Metalcore rockers, If I Ran The Zoo have released material ranging from a debut EP "Edge of the World" (2013) as well as singles "Timber" (2014) and "Sinking Deeper (2015) with a video to accompany it. But that's not all these guys have got so much more in-store from shows, touring, working on writing, recording for their next debut efforts and more! Guitarist Tanner Leier discusses of the band and their plans!
1. What type of band are you?
Tanner: We're a metalcore/rock band.
2. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Tanner: We're based out of Fargo, ND and play shows and tours around the Midwest. We put out our EP 'Edge Of The World' in the summer of 2013 and it charted #7 on the iTunes metal charts, also having BryanStars release a music video on his channel for the title track.
3. How about your band's name If I Ran The Zoo, where does this name fit into the picture?
Tanner: We just picked it because it's different.
4. If I Ran The Zoo what would you find and or see there?
Tanner: Probably a different band name haha!
5. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Tanner: We all like and take musical influences from a lot of different things. We like to think outside of our genre and incorporate elements from bands or artist that we like to give us a wider spectrum. As far as bands that are more similar to us, we all like A Day To Remember, We Came As Romans and plenty more.
6. Who writes the songs, what are they about?
Tanner: I (Tanner) write the songs and Josh writes and applies the lyrics. After we get a rough version of a song done the rest of the guys add edits or ideas to make it more of a band effort. The songs are just about whatever we're going through, feeling, or think would make a cool song
7. Your debut EP release "Edge of the World" came out in 2013, after this you went onto release not one but two singles "Timber" in 2014 and "Sinking Deeper" in 2015 that accompanied with a video, can you disclose what the video and that single are all about?
Tanner: Josh would be able to answer this one better, but basically it's about being in a band and having to listen to people tell you that what you're doing is stupid, or that you won't make it
in the industry and just being able to shake it off, not let it affect you and keep working towards your goals. Pretty much to just do what you want to do and not care what people think. The video is a bit more ambiguous, but still follows the same general theme.
8. Will "Timber" and "Sinking Deeper" be included on a future EP or full-length album release?
Tanner: Sinking Deeper will be.
9. Are you in the process of writing or recording any new material?
Tanner: Yes. We're writing and doing pre-production on a bunch of stuff right now and stock piling it, then we'll go to the studio.
10. Do you have an idea as to what the will be released will it be further singles, an EP or full-length or you have yet to make that decision?
Tanner: We'll probably do one more single for promotion, and then hopefully put out the record with a solid backing.
11. When can we expect to see a release date for this new material?
Tanner: Hopefully soon!
12. What are your dreams and goals?
Tanner: To take the band as far as possible, and travel all over.
13. How do you promote your band and shows?
Tanner: We do a lot on Facebook and our other social media, as well as work with the promoters in the cities that we play. On top of that we do a lot of things like this interview to try to be as accessible as possible.
14. Are there any upcoming shows or tours you would like to discuss?
Tanner: We have two upcoming tours being booked right now, but I can't really talk specifics right now.
15. Are you guys currently signed or unsigned to a label?Tanner: We're unsigned.
16. What's your outlook on the record industry today?
Tanner: Physical sales as well as digital are on the decline because of illegal downloading or streaming services, but at the same time I think more people are going out to shows because the music and bands are more accessible than ever.
17. What do you think about downloading music online?
Tanner: In moderation, I personally don't have a problem with it.
18. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Tanner: Be on a regular practice schedule, you can be the best band in the world but if you suck live nobody will want to see you. Also put on a good live show, put some effort and think into it beforehand, so people can be entertained, that's what they're paying for after all. I've gotten into so many bands I wouldn't have thought I would because they've put on a rad live show.
19. What are the biggest obstacles for bands?
Tanner: I'd say attitude. There are so many bands I've seen who have the most backwards attitudes who won't accomplish anything because of it. If a band has a good attitude and mentality then other obstacles become just an inconvenience and can be overcome.
20. What do you have in-store from this point up until the end of this year?
Tanner: We have shows, the tours that I talked about earlier, a lot of writing, networking, interviews and features to set up, and plenty more.
21. What inspires you to do what you do?
Tanner: We all love music and traveling. Getting to do both and have the freedom to do what we want, how we want is a big factor in what drives me anyway.
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