was at that show and i'd love to know when it's supposed to come out, if anything else will be on it etc.

[Chriz2z]

New album within the next year or will Epic try to ride out Chroma for as long as they can?

[combatbaby]

This is the first time I've logged into this account in a year and a half... hah.

Anyway. Question: How do you react to screaming fangirls at shows (Ex: "I love you, Will!") ? Is it weird to all of a sudden to have that type of following, or do you see it as just coming with the (well deserved, I may add) success?

I was at their show in Raleigh on Friday and the girl standing beside me freaked when she got Will's towel. It was kinda weird.

[Imtheotherguy]

I wanna know how they met and eventually signed with TMG

[jeffctown]

how is the new bass player working out? is he sorrier than a two dollar watch or tighter than a frogs ass underwater?? i hear he's older than the mountains, and got twice as much dirt. isn't his hair as sparce as hen's teeth?

go hog wild.

[ben pequeno]

what was the real reason of that one dude leaving the band?

[ra223]

sorry i have not been up to date with my AP.Net drama as of late why are people calling them sell outs?


My Question would be:
Will, will there be more piano based songs on this record, have you found a permanant bass player yet?

[Ryan Imhof]

Do you have any plans on recording a new album anytime soon?

[local superhero]

Is Cartel the only band you've ever been in? If so, how does it feel to have garnered such rising-star success so far with Cartel?

[earlynovemberX]

what are some of your favorite unsigned bands?

[bass ampss]

Did you really kick your bassist out because he didn't fit your 'image?'

[sweetforever]

Confirm or Deny: There will be a full band verison of Fiend on the next album

[dukeboy1986]

what are some of your favorite unsigned bands?

Dude, I saw you but didn't get to see you play...

[meganxcaroline]

my questions would be:

were you annoyed that warped tour put you guys on such a small stage, knowing you would bring in a lot of kids everyday?!?.........

annnnd

will, do you remember when all the kids at the Scranton, PA warped tour were trying to make you say "vagina" and you wouldn't say it for the longest time....why were you so scared to say it?!?

[shes.a.ghost]

Who writes the songs? Is there one primary song writer in the band or does the band sit down as a group and write the music/lyrics together?

[shes.a.ghost]

Did you really kick your bassist out because he didn't fit your 'image?'

doubt it. I think thier new player doesnt fit thier "image" but who cares.

[ben pequeno]

what are some of your favorite unsigned bands? hahah, do you want him to say 'holiday parade'?

[WarpSpeedChewy]

What direction or sound will the next album be like ?

And what bands do you think will influence Cartel on the 2nd album.

2 Part Question: Are Cartel fans' of Oasis since you covered Wonderwall and would you like Noel Gallagher to hear the cover ?

[boysdontcry17]

what bands inspire you?
how did you decide to become a band?

[MaDeMaN FiAsCo]

I was expecting porn. What a disappointment.

[ascitiesburn101]

What is the deepest and/or most personal song you have ever written?
Would you consider doing acoustic renditions of your songs anytime in the near future?

[CIABATTA]

yea p!atd did override ya'll but they had talent and appeal not that u dont. but one thing is ur from the south, i'm from the south and down here we teach MANNERS so it really disturbed me to see that one of my favorite bands was dissing the other and i may still listen to u but i have little respect for u. its sad quite truthfully....but why is it so important to become the "new U2"? personally i hate that band and the commercialism it stands for in general. cartel has many fans and u should be happy that ur on the map, no?

[ben pequeno]

yea p!atd did override ya'll but they had talent and appeal not that u dont. but one thing is ur from the south, i'm from the south and down here we teach MANNERS so it really disturbed me to see that one of my favorite bands was dissing the other and i may still listen to u but i have little respect for u. its sad quite truthfully....but why is it so important to become the "new U2"? personally i hate that band and the commercialism it stands for in general. cartel has many fans and u should be happy that ur on the map, no? nice first post.

[mikeyystyles]

How did you break it to your parents, that you wanted to drop out of college, and go forth with Cartel? Did you have any financial backing?

[Throwback]

yea p!atd did override ya'll but they had talent and appeal not that u dont. but one thing is ur from the south, i'm from the south and down here we teach MANNERS so it really disturbed me to see that one of my favorite bands was dissing the other and i may still listen to u but i have little respect for u. its sad quite truthfully....but why is it so important to become the "new U2"? personally i hate that band and the commercialism it stands for in general. cartel has many fans and u should be happy that ur on the map, no?
Panic had good timing. That's it. Right place at the right time for the right skewed demographic.

--edit
Not to mention lyrics that were designed purely for away messages and myspace profiles.

[jcarbs]

will, do you remember when all the kids at the Scranton, PA warped tour were trying to make you say "vagina" and you wouldn't say it for the longest time....why were you so scared to say it?!?




hahaha, i was def one of those kids, and the one who sang "total eclipse of the heart" before they started playing...good times.

[Hidenothing27]

Did you in fact make comments on warped about you should be on the main stage because you had some radio play?

If so why do you feel you deserved to be when bands like thursday paved the way for this scene and sold countless more records and are more original then you could ever be.... AGHHH

Just asked about warped because that pisses me off like other if he has that big of a head to say that...

Also copeland seem to refer in the recent ap.net that cartels whole goal is to be famous..

[Hidenothing27]

"Bryan: I think that all along, we have not had he same gameplan as Cartel. We have definitely been taking more of an indie rock route in our decisions, and getting big fast was never a goal of ours, so maybe we are a bridge between the two."

