Monsters Scare You! is a post-hardcore/electro band from Seattle, Washington formed in the winter of 2008. In their short existence they have created an enthusiastic fan base with the combination of pop, metal and electronica. Their sound has been compared to Attack Attack!, Asking Alexandria and Enter Shikari.
In 2010, Monsters Scare You! went into the studio to work with Engineer/Produced Joel “Casey Jones” to release their “Teratophobia” EP. In support of the release of “Teratophobia,” Monsters Scare You! hit the road on an entire West Coast tour consisting of 23 shows in 25 days. With increasing crowds and buzz, Monsters Scare You! have set themselves up for success in a big way.
Now that these guys have gotten themselves out and about including the signing of Century Media Records and written and recorded for their debut release "Die A Legend" these is no stopping them and no telling as to just how far these guys can take themselves and the music they create. Guitarist Brandon "Bird" Ereth took the time to discuss the band's process, debut record and last tour they took part in!
1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?
Brandon: We're a group of dudes that met by playing in our previous bands together for the most part. All the different bands we were in had broken up, and we were in the beer garden at Warped Tour one summer, and decided to start a new project. And here we are today!
2. Why did you want to call yourselves Monsters Scare You! and does it have a meaning or story to tell?
Brandon: I (Bird) was on a tour selling merch for our friends Keeping Secrets. They had a joke going about their friend Bubba's 3 year old daughter. He was tucking her into bed one night, and said "Good night, don't let the monsters get you". and she got so frightened and said "MONSTERS SCARE YOU!" I called the guys and jokingly said we should name the new band this... and for some odd reason, we did!
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend
Brandon: We're based out of Seattle, and the surrounding areas. The music scene is awesome here. There is no place like home. The kids here are so fun to play for, and we couldn't be more blessed. There are a ton of good bands in the area. If I had to recommend some I would have to say our friends, Keeping Secrets, Reach For The Sky, Pink Bead, and Prestige.
4.How would you describe your style to someone who has never heard your music before?
Brandon: I would say its electronic, pop-metal. a dance party that will punch you in the face, and make you wanna hold a loved one and cry at the same time haha.
5. Who are some bands that have influenced you?
Brandon: The Devil Wears Prada, attack attack, Blessed By a Broken Heart, and Underoath!
6. How does it make you feel to be signed to Century Media Records? What was running through your mind the day you heard the news did you all celebrate at all?
Brandon: It feels awesome. I remember all of us thinking we were dreaming, and being giddy like little girls in the van after they told us. haha. We celebrated for sure. Went down to the pier at Hermosa Beach and had a hell of a time. Then after the bars closed we thought a late night swim in the ocean would be a great idea.. Then Chad lost his keys (which had the only van key on it).. so it turned into more of a search party. haha.
7. What do you think Century Media Records can bring to the table for Monsters Scare You! and how has your relationship been between them?
Brandon: Century Media is a huge force, they are one of the biggest record labels in the industry. Our relationship has grown to a friendship more than business. Of course there's always business but you can tell they want to make us successful and care about us on that level.
8. You guys released a video for the song "Give Me Some Sugar Baby" can you discuss the song's meaning and video's concept? Why did you want this particular song to be made into a video?
Brandon: The concept of this song is from the movies Evil Dead and Army of Darkness. We wanted to make this the next music video because it's more of a "rock" song and how creepy the track is in itself. The last video we did for “Shut up! Our Song Is On!” was more of a romantic kind of song with a party video. We wanted to let the listeners know that we have more of a serious side to as us well.
9. Do you write your own songs? Can you discuss the songwriting process in detail?
Brandon: We write our own songs. The process can get hectic at times, but can also go very smoothly for us. We have 6 members in the band. Which, in turn, creates a lot of ideas. So sometimes we have to simplify them to make everything blend together. We usually start off by writing the chorus. We seem to write songs much better when we build them around a strong chorus. Cory and I (Josh) will collaborate on some lyrics, and find the meaning of what the song will be about.. Joey takes the key notes and makes his electronic parts, beats, etc. Chad and Bird come up with some sweet riffs, and Connor beats the hell out of his drums. It's a fun process that gets us at each others throats from time to time, haha, but we love it!
10. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Brandon: Our theme is no matter what has happened in your life, (good or bad) you will always overcome. You are your own enemy, you create your own victory in life. So with that our message is to support your friends, party on, and never give up.
11. Who produced Die A Legend and what was it like working with them?
Brandon: The man, the myth, and the legend... Our baby.. Joel Casey Jones, produced our record. Working with him is like working with your best friend. Because he is! We've actually recorded everything we have ever done in MSY with Joel. Since our first demo to now 'Die A Legend'. We always have a great time in the studio with him. He's someone we can trust, and we know he knows what he's talking about. He brings the best out in us. And we have a ton of stupid games and studio rules with him. When we were asked by Century who we wanted to go with, it was hands down Joel.
12. Is there any story or concept behind the Die A Legend title?
Brandon: Our Concept on Die A Legend was kind of what I talked about above on what we want to portray to our listeners, Do what makes you happy and create your own ending in life. So when you pass in life your family and friends look at you and your achievements.
13. Select two songs from Die A Legend and what inspired the lyrics?
Brandon: 1. Brohemian Rap City - This song was inspired by what it would be like to be the executioner back in the old days. You had to take countless amounts of lives, and sooner or later you, as the executioner, just cant take it anymore.
2. Elephant Graveyard- We wrote this song in the studio, and it turned out to be one of our favorite songs to play. I's about the story of the Lion King. We were doing pre-pro at Birds house, and the Lion King was on TV. So we decided to make a song about it. We were going to give it another name so people wouldn't "know" what it was about really. But then we said screw it. haha.
14. Who did the cover art for Die A Legend and how much input did you have on it?
Brandon: That would be Mike Farrell, and he did an amazing job.
15. You just finished up the Die A Legend Tour, how did that tour go for everyone?
Brandon: We worked very hard on making the perfect set for the fans. We hadn't hit the road for what seemed like forever. So we wanted to make sure we had come back with a bang! We had gotten everything new, new merch, lights, lasers, and of course a brand new album!
16. What did you look forward to about working with all the bands on that tour? Brandon: All the bands on that tour are newly signed as well. So it's the experience we got to share with each other. We really looked forward to meeting the dudes in Set To Reflect and all the guys in Speaking The Kings. It was a good time. We're all super easy to get along with anyone just like a bunch of lovers like we are.
17. What do you guys have planned for the rest of this year?
Brandon: We have another tour happening in August, hitting some of the states we haven't had the opportunity to play before.
18. Any final words of wisdom?
Brandon: Party on Wayne.
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