Skate pop punks THE SWIFTS have released their new album "All Sunshine", along with having their track "Normal" for the "Snowsurfers and Skaterockers 2" compilation album! So of course the band had to take sometime to discuss these releases and much more!
1. Let’s start off with an icebreaker. If you could describe your band in 3 words, what would they be?
Very. Good. Question. I’ll go with loud, fast and aging.
2. What are your names and what do you do in the band?
I’m Mike, I sing and play rhythm guitar. We got Rob on lead guitar, Jim on the bass and Rich on the drums. Everybody sings backup but Jim does the majority.
3. "All Sunshine" is the latest offering, but what can be said about it that has not already been said?
Initially I described the album as being pop-punk. But lately it’s being described as skate-rock which I am fully embracing. So to say something that’s never been said about it, I would say that we accidentally made a skate-rock record.
4. What was the recording process like for the album?
I loved the recording process. It’s so much fun and gratifying to see a song go from an idea to a fully finished product. That whole creative process is my favorite thing about being in a band. I love seeing everyone’s ideas come together. We recorded at The Keep Recording studio in Denver and Ahrue Luster produced it. I highly recommend them both.
5. Do you have a favorite song off this record if so which and why?
For me it’s still October Sky. It’s about the day my Mom passed away. So not only is it the most personal song on the record, it’s also pretty different than the other tunes. It’s also become my favorite song to play live.
6. You guys are a newer band so many people might know about your history. Would you be able to delve into it a little?
We’ve actually been around for a few years. We started as a cover band playing mostly 80's songs at warped punk speed. We did that for a couple years. It was really fun but eventually we started writing songs. Slowly we started working in more of the original songs into the cover sets. By 2016 we only played our songs. We also recorded our first EP in 2016 with Ahrue. Then in 2017 we went back into the studio to record All Sunshine.
7. Where does a band name like The Swifts come from?
It’s one of the great mysteries of the world. No one is really sure. All we know is that it came out of Rob’s head somewhere…somehow.
8. What would you say separates you from other bands in the scene?
This is a tough question to answer. We are the band that we are. Meaning that we’ve never had a deliberant effort to be different…if that makes sense. There are so many bands that I look up to that if someone told me we sound like them I’d be wildly flattered. But if I attempt to extract some common themes from all the feedback and reviews of All Sunshine, I’d say it’s Rob’s guitar playing, the somewhat unpredictable chord patterns that occur without losing the core melody and the blend of pop-punk, surf-rock and skate-rock that set us apart. 9. How did Ross Audibles endorse guitarist Rob Hinerman of The Swifts?
There is some history with Rob and Ross Audibles going back to their roots in Chanute, KS and that gave us the connection. Quite simply they are a legendary company and wonderful people that liked Rob’s playing and were gracious enough to work with us.
10. Why and how did The Swifts get featured on the “Snowsurfers and Skaterockers 2” Punk Compilation Album?
We saw that the comp was being put together and submitted "Normal" for it. George, the gentleman the put out the comp gave it listen, liked it and there you have it. We were really excited to be on it along with so many great bands. I am a skater myself so it’s right up my alley.
11. Why did you want to play this genre?
It’s all I know. This punk genre chose me when I was about 14 years old. Once I heard it I never strayed from it. I truly love this genre and am thankful for all the experiences it has given me.
12. What sort of other plans does the band have in-store for now into the rest of this year?
Just getting out and playing some shows. I’d love to get back into the studio late this year or early next year. Thanks for the great discussion!
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