[Jason Tate]

Panic had good timing. That's it. Right place at the right time for the right skewed demographic.

--edit
Not to mention lyrics that were designed purely for away messages and myspace profiles.

Chuck did know what he was doing. ;)

Did you in fact make comments on warped about you should be on the main stage because you had some radio play?

If so why do you feel you deserved to be when bands like thursday paved the way for this scene and sold countless more records and are more original then you could ever be.... AGHHH

Just asked about warped because that pisses me off like other if he has that big of a head to say that...

Also copeland seem to refer in the recent ap.net that cartels whole goal is to be famous..

A lot of bands are asked to play the main stage of their hometown. Cartel was not. Cartel drew more for a lot of dates than some of the main stage bands did. His comment was that he thought they should have played the main stage in Atlanta due to the amount of people they drew. That makes sense: more people would have gotten to see the band - small stages aren't meant for the bazillion kids Cartel pulled to their stage. THAT was the comment he was making.

Thursday can not (at this time) be considered a band that paved the way for this scene and Thursday are no more original than Cartel (just because they play something besides pop-music, doesn't mean it hasn't been done before).

And the fact that you read "their goal is to be famous" from the quote in that interview; bewilders me.

I'm asking these questions just so idiots stop talking about them.

[Will Bryme]

why isn't will on the racing kites ep?

[robhimself]

i wanna know if will has any vocal training or if he's just that talented. (either way he's got an awesome voice) and what bands they listen to and are inspired by. and for everyone complaining about his comments on p!atd in altpress, you guys make it sound like he bashed the band. he just said he thought they shouldve had to pay dues like a lot of other bands do but he didn't talk shit about them or anything. get over it.

[soimpossible490]

on the ep that is supposed to come out when honestly makes it to TRL, will there be a live version of wonderwall on it?

Is there any way we can get one? because i'm sick of having to go to aol music every day to listen to it because it's so good.

[S84newt2000]

ask if they have any plans for a headlining tour after the NFG tour

[bass ampss]

doubt it. I think thier new player doesnt fit thier "image" but who cares.

I bet their label does.

[Jason Tate]

I bet their label does.
:smackface

[anamericangod]

Chuck did know what he was doing. ;)



A lot of bands are asked to play the main stage of their hometown. Cartel was not. Cartel drew more for a lot of dates than some of the main stage bands did. His comment was that he thought they should have played the main stage in Atlanta due to the amount of people they drew. That makes sense: more people would have gotten to see the band - small stages aren't meant for the bazillion kids Cartel pulled to their stage. THAT was the comment he was making.

Thursday can not (at this time) be considered a band that paved the way for this scene and Thursday are no more original than Cartel (just because they play something besides pop-music, doesn't mean it hasn't been done before).

And the fact that you read "their goal is to be famous" from the quote in that interview; bewilders me.

I'm asking these questions just so idiots stop talking about them.

i'm gonna have to disagree severely...

I do not see how you can say that Thursday hasn't paved the way for the "scene." Granted, I think the scene is pretty much bullshit, Thursday has had a fairly significant effect on a countless number of kids, lots of bands, and even further put the Jersey area in the spotlight with its upcoming wave of music.

I can distinctly remember getting into my friends car one day, many many years ago. he said, "man, you have to hear this fucking band." Hello, Full Collapse. I guarantee there are a ton of other kids who have a pretty good rememberance of the first time they heard Thursday.

Can the same be said for Cartel? Probably not... Should we get pissed at them for getting more popular based on image? Not really, image has always sold, whether you're emo or not. Although Will does look a good deal like a Aaron/Nick Carter sibling....

Will I fire up a Cartel album in 10 years from now or want to tell my kids about them, or hang onto a cartel poster or shirt for as long as its not falling to pieces? Gonna go with no, once again.

Also, wtf is up with that one quote he makes about "punk rock isn't going anywhere these days, let's make some moves" I really don't see what they're doing any different, if not imitating a lot of shit i've already heard.

And I heard they kicked out the one guy because he was too Christian or something. Heard that from some people in Atlanta, who actually have ties with the band and the dude that got kicked out, so I'm not just spewing random internet trash. But would anything ever be admitted like that? Hell no. I mean, is panic at the disco going to say something like "yeah, we kicked out bobby mcsucksalot, the bassist, because he was fat, and he couldn't play for shit, oh yeah he was fat, and he didn't fit our image of psuedo thespian wannabe menudo members. gg bobby."

That's all I can think of for now.

By the way everytime I hear your cd I think about my ex girlfriend fucking my best friend.

But I still enjoy the cd, not gonna lie.

[skeeter988]

how many more girls does he get being on mtv?

[XpunkXroutineX]

What do YOU think of re-releases?

What are your political preferences?

What's the reason you wanted to be in a band?

[Jason Tate]

i'm gonna have to disagree severely...

I do not see how you can say that Thursday hasn't paved the way for the "scene." Granted, I think the scene is pretty much bullshit, Thursday has had a fairly significant effect on a countless number of kids, lots of bands, and even further put the Jersey area in the spotlight with its upcoming wave of music. I can distinctly remember getting into my friends car one day, many many years ago. he said, "man, you have to hear this fucking band." Hello, Full Collapse. I guarantee there are a ton of other kids who have a pretty good rememberance of the first time they heard Thursday.

