Interview By: Pablo CortezPC: What’s up guys, so what is the hardcore scene like in Rockford, Illinois?
Garret: Rockford has been kind of stagnant and non-existent for a while when it comes to music. Lately, there seems to be a few bands really starting to try again and that's awesome. Kids need productive positive outlets.
PC: You have a pretty solid fan base, what has fan reaction been to the new album ("We All Have Demons")? Fan reaction at your life shows?
Garret: The reaction to the album so far has been pretty surreal. We did a Hot Topic in-store release on our release date and almost 400 people showed up, that following Saturday we played a local CD release show with our friends Gwen Stacy, and over 550 kids came. The thing that really brings me the most rewarding feeling is that kids aren't coming to our shows since we got signed just because it's "cool" or because it's something big and new for Rockford or the Midwest. Kids are coming because they hear something honest in our music, and they're connecting to it. There is nothing that makes me happier than knowing that kids are coming to our shows for the right reasons.
PC: What’s your favorite venue that you’ve played so far?
Garret: Man that's a tough question. In 5 years we've played quite a few awesome venues and established a lot of great relationships. I would say our all-time favorite venue we've played is Chubby Rain House of Tunes in Poplar Grove, Illinois. They are like family to us there and the sound and atmosphere is great.
PC: How did you guys hook up with Rise Records? What has that relationship been like?
Garret: We had a chance to meet Matthew at Rise after posting a couple demo tracks on Myspace. Our manager had been discussing a few label options, and in the end, Rise was the best fit for us. We are very pleased with that decision and very excited for the future in the Rise family.
PC: What are some influential bands/singers for the Color Morale?
Garret: Collectively, we are heavily influenced by bands such as Life in your way, Beloved, Poison the Well, Misery Signals, and countless others. Personally one of my biggest vocal influences is Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World.
PC: How do you distinguish your sound from all those post-hardcore/metalcore bands out there? How would you describe your music to a first time listener?
Garret: We try to touch on all of our personal genre preferences while at the same time not compromising originality or integrity in our music. I think we all personally wanted a CD that was dynamic and really pressed on being experimental while at the same time not being genre confused or trying too hard. We wanted to sound like "us."
PC: Are there any bands out there that you guys are particular fans of? What sort of tracks are playing while you make your way to a show?
Garret: I know lately on the way to shows I've been woken up in the back seat of the van by the following: Periphery, Life in your way, Poison the Well, As Cities Burn, and Gwen Stacy, to name a few.
PC: Congratulations on your new album, “We All Have Demons”. What does your tour schedule look like and what city/cities are you most excited to play for?
Garret: We're going on for about two months with our friends in Miss May I, and we'll be on an Attack Attack! headlining tour with them as well. We're STOKED to go out with Attack and start learning life on the good ol' open highway.
Thanks so much for the interview guys!
