A lot of change and confidence has come for Make A Scene. The band had only released one album, playing some shows and tours, there was no telling, as to where they would end up, on the music scene. As time went on, so did the band, going on to write and record a follow-up album, featuring all new music, members, and even merchandise. The band got together to discuss what they have been up too, since releasing their debut album, and everything in-between.
1. First of all, who are you and what do you do in the band?
AVB ~ Bass
Nicky Sharks ~ Vocals & Guitar
Cory Sharks ~ Guitar
Steven Stich ~ Drums
(We’ll be answering all questions as a group)
2. It's been four years since we last spoke, during that interview band mates Nicky, Charlie, Cory and AVB spoke out, is that the same line-up as of right now?
No, we’re actually on our 3rd drummer now.
3. If there are any new members, how did you go about finding that new member that you knew clicked well with the band and meshes well with the music?
We had posted an ad on Craig’s List looking for a new drummer after Charlie Rage was out and Steven Stich responded among many others. We met up with him and we clicked really well, we were all on the same page, but he was so nervous that he actually fucked up the first audition. It wasn’t until we parted ways with our 2nd drummer Greg Burns that we gave Steven another shot and he nailed it.
4. What else would you say has changed for Make A Scene since way back then?
The music and merchandise has definitely improved. We’re a lot more confident this time around. We like to change things up for every album; we definitely embrace and welcome change. It keeps things exciting.
5. How about activity, what has the band, been up to during that time you mentioned of working on a new album, so what happened between then and now?
We went through a really rough patch for a while. It was extremely trying on the band, but we never gave up and just kept pushing forward. We’re in a really good place now and definitely won’t take that long to release new music in the future.
No, we have no plans to re-record or re-issue that album at this time. It was basically a home demo that was “trying to be cool” lol but you never know what the future holds!
7. During that 2013 interview, you mentioned shooting a video for the song "I Don't Take Baths Cause I'm Afraid of Sharks", did that ever happen or get released?
This song was actually the 1st song we started writing for the 2nd album back in 2012 and it was pretty much one of the only new songs we wrote at the time that actually made the cut for the new album. We filmed a live footage video that you can find on our YouTube channel. (www.youtube.com/iheartmakeascene) We actually re-recorded it for the new album and plan to film a proper video for it soon.
8. Let's talk about that new song turned single for "Mommy's Little Monster" is that song included on the new album?We wrote this song with our 2nd drummer Greg Burns, but it wasn’t released until Steven joined the band, so it was changed a bit from the original. This was another song that was re-recorded for the new album.
9. What's the deal with "Stay Gold, Bleed Black"; where did the idea for the title come from and does it have a meaning to it?
“Stay Gold, Bleed Black” is based off of the balance between the two polar opposites of whatever you want. For us, we get judged a lot for looking the way we do and get viewed as misfits or hooligans for having tattoos and dressing in black, but you should never judge someone by their appearance over their actions. “Stay Gold” means to stay young, be positive and have heart. “Bleed Black” means to bleed out negativity and that it’s okay to be wild, just stay safe while doing it!
10. Who was the album's artist for designing the cover for "Stay Gold, Bleed Black"?
We actually purchased the rights to the cover photo from a freelance model, but we did all the other photography and layout ourselves.
11. The girl pictured on the cover for "Stay Gold, Bleed Black" is that the girl from the debut album "A Theme For Her Murder"? Or do the two things not make a connection whatsoever?
No, it’s not the same model and no direct connection. All though both albums do display a female character that is viewed as an antagonist, but is actually a heroine.
12. Did you get the album you wanted? Is everything on there or were there some things that were just impossible to pull off?
You never really get the exact album you want 100% when you’re a bunch of perfectionists, but for the most part we’re extremely happy with it.
13. What would you say are the bands biggest collective musical influences, and also individual ones that you feel can be heard in the record?
That’s a hard question to answer because we all have such a wide variety of influences and we don’t specifically set out to sound like another band, but the artists that influenced us to be musicians was Billy Idol for Nicky Sharks, Travis Barker for Steven Stich, Korn for Cory Sharks and AVB was just bored as fuck and joined the band cause we needed a bass player at the time, lol.
We always describe our sound as “Brutally Beautiful music with the occasional Shenanigans” and the difference between SGBB and ATFHM is that the new album doesn’t suck as much!
15. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Cory and Nicky have been using baritone guitars and AVB added a 5-string bass to his arsenal.
16. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Our original goal was to release the album 3 years ago, but other than that we met every goal.
17. "A Theme For Her Murder" was a success. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?
No we didn’t feel any pressure cause after re-writing the new album 3 times over, we pretty much felt like we had a solid follow up. 3rd times a charm!
18. Do you think this album is more or less accessible than "A Theme For Her Murder"? Why?
It’s definitely more accessible because we have a larger audience and a much bigger platform for distribution.
19. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to the previous Make A Scene album?
We started writing in early 2012 and it was kind of difficult to have to re-write the album 3 different times with 3 different drummers cause we had to make adjustments that catered to each of their personal playing styles, but also turned out to be a blessing because it allowed us to analyze the songs a lot deeper. We ended up writing like 20 extra songs in that time that we wouldn’t have written otherwise so it all worked out.
20. It's been five years since the release of "A Theme For Her Murder". Why such a long time period between albums?
“Axl Rose said it was better to wait” lol.
21. What can be expected for a fan or new comer to hear when listening to either of these releases, why should someone go forth and pick up said material from Make A Scene?
Well they can expect the world’s “okayest” album!
22. Speaking of picking up, where can people buy merchandise, have anything up for grabs, besides the music side of you guys.
We’ve released a bunch of new merchandise since the old album, plus we have physical copies of the CD for sale at shows and our web store as well as digital copies on iTunes. You can find all merchandise, news and music at: www.iheartmakeascene.com.23. Are there any plans to release any more videos from either album? If so, which songs did you have in mind for said video and why?
Still deciding, you guys should listen to the album and let us know your favorites! ;)
24. How about the plans for this year for you guys, what do you have in-store, as far as shows, touring, and everything else thrown in there?
We have huge things in store for 2017; it’s definitely the year for Make A Scene!
25. Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer some questions for our readers. Do you have any last words for fans, or potential new fans?
No, do you?
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