Because of time. Purely time. I think that in 5 or 10 years we can make this claim, but right now - I just think it's too soon. Not saying I don't think it's going to happen, but I don't think we can make that sort of claim when the band's released 3 full-lengths (none of which have been as influential as their debut). They're not at Lifetime/The Smiths/The Ramones status yet, and I don't even think they're at Green Day level. That was my point.

Can the same be said for Cartel? Probably not... Should we get pissed at them for getting more popular based on image? Not really, image has always sold, whether you're emo or not. Although Will does look a good deal like a Aaron/Nick Carter sibling....

Will I fire up a Cartel album in 10 years from now or want to tell my kids about them, or hang onto a cartel poster or shirt for as long as its not falling to pieces? Gonna go with no, once again.

I will. Much like my dad introduced me to music from his generation, if Cartel's able to keep releasing music of the quality of their debut - I think they've made one of the best pop(-punk) CDs in recent years. I could see myself introducing my kids to them.

Also, wtf is up with that one quote he makes about "punk rock isn't going anywhere these days, let's make some moves" I really don't see what they're doing any different, if not imitating a lot of shit i've already heard.

"Pop-punk isn't going anywhere" was the quote; and if you can't hear the strides they made on their debut compared to most bands these days, I'm sorry - but it's most certainly there (Q&A, Prayer, for starters). When I talk to pop-punk bands now days, everyone wants to emulate what Cartel did. They set the bar very high for a pop-punk record, and it shows.

And I heard they kicked out the one guy because he was too Christian or something. Heard that from some people in Atlanta, who actually have ties with the band and the dude that got kicked out, so I'm not just spewing random internet trash. But would anything ever be admitted like that? Hell no. I mean, is panic at the disco going to say something like "yeah, we kicked out bobby mcsucksalot, the bassist, because he was fat, and he couldn't play for shit, oh yeah he was fat, and he didn't fit our image of psuedo thespian wannabe menudo members. gg bobby."

That's all I can think of for now.

By the way everytime I hear your cd I think about my ex girlfriend fucking my best friend.

But I still enjoy the cd, not gonna lie.

Being in a band is like being in a family; lifestyle differences can ruin bands and/or friendships. I'll ask that question though so that an answer can finally be on paper and that rumor can be put to rest.

[preppyak]

i'm gonna have to disagree severely...

I do not see how you can say that Thursday hasn't paved the way for the "scene." Granted, I think the scene is pretty much bullshit, Thursday has had a fairly significant effect on a countless number of kids, lots of bands, and even further put the Jersey area in the spotlight with its upcoming wave of music.

I can distinctly remember getting into my friends car one day, many many years ago. he said, "man, you have to hear this fucking band." Hello, Full Collapse. I guarantee there are a ton of other kids who have a pretty good rememberance of the first time they heard Thursday.

Can the same be said for Cartel? Probably not... Should we get pissed at them for getting more popular based on image? Not really, image has always sold, whether you're emo or not. Although Will does look a good deal like a Aaron/Nick Carter sibling....

Will I fire up a Cartel album in 10 years from now or want to tell my kids about them, or hang onto a cartel poster or shirt for as long as its not falling to pieces? Gonna go with no, once again.

Sure, Thursday is influential, but I'm not sure they paved the way, or were the gateway band for a lot of people in terms of the scene. In fact, it's a lot of pop-punkish type bands (Blink, NFG, SC, TJT, etc) that people usually list when they mention the bands that got them into the scene.

Also. yes, Cartel isn't as influential at the moment, they've released nowhere near the amount of material that Thursday has...but, that doesn't mean that Cartel wasn't drawing twice the people to that venue than Thursday was, because they probably were

[heartkarl]

did you name the song honestly after the atlanta band with the same name?

[konstantine94]

Jason is going to have a blast talking to Will. I interviewed him at Warped Tour and he is the nicest and funniest person. Probably my favorite person to interview yet, and I'm hoping to get a followup. I think a lot of the questions in the thread have already been answered in other interviews though. I'd love to find out if they are still releasing their DVD around Christmas, and whether the Honestly music video will be included. And I also want to know if Will ever took voice lessons. He told me that his parents and grandparents didn't care if he dropped out of college.

I think what Will meant about playing Ernie Ball was that there were so many kids at a small stage and they needed something bigger. Chicago Warped pushed the barriers FAR forward and the kids in the photo pit were hurt. Portland was almost as bad, I believe.

[jeffctown]

sounds like arguing with a fence post.

[Brooklyn Kid]

my question is, why couldnt the lead singer stop bitching about the stage they were on, claiming they were "the only ones with a song on the radio right now" as if that meant they deserved more?

[Jason Tate]

sounds like arguing with a fence post.
Start a fist fight with one!?

Someone hadda say it ..

[Jason Tate]

my question is, why couldnt the lead singer stop bitching about the stage they were on, claiming they were "the only ones with a song on the radio right now" as if that meant they deserved more?
http://www.absolutepunk.net/showpost.php?p=4356480&postcount=30

[whitelines]

whats your favorite breakfast cereal?

[whitelines]

i like raisin bran because its healthy!

[shes.a.ghost]

Have you guys already starting thinking about producers for your major label debut? If so, which ones?

[Tenn]

What are the circumstances of Ryan no longer being a part of Cartel? Be honest and detailed please. IMO he was amazing, especially at the live shows. He was really nice and was going all out on stage every time I've seen you all.

[mdarket]

Jason, I'll actually give some questions to ask.

