Push to Fire: Q&A with Culprit

Push to Fire Q&A with Culprit's lead singer Travis
by Freddie Harrison
Culprit promo shot

We caught up with the Culprit's singer, Travis, to find out more about their EP, working with Californian producer Erik Ron and the band's love of Epic Meal Time.
For those reading who've never heard Culprit before, how would you describe your sound?
To put it very technically, I'd say we're ambient indie rock with a pop sensibility. To put it simply, if you like Circa Survive, The Dear Hunter or Thrice, you'll like us.
What's the reception been like to the Analogue EP?
We've had some great reception critically, we were on the front page of PureVolume last week, and we're in Alternative Press' Warped Tour Issue, and the EP is selling. We really can't ask for much more from a self-released EP.
Now that you've unleashed the EP on the world, what are you plans for the next few months?
We're playing some local dates sprinkled throughout the summer, and we've got some west coast regional dates at the end of August with The Greater Heights. And some heavier touring in the fall with our buds Back Pocket Memory. It's shaping up to be a great year for us.
How was working with Erik Ron? What was your working relationship like?
We've been playing in and around the same circles for years, so when we segued into a professional relationship, it was easy. We had a very similar vision, so the record came out as honest as we wanted. Since then he's become a close friend of the band. He's awesome, definitely one of the up-and-coming producers in the business.
You've got some really huge sounds on the EP, particularly where the guitars are concerned, what or who influences your music and your style?
We're very into Thrice, I've always been envious of their guitar tones, the glassy cleans and aggressive overdrive. Erik also helped us find the tones we wanted. He also did all the programming on the record, which really helped it become more cohesive.
How's the experience of playing Analogue live been for you?
We've always written songs in a live setting, which I feel is being done less by bands today, because of modern technology. So it works very well, because we'll write a song at rehersal, and its already ready for the studio and the stage.
You've posted up an Epic Meal Time [Youtube/Revision3 show all about making meals containing as many calories as possible] on Facebook, are you guys big fans? What would you make for your Epic Meal Time?
We are HUGE fans. We watch every Tuesday at midnight! Buffalo Chicken/Bacon Tacos sound unique and delicious!
Where do you see yourself as a band in a five year's time?
Hopefully living well and still writing and recording music that we love. If that could happen for us I'd consider myself a success.
Which upcoming bands/artists should we be checking out?
There are so many! Check out I The Mighty, Back Pocket Memory, Harris Grade, The Greater Heights, and Liberty. ITM, BPM and HG all worked with Erik as well, and that's how we've all become close.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
Chuck Palahniuk and THC.
You've got a world tour to head out on and you can pick three bands to come along with you - who would they be?
The Receiving End of Sirens, As Cities Burn and, yes, The Beatles. You didn't say it had to be realistic.

Much thanks to Travis for taking the time to answer our questions and to Jerry for setting up the interview. Find more info and music clips on the band's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/culprit.

Push to Fire Q&A with Culprit's lead singer Travis by Freddie Harrison We caught up with the Culprit's singer, Travis, to find out more about their EP, working with Californian producer Erik Ron and the band's love of Epic Meal Time. For those reading who've never heard Culprit before, how would you describe your sound? To put it very technically, I'd say we're ambient indie rock with a pop sensibility. To put it simply, if you like Circa Survive, The Dear Hunter or Thrice, you'll like us. What's the reception been like to the Analogue EP? We've had some great reception critically, we were on the front page of PureVolume last week, and we're in Alternative Press' Warped Tour Issue, and the EP is selling. We really can't ask for much more from a self-released EP. Now that you've unleashed the EP on the world, what are you plans for the next few months? We're playing some local dates sprinkled throughout the summer, and we've got some west coast regional dates at the end of August with The Greater Heights. And some heavier touring in the fall with our buds Back Pocket Memory. It's shaping up to be a great year for us. How was working with Erik Ron? What was your working relationship like? We've been playing in and around the same circles for years, so when we segued into a professional relationship, it was easy. We had a very similar vision, so the record came out as honest as we wanted. Since then he's become a close friend of the band. He's awesome, definitely one of the up-and-coming producers in the business. You've got some really huge sounds on the EP, particularly where the guitars are concerned, what or who influences your music and your style? We're very into Thrice, I've always been envious of their guitar tones, the glassy cleans and aggressive overdrive. Erik also helped us find the tones we wanted. He also did all the programming on the record, which really helped it become more cohesive. How's the experience of playing Analogue live been for you? We've always written songs in a live setting, which I feel is being done less by bands today, because of modern technology. So it works very well, because we'll write a song at rehersal, and its already ready for the studio and the stage. You've posted up an Epic Meal Time [Youtube/Revision3 show all about making meals containing as many calories as possible] on Facebook, are you guys big fans? What would you make for your Epic Meal Time? We are HUGE fans. We watch every Tuesday at midnight! Buffalo Chicken/Bacon Tacos sound unique and delicious! Where do you see yourself as a band in a five year's time? Hopefully living well and still writing and recording music that we love. If that could happen for us I'd consider myself a success. Which upcoming bands/artists should we be checking out? There are so many! Check out I The Mighty, Back Pocket Memory, Harris Grade, The Greater Heights, and Liberty. ITM, BPM and HG all worked with Erik as well, and that's how we've all become close. What are your biggest non-musical influences? Chuck Palahniuk and THC. You've got a world tour to head out on and you can pick three bands to come along with you - who would they be? The Receiving End of Sirens, As Cities Burn and, yes, The Beatles. You didn't say it had to be realistic.
Much thanks to Travis for taking the time to answer our questions and to Jerry for setting up the interview. Find more info and music clips on the band's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/culprit.