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| | I just wanted to say thanks to Tom Oakes for taking time and answering these questions for me!
Let’s start off by stating your name, what you do in The Higher, and your favorite movie of all time.
My name is Tom Oakes. I play guitar and have a microphone so I can say important things and attempt to sing with Seth. As my band would like to say, my favorite movie would have to be Blue Crush.
Where are you guys at right now?
Right now I'm sitting on the lap of luxury driving from Cleveland to Columbus, Ohio. Seth and I are indulging in our new mattress we bought for our smooth van. The glamorous.
There have been mixed reviews about the current release, On Fire, how do you guys deal with the critics and fans that aren’t too fond with the CD?
You know not everyone is always going to be into your music, so I guess we just accept it and say sweet. I think we did something not a lot of people expected, but if you were expecting something, what was it? You don't have to love our band; love doesn't need to be convinced. And if you do love our band, you know the love is strong.
Why did you guys re-record three songs that were on the last CD for On Fire?
When we recorded those songs originally we were really proud of them, and they were definitely standouts from histrionics. Unfortunately that record really never had a chance to be heard. When we signed with Epitaph Mr. Brett was still into those songs and said we should do them. So we decided to put them down and make them fit into on fire, and they did. Histrionics is going to be our don't wanna miss a thing. Good thing it's only like a minute and a half.
Any idea what new material will be heading in?
Probably in a chariot flying into outer space.
Are you guys going to do another video soon? Which song will it be?
Were definitely going to do another video, but we don't know when. There are a couple of songs we have in mind. But I won't know till I know. If you know what I mean.
Is it hard trying to make it in the music industry when you’re being stereotyped as just another band from Las Vegas?
I don't really know the answer to that...I guess we are being stereotyped, but what's not stereotyped. I think we have good songs, and if you have good songs and you do what you do well and you have a million friends that have a trillion friends that know one friend that can blow you up, it will probably happen.
Is it hard to compete against all the other, larger Vegas bands?
I don't think it's really a competition. We're definitely getting beat if it is. The thing with the Vegas bands that have made it, we used to play around each other 5 years ago, and some used to come watch our band before they had bands 5 years ago. They've gotten their shots and they're doing well. If anything it's inspiring. Ours is definitely coming soon...
How was the tour with Motion City Soundtrack and Sherwood?
The motion city tour just ended and it was amazing. It was pretty much our first tour that there were consistent kids every night. The kids who came I think really enjoyed it. Well that's what our 5 deluxe hotel suites and infinite bottles of champagne told us every night.
How did you like touring with Self Against City?
I think self against city is a great band. They were like us so we really enjoyed it. Were all pretty young and we love cyclones. There's nothing better than being on tour with real bands that you can hang out with that understand each other. That was definitely one of those tours.
Are you going to tour the UK and Australia in the near future?
We have plans to hit the whole globe. Maybe other planets if our agent can get some contacts there. Next year, you will see us. We promise.
What is your favorite song to play at shows?
I think for me it would probably be rock my body. It's our first song we play usually and it gets me excited and if done properly it hits kids pretty hard. Kinda like minor chord death chuggas.
When was the last time you guys played a song from Star is Dead? Any plans for you guys to play a song off of it in the future?
It had to be like 2 years ago. We played one for hope and it was actually for our friend Reggie who is in the band now. Strange. Honestly we probably won't, but if we do it will be hilarious.
Have you tried to show Usher your cover?
Actually we were at our penthouse in NYC and Ush rolled over and we jammed it for him. Hopefully he'll be on our next record... lies. That would rule if we got a chance to show him, or Akon and R Kelly. Maybe another band already showed them though...
Is it true that Seth was on a cruise or something and entered a karaoke contest and sang some boy band material?
He actually was. The show was called destiny idol and he placed second. He got beat out by some 13 year old girl. The sad thing is you had to be like 16 to enter the contest and that little girl cheated. So Seth was the true idol. The destiny idol.
What happened to all your friends on myspace? I remember you guys had over 500,000 friends…
We smoked them all.
Any last words?
Friends come see our show, listen to our record. I'm pretty positive you'll enjoy it. All the ladies seem to be digging it. So guys don't fear of dancing and liking a boy band. We're super hip and fly and if you want to pick up a girlfriend or a cute friend to bond with, she'll probably be at our show. And there's nothing like impressing and bonding with a lovely lady then singing and dancing. Trust us. The words are in the booklet and if you downloaded it and have no lyrics. I'm sure the minimal amounts of screaming (we unfortunately had to tone down in hope of selling more records) can be overheard and you might actually understand the clarity of the vocals. Take care of yourselves and you'll be hearing from us all very soon indeed. One love
Thanks for answering my questions!! |
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Displaying posts 1 - 15 of 18. |
12:31 AM on 08/13/07 | Nice interview, he seems cool | | |
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12:49 AM on 08/13/07 | Had the pleasure of hanging with them all the other night in Cleveland and they were all really cool dudes. Great interview! | | |
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06:16 AM on 08/13/07 | How come everytime I hear the beginning of "Insurance?", i feel like I'm about to listen to a 90's boyband song??? Lol! | | |
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11:35 AM on 08/13/07 | you can my interview with the higher here
?
but cool interview | | |
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11:48 AM on 08/13/07 | Interviews/Small Band Round Up Originally Posted by heyyo289 you can my interview with the higher here
?
but cool interview |
Sorry I just woke up..  | | |
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11:57 AM on 08/13/07 | love me or leave me alone. haha nice.
but why is his favorite movie blue crush? weird pick | | |
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12:13 PM on 08/13/07 | Quote: | but why is his favorite movie blue crush? weird pick |
I was kind of wondering if he was being serious there too. I hope not | | |
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12:55 PM on 08/13/07 | Great interview.
But is it me or is he talking about pete wentz in a few of these questions? The usher question and the question about vegas bands seem to have that undertone, well since you know, fall out boy did start doing the same akon/R.Kelly cover and and pete did sign panic and the cab which did/are on there way to blow up. Hmmm.
Really funny dude, though. I also wonder if blue crush is his favorite movie? | | |
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01:12 PM on 08/13/07 | Originally Posted by hackscutter
Really funny dude, though. I also wonder if blue crush is his favorite movie? |
Well I can safely argue that Blue Crush is one of the best films of history. Definitely top 5 in no particular order.
I got Citizen Kane, The Godfather, Rashomon, but really quickly I find myself at Blue Crush. It's amazing the effect the movie will have on you.
I play it 24/7, loudly on seven tvs I've installed on the ceiling. | | |
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02:55 PM on 08/13/07 | What happened to all your friends on myspace? I remember you guys had over 500,000 friends…
We smoked them all.
I suppose there's a reason they're called "The Higher" haha. | | |
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08:57 PM on 08/13/07 | Originally Posted by MathewHeroicWhat happened to all your friends on myspace? I remember you guys had over 500,000 friends…
We smoked them all.
I suppose there's a reason they're called "The Higher" haha. |
Hah | | |
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12:25 PM on 08/14/07 | Good interview, seems like a laid back guy. | | |
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03:10 AM on 08/17/07 | i dig this boy band, mellow dance music | | |
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