1. Has the band thought about who they will be recording with for a followup?
2. Do you prefer playing to crowds like Warped Tour where there are possibly thousands of kids watching, or more intimate shows where there are 200 really devoted fans?
3. What are the touring plans before the writing process begins again (besides the nfg tour)?


Thanks Jason

[siimpx]

did you name the song honestly after the atlanta band with the same name?

that band was so good

[bruisexblackeye]

how big of a factor does faith play into your life? anything from everyday life to writing songs to touring, etc. (i know that will grew up in a christian home & there are hints of thoughts about faith in cartel songs-thats what made me wonder)

[ThatGuy]

have cartel's younger fans ever confused him with aaron carter?

[Will Bryme]

don't forget why he wasn't on the racing kites ep

[meganxcaroline]

hahaha, i was def one of those kids, and the one who sang "total eclipse of the heart" before they started playing...good times.

i remember you singing that too, you guys were hilarious. i actually had more fun listening to all of you than i did watching Cartel perform....haha!

[konstantine94]

lolol will must be soo sick of the aaron carter questions. hah.

[whipcream4teen]

Have there been any choices/instances where your label has asked you to do something or pressured you into something that you didn't really want to do? If so, what? And did it turn out how you expected?

[PunkVideoGuys]

Sure, Thursday is influential, but I'm not sure they paved the way, or were the gateway band for a lot of people in terms of the scene. In fact, it's a lot of pop-punkish type bands (Blink, NFG, SC, TJT, etc) that people usually list when they mention the bands that got them into the scene.

Also. yes, Cartel isn't as influential at the moment, they've released nowhere near the amount of material that Thursday has...but, that doesn't mean that Cartel wasn't drawing twice the people to that venue than Thursday was, because they probably were

1) People list The Juliana Theory as a band that got them into the scene? I could probably name 10-15 bands kids would name higher than them

2) I was on all but 3 weeks of the warped tour and NEVER saw Cartel have more fans than Thursday. I did see Thursday get voted to play an extra 10 minutes onto their 30 minute set time however. I love both these bands. I'm not knocking Cartel, I'm just stating an observation.

[axelblazer]

Alright, I'm going to have to ask a question because I've been a fan of Cartel since January 2004 and I've actually seen these guys grow from when they used to play in small venues now to big concerts...And I actually happened to talk to some of them a long time ago and they were all pretty cool guys. The vibe that they gave me meeting them made me become a huge fan of them and due to this, I told everyone who I knew about this band and how great they are. I have stuck by with them, bought their merchandise and cd's...you name it.
But as I have seen them grow and get "more popular" as the days go by, I kind of sense a different "attitude" change on the band. They used to be really easy going and more than welcome to talk to you and have interviewers from websites, magazines, etc to talk with them and they welcome you with open arms. But before they hit MTV and "gotten big", they've gotten to a point where they have declined interviews in certain events (one of my friends is an interviewer) where the other bands that they were playing with all invited the interviewer to interview them. And Cartel wasn't even headlining or near the top of the list on the lineup either. It seems like Cartel has now gotten this "ego trip" outta nowhere which puzzled me.
This has happened several times and now Cartel is on MTV, I've heard that bands that want to play with Cartel get offended when the band doesn't know them. So for example, let's say that one of the members of a band asks who they are, one of the members of Cartel would say, "How could you not know us? We're on MTV! On TRL! How can you NOT know us?" (This actually has happened and I'm going to leave what band and who said it anonymous). Hearing this stuff makes me actually feel disgusted.
Like don't get me wrong, I absolutely love their music and they are still one of my favorite bands out there, but the ego trip that I have been sensing kind of deteriorates a fan, especially me, to kind of feel the same way as I previously have about the band long ago. I have no problem with Cartel being on MTV or getting popular now because they deserve every bit of it and besides, this is what they always wanted. So it brings me to this question: Do you think the growth in your band's popularity through the recent years has changed how you act towards fans, interviewers, people, etc. now? Why do you think some fans are now calling you guys a "sellout," despite the fact that you guys are now on MTV and are on a major label?

[BringDaRuckus]

what was the deal with you guys playing the ernie ball stage every day of warped tour? were you getting paid by them or what? i mean when i saw you were clearly outdrawing bands on hurley and other higher stages.. i know a bunch of bands on smaller stages moonlighted on main stages how come not for cartel?

[myARMISTICE]

Chuck did know what he was doing. ;)



A lot of bands are asked to play the main stage of their hometown. Cartel was not. Cartel drew more for a lot of dates than some of the main stage bands did. His comment was that he thought they should have played the main stage in Atlanta due to the amount of people they drew. That makes sense: more people would have gotten to see the band - small stages aren't meant for the bazillion kids Cartel pulled to their stage. THAT was the comment he was making.




even so, i dont think cartel should have complained on fuse about not playing the main stage at their home stop, sure it would have been nice, but they should have gotten over it. cartel is doing what so many other bands can only dream about doing, playing multiple dates at the warped tour and having kids actually know them!

they should have nothing to complain about, they are gaining tremendous momentum and just signed to a major! we all know they will be huge soon. i'm sure their mainstage days are coming soon. be patient boys

[updownleftright]

im just curious for this one.

why must they say theyre from atlanta, when theyre really from conyers.

[Jason Tate]

even so, i dont think cartel should have complained on fuse about not playing the main stage at their home stop, sure it would have been nice, but they should have gotten over it. cartel is doing what so many other bands can only dream about doing, playing multiple dates at the warped tour and having kids actually know them!

they should have nothing to complain about, they are gaining tremendous momentum and just signed to a major! we all know they will be huge soon. i'm sure their mainstage days are coming soon. be patient boys
I would bet they don't play Warped again.

[Jason Tate]

Alright, I'm going to have to ask a question because I've been a fan of Cartel since January 2004 and I've actually seen these guys grow from when they used to play in small venues now to big concerts...And I actually happened to talk to some of them a long time ago and they were all pretty cool guys. The vibe that they gave me meeting them made me become a huge fan of them and due to this, I told everyone who I knew about this band and how great they are. I have stuck by with them, bought their merchandise and cd's...you name it.
But as I have seen them grow and get "more popular" as the days go by, I kind of sense a different "attitude" change on the band. They used to be really easy going and more than welcome to talk to you and have interviewers from websites, magazines, etc to talk with them and they welcome you with open arms. But before they hit MTV and "gotten big", they've gotten to a point where they have declined interviews in certain events (one of my friends is an interviewer) where the other bands that they were playing with all invited the interviewer to interview them. And Cartel wasn't even headlining or near the top of the list on the lineup either. It seems like Cartel has now gotten this "ego trip" outta nowhere which puzzled me.
This has happened several times and now Cartel is on MTV, I've heard that bands that want to play with Cartel get offended when the band doesn't know them. So for example, let's say that one of the members of a band asks who they are, one of the members of Cartel would say, "How could you not know us? We're on MTV! On TRL! How can you NOT know us?" (This actually has happened and I'm going to leave what band and who said it anonymous). Hearing this stuff makes me actually feel disgusted.
Like don't get me wrong, I absolutely love their music and they are still one of my favorite bands out there, but the ego trip that I have been sensing kind of deteriorates a fan, especially me, to kind of feel the same way as I previously have about the band long ago. I have no problem with Cartel being on MTV or getting popular now because they deserve every bit of it and besides, this is what they always wanted. So it brings me to this question: Do you think the growth in your band's popularity through the recent years has changed how you act towards fans, interviewers, people, etc. now? Why do you think some fans are now calling you guys a "sellout," despite the fact that you guys are now on MTV and are on a major label?
You get disgusted with a band over hearsay? Kinda weird if you ask me.

[TheBaroness]

You've made no bones about the fact that you want to be a "big" band. Would you be willing to compromise your musical integrity to achieve such a goal? What price do you put on maintaining this integrity?

[bobby runs]

how does it feel being on tour with a band you saw grow up and go onto mtv?


did you know that you were going to be called a "sellout" when you signed the papers for your major label deal?


why do you sometimes play guitar live and not others?


are you planning on making another video? (maybe if i fail or say anything)??????

[ThatGuy]

1) People list The Juliana Theory as a band that got them into the scene? I could probably name 10-15 bands kids would name higher than them

2) I was on all but 3 weeks of the warped tour and NEVER saw Cartel have more fans than Thursday. I did see Thursday get voted to play an extra 10 minutes onto their 30 minute set time however. I love both these bands. I'm not knocking Cartel, I'm just stating an observation.

TJT gets too much shit from this scene. No wonder they broke up. They seriously get more crap than anyone for making one different album. Whatever

[axelblazer]

You get disgusted with a band over hearsay? Kinda weird if you ask me.


Okay, maybe I said that part wrong and I apologize for that. But let's just say you know someone from a band that has told you this due to this incident happening from a band that you actually loved, how would you feel about it? And seriously, if you think that you would feel nothing or not the least bit surprised from your favorite band acting that way when you have talked with them long ago, you gotta be on crack.

[Cousin (shh)it.]

So, most people on ap.net made it clear that you are a bunch of dildos and you're band is full of dog dookie, but what I want to know Billy Boy... is your band, Cartel, in anyway influenced by The Movielife or The Outfield? You sound like both... Just thought I'd throw it out there...

[jhennis]

Jason, do you have an ETA on both when the interview will be and when it will get posted?

[PunkVideoGuys]

TJT gets too much shit from this scene. No wonder they broke up. They seriously get more crap than anyone for making one different album. Whatever

hey man, slow down. I'm not giving them shit. I think they're awesome dudes. I love brett. They're going to be on a live DVD comp I'm putting out. I just disagreed that they have the amount of "scene relevance" than the dude gave them credit for. Did they make good music? Yes. Were they under appreciated? Yes.

Goose fraba.....

[mickmadethelist]

Im going to ask actual questions...because so far it seems like alot of people who either dont like em or are very biased in their questions. Heres my effort.

In the interview in AP there seemed to be a hostility towards Panic!. Is there more a resentment toward the band as people, the music, or just the rapid rise of success they have had?

The re-release of the cd seemed to hit at the exact time as your start in MTV/radio play. Do you think that the jump helped in the airplay or was it more of the constant touring?

What bands do you think HAVE made strides in pop punk recently?

What are some bands that made you want to start a band?

What do you do in your spare time while on tour?


Thoughts on AP magazine?

[tedE]

What do you think of NFG's "Coming Home" and will it influence Cartel's second album in any way towards a more grown up, mature pop punk sound.

[Jason Tate]

Jason, do you have an ETA on both when the interview will be and when it will get posted?

Interview toward the end of this week I think - posted next week I'd imagine.

[Chris Fallon]

How cool of Will to do this. I'm glad he's agreed to shut up the haters, because Will is a pretty straightforward guy, but a very nice guy all the times I've met him at various shows.

[rhinitus]

How daunting was it to be faced with the responsibility of covering a masterpiece such as "Wonderwall"?

[xtheblackparade]

do you still wish you had been discovered early on like Panic! at the disco or are you glad you got a lot of experience performing before becoming big?

[ThatGuy]

hey man, slow down. I'm not giving them shit. I think they're awesome dudes. I love brett. They're going to be on a live DVD comp I'm putting out. I just disagreed that they have the amount of "scene relevance" than the dude gave them credit for. Did they make good music? Yes. Were they under appreciated? Yes.

Goose fraba.....

fair enough

[SpenXcore]

Will said they were the only band getting heavy radio play in Atlanta

[Jason Tate]

Will said they were the only band getting heavy radio play in Atlanta
People seem to keep missing the key parts of what he says ;) - it's kinda funny.

[meekers]

Why does your guitarist look like a total frat dude? ie frosted tips, spiked hair, popped collar and choker necklace.

[meekers]

Jason Tate and Melissa Johnson are now going out.

ahh the new facebook. one can even creep on the personal life of jason tate.

[holdontightly]

whats the story behind you guys missing the san francisco date of the warped tour without notice? just wondering if i could get a better answer than "we had to replace our bus driver"

[RememberFminus2]

Why do you complain about how big of a stage you play on warped tour? it is lame.

[konstantine94]

jason, even though i've already interviewed Will, I am jealous of you. Also, I hear you used to work at Borders?

[Jason Tate]

Why does your guitarist look like a total frat dude? ie frosted tips, spiked hair, popped collar and choker necklace.

He's a hair stylist.

Why do you complain about how big of a stage you play on warped tour? it is lame.

Bet you wished you read the answer to this in this thread already.

jason, even though i've already interviewed Will, I am jealous of you. Also, I hear you used to work at Borders?

Yes. Creepy.

[dukeboy1986]

im just curious for this one.

why must they say theyre from atlanta, when theyre really from conyers.

Because everyone from the Atlanta suburbs says they are from Atlanta?

[konstantine94]

Haha, I'm sorry for being creepy. I was at my friend's birthday party and we were talking about ap.net and she mentioned that you used to work at Borders. LOL.

[Jason Tate]

Haha, I'm sorry for being creepy. I was at my friend's birthday party and we were talking about ap.net and she mentioned that you used to work at Borders. LOL.
Does she know me?

[Drew Beringer]

I don't have any questions to ask, I just want to state that I'm excited to read this.

[-Aaron-]

This looks to be a good read whenever it gets posted.

[underdawg1119]

how is the new bass player working out? is he sorrier than a two dollar watch or tighter than a frogs ass underwater?? i hear he's older than the mountains, and got twice as much dirt. isn't his hair as sparce as hen's teeth?

go hog wild.

I don't see how no one has said anything about this yet.

[GoBigRed]

I too wanna know when we will hear new music or see another new video.

[forevangeline]

I know it's already been mentioned, but just to reiterate..

I'd really like it if Will could comment on Christianity and maybe his past personal experiences with God (maybe, let's say, in light of "Last Chance"). Also, if that issue sort of had a hand in the product of Chroma (and, what I noticed, like a recurring theme of "answers" or the lack of them).

Thanks!

[Stephie]

Oh, that made me laugh out loud...

Start a fist fight with one!?

Someone hadda say it ..

[Jim Morgan]

why weren't you guys on the last date of the warped tour in canada?

is a headlining tour a possibility after the nfg tour?

[MusicOrMisery]

Do the guys have any European/UK touring plans?

[Doug]

what were the comments made about panic?

[tragedyco]

what bands are you going to take out on your upcoming spring headlining tour? Will you take Self Against City?

[konstantine94]

Does she know me?

i think so. she went to high school with your sister. haha oregon feels so very small at times.

[Jonathan Lally]

Will - Volcano or ROOR?

[tbag311]

How will the new album differ from Chroma? What's new about Cartel's sound, what's the same, and what's still evolving? With bands like P!ATD becomming huge with a somewhat 'pop-punk' sound, where do you feel that the genre stands in today's culture?

[weworemasks]

Why does your guitarist look like a total frat dude? ie frosted tips, spiked hair, popped collar and choker necklace.

the guitarist might look like a frat guy, but heres a picture from your myspace. that party roxed last night, bro!

http://myspace-438.vo.llnwd.net/00358/83/44/358974438_l.jpg

you set yourself up.

[Jason Tate]

the guitarist might look like a frat guy, but heres a picture from your myspace. that party roxed last night, bro!

http://myspace-438.vo.llnwd.net/00358/83/44/358974438_l.jpg

you set yourself up.
I think that was one of the most brutally played "owns" I've ever seen on these boards.

[kissbangkill]

I think that was one of the most brutally played "owns" I've ever seen on these boards.

agreed x10.

[Nigel]

Ask him what he thinks of ungrateful fans and also who he thinks is dumber, Harry or Lloyd.

[M-House]

Thursday drew more kids at the atlanta warped tour, this might have been due to the stage, but regardless, there were more kids watching thursday than there were kids watching cartel

[ThatGirl]

I really just want to know their top 5 venues to play and their top 5 cities to play and why.

[ThatGirl]

Confirm or Deny: There will be a full band verison of Fiend on the next album
i can confirm that i heard will say that loud and clear on the first date of their headlining tour back in the spring.

[AltPressScott]

He's a hair stylist.

Incorrect. Their former bassist was (and still is, I imagine).

[myaimistruex3]

people keep bitching about all the things he says, when really he's just being honest. So my question is:

Will, you seem to be very straightforward in interviews and with your opinions (ex: The comments about the Warped Tour stage). Do you think that fans often get the wrong impression of you just because you don't tip toe around certain things?

[Mattx]

Well if you get this far looking for questions

Any plans for a UK / European Tour?

[Hidenothing27]

Jason, I'll actually give some questions to ask.

1. Has the band thought about who they will be recording with for a followup?
2. Do you prefer playing to crowds like Warped Tour where there are possibly thousands of kids watching, or more intimate shows where there are 200 really devoted fans?
3. What are the touring plans before the writing process begins again (besides the nfg tour)?


Thanks Jason

Those questions are VERY generic.. This is an un-censored interview not something they get asked every interview.


Thursday did pave the way after full collapse there are many copy cats of that band. Thursday was one of the first to get video play before this whole punk/emo what ever trend started.

I can understand why they would/should play the main stage in atlanta.

I predict Cartel to get BIG too fast and self destruct... Same thing happened to TBS when John and Shaun were in the band.

[gunsNcrayons]

Ask when the DVD is coming out....The one they did some recording for in Atlanta at the masq recently.
~Z

[mrzippo3]

hey Will, when you gonna bring a show to Athens.. represent for UGA.. I've never been a fan, but I would like to see you live locally to see what the big deal is..

[earlynovemberX]

hahah, do you want him to say 'holiday parade'?

:)

[konstantine94]

Ask when the DVD is coming out....The one they did some recording for in Atlanta at the masq recently.
~Z

He told me back in July that it would be a Christmas release. I really hope it hasn't gotten delayed.

[earlynovemberX]

that band was so good

9 til midnight was an awesome song....and they were flawless live.

w00t.

[jeffctown]

how often do you get mistaken for tiger woods? how does that make you feel?

how did you end up getting tim from ok go to replace ryan?

[weworemasks]

I think that was one of the most brutally played "owns" I've ever seen on these boards.
::curtsy::

agreed x10.

B-)

[nickyrayxnj]

why, when after driving almost 2 hours to see you in jersey and gave you free shirts, you used it as a sweat rag and left it on stage?

[meekers]

I think that was one of the most brutally played "owns" I've ever seen on these boards.


oh come on, i like beer pong? is there a problem with that? i am no frat dude thats for sure

and its kind of sad that you actually spent all that time to own me.

[aminorthreat55]

how often do you get mistaken for tiger woods? how does that make you feel?

how did you end up getting tim from ok go to replace ryan?
Haha you're the man.

[anamericangod]

oh come on, i like beer pong? is there a problem with that? i am no frat dude thats for sure

and its kind of sad that you actually spent all that time to own me.


yeah...

i dont see why it was that good of an own. you're playing beer pong, big fucking deal. the fact that he went and looked up your shit with the intention of that doing is beyond lame.

and i'm tired of the whole frat stereotype thing. most people who judge have no fucking clue what they're talking about, probably don't know many guys in a frat, and surely have never been in a worthwhile fraternity themselves.

ridiculous.

[Jason Tate]

yeah...

i dont see why it was that good of an own. you're playing beer pong, big fucking deal. the fact that he went and looked up your shit with the intention of that doing is beyond lame.

and i'm tired of the whole frat stereotype thing. most people who judge have no fucking clue what they're talking about, probably don't know many guys in a frat, and surely have never been in a worthwhile fraternity themselves.

ridiculous.

Or .... know too many guys in frats.

[babyitsfact]

why, when after driving almost 2 hours to see you in jersey and gave you free shirts, you used it as a sweat rag and left it on stage?


newsflash: most bands will just throw away any clothes a fan gives them, or just shove them in a drawer and never wear them. and driving 2 hours isn't that far.

[Jonathan Lally]

Or .... know too many guys in frats.

my roommate is in a frat.. then again, he's a total fucking idiot.

[mikedoerr]

i have a question:

how does it feel to be asked the same 3 or 4 questions over and over again on a 9 page thread?

[underdawg1119]

how often do you get mistaken for tiger woods? how does that make you feel?

how did you end up getting tim from ok go to replace ryan?

hahaha..

[imthenewcancer]

sorry if this has been brought up already, but there are too many replies to read through...

do you realize what a huge dick you came off as on 'warped inside and out' on fuse? i mean all ive heard from bands about warped is that its about the atmosphere and hanging out and the fact that it doesnt matter what time or stage you play on...why make such a big deal (on national tv anyway) about being on a bigger stage?

ps- your music...it is good...i like

[nickyrayxnj]

babyitsfact, they were shirts from my band not just random shirts. we have played with them before as well and personally met them. i dont know who taught you manners but when im given something form someone who drove 2 minutes,(let alone 2 hours) im very thankful and appreciative .

[TomIsMine]

after you "bad mouthed" panic at the disco in alternative press magazine, several fans wrote in saying they wouldn't listen to you anymore because you'd done that. how does that make you feel and react?

personally i believe you guys are a millioin times better than patd and all those idiots can go to hell.

also if there was anything you could change about the success you've gained, what would it be?

[konstantine94]

is the fuse warped inside and out thing online somewhere? I'd love to see it.

[Mark Woodall]

How could this question not have been asked yet-

What does he think of original guitarist's Andy Lee's new band Estates?

Has he listened to the ep?

Would he ever want to do a Cartel/Estates show/tour? (Even if only in Atlanta?)

[hailthewarrior]

My question: Do you believe Cartel is the best band on The Militia Group?

(Copeland wins my vote, personally.)

[weworemasks]

oh come on, i like beer pong? is there a problem with that? i am no frat dude thats for sure

and its kind of sad that you actually spent all that time to own me.

yeah, man. it's sad that i spent 1 minute to click a link on your myspace to post a dumb picture of you (mainly cause i was absolutely sure i would find one) and some of your bros.

what's worse is you entered a thread to make stereotypical jokes about a potential frat-boy contender of a guitarist in a fucking pop-punk band.

[GoBigRed]

Even though MTV has been good to Cartel with TRL and even playing their video really late at night, Im sure there are things Will hates about MTV. Id like to hear a few. For example: My super Sweet sixteen, two a days, or anything pretty much that has absolutely nothing to do with music on a music channel. Id love it if ESPN started to air extreme makeover and americas next top model.

[jeffctown]

doubt it. I think thier new player doesnt fit thier "image" but who cares.

haha. nice.

[LTJ182]

opps

[LTJ182]

OK heres mine

just spill the freakin beans on all the drama that went down. People were personally and publically thrown under the bus by not only the oner and head of this site, but others involved in the ordeal. There are very few who know the die of the band based on the fact many people have to be politically correct.

the bus is at the end of the street start shovelling.

ps-the next cartel record will sound like fatboy slim with pop vocals.

[Will Bryme]

OK heres mine

just spill the freakin beans on all the drama that went down. People were personally and publically thrown under the bus by not only the oner and head of this site, but others involved in the ordeal. There are very few who know the die of the band based on the fact many people have to be politically correct.

the bus is at the end of the street start shovelling.

ps-the next cartel record will sound like fatboy slim with pop vocals.

is this supposed to read like it says? or just bad spelling?

And why was will not on the racing kites ep?

[thisisrightnow]

What was the PATD comment referring to? I must have missed that.

[krishasaheadake]

whats the story behind you guys missing the san francisco date of the warped tour without notice? just wondering if i could get a better answer than "we had to replace our bus driver"

hahahaha oh man

[kimmm13]

babyitsfact, they were shirts from my band not just random shirts. we have played with them before as well and personally met them. i dont know who taught you manners but when im given something form someone who drove 2 minutes,(let alone 2 hours) im very thankful and appreciative .

(i see your name & the links below your post) and i love tygb!! and i would never throw away a band shirt you gave me haha if that means anything. in fact, i own one :)

[holdontightly]

will: would you rather have a smaller following of devoted fans or a huge following of fans who wont be loyal to you and will be here today and gone tommorow? cause thats what youll get being on trl. (see: yellowcard)

[babyitsfact]

babyitsfact, they were shirts from my band not just random shirts. we have played with them before as well and personally met them. i dont know who taught you manners but when im given something form someone who drove 2 minutes,(let alone 2 hours) im very thankful and appreciative .

did I say I would do the sameif I were them? did I say that it would be the right thing to do? no.

But it's just what the majority of bands do once they actually create a fan base, because people are constantly giving them stuff. Shirts, cds, baked goods, stuffed animals, everything.

I wasn't try to be rude, it's just that alot of people are naive and think that a band is going to treasure whatever they give them.

[chemicaleleven]

What's your main goal? Is it getting famous? Or is it getting your music out there? Or something else? If it's not getting famous, why are you so desperate to get on MTV/TRL/VH1 etc?

[konstantine94]

i think it's nice that cartel is ambitious. i just want to be able to see them in small venues... as bad as that sounds.

[SettleDown81]

Is there anyway we could see Cartel cover an old school NFG song for the upcoming tour?(NGCS/Self-titled) That'd be hot. Thanks

[coolguy2236]

i've been a cartel fan forever...since their ransom ep first came out on militia group, and i have a couple questions if the interview isn't already done....and im not trying to be a dick or anything, they're just honest questions, dont take em personally if you read these Will

1. Why has your voice gotten progressively worse every time i have seen you live? from hogue barmichael's in newport beach, CA, to warped tour this past summer, it just doesn't seem the same. I know it takes a lot out of you to sing everyday on tour, but i see other bands do the same thing and their singer's are still right on every night (i.e. dashboard, NFG, U2)

2. Why do you now play guitar? is it just so the sound is fuller live? because honestly i can't tell a difference one bit...i actually prefer when you just sing because your stage presence is a million times more powerful when you don't have a guitar in your hand. and plus i think your voice was way better

3. Why don't you guys play any songs off the ransom ep? i can speak for myself and all of my friends that have gotten into Cartel that that cd is better than Chroma, live and on cd. not saying that chroma is bad, i love it. but even when you guys played at cal state fullerton right before chroma came out, you played almost all the songs you have, ransom ep and chroma. and it seems like when you played the old stuff, you guys sounded a million times better than when you played the new stuff. i guess what im trying to say is...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE play at least one old song on the NFG tour. its seriously like a dream come true to see you two share the same stage and it would be awesome to play some old stuff. and luckie st doesn't count. just please don't play the same set you keep playing...it's getting old. bring back the stuff that got you signed

4. im sure this has already been asked, but what are your plans for a new cd? or new single?

5. what's up with the whole bassist situation? no one knows if he left or you guys kicked him out. he was one of my favorite guys in the band...so animated. like ian of NFG haha

hopefully at least one of these questions gets asked :]

[konstantine94]

when will this be posted? i bet jason is having a hell of a time transcribing it...