San Francisco band Heartsounds released their Epitaph debut “Until We Surrender” last year and are known for their fast, melodic and technical punk rock style. The band's made up of Ben Murray (guitar/vox), Laura Nichol (guitar/vox), Kyle Camarillo (bass), and Trey Derbes (drums). We spoke to Ben this month to find out more about the band's history, influences and plans for the rest of 2011.
So, first off, a bit of background - how and when did the band form?
The band formed in 2009 after the break-up of Laura and I's old metal band, Light This City. We have always listened to punk rock and been huge fans of the genre, so we wanted to return to our roots and play the kind of music that we grew up on. We were also tired of playing really heavy music, so being able to write fun and melodic punk rock songs was a nice change of pace.
How does your new record 'Drifter' differ from 'Until We Surrender'?
I would say that it's generally the same sound for the band, but the songs are a lot more mature, technical, fast, and riff-driven. The vocal harmonies are a bit more complex and the arrangements are more progressive, I'd say. It's basically "Until We Surrender" x 10, in my opinion. A lot of that had to do with Brett Gurewitz (Epitaph, Bad Religion) helping us by producing the vocals on the record. He had a ton of amazing ideas that worked really well for our sound.
How has the material on Drifter gone down with the crowd so far at your shows?
They all love it so far! We didn't stray far from our sound on the first record, so there aren't any curveballs or unexpected changes in sound. However, I think the fans really like that we're consciously trying to step it up in terms of catchiness, technicality, and progressive tendencies all around.
What's the inspiration behind the tracks on the album?
Lyrically, the inspiration for "Drifter" really comes from this empty feeling that I carry around inside of me most days, where I feel like I am wasting my time and spinning my wheels going through the motions of work, school, and life in general. This feeling of not really living life to the fullest because of life's constraints is what most of the record is about. I also dealt with the loss of my father to cancer over the course of writing this record, so a lot of the themes have to do with the lack of faith in living a long life, and trying to make the most of each moment, no matter how hard that may seem to do.
Which artists have influenced and inspired you most over the years and in what ways?
Well the '90s Epitaph/Fat style bands have been an enormous influence on our sound from the start. Bands like Bad Religion, Strung Out, Propagandhi, A Wilhelm Scream, etc, have been our main influences. However, we have a TON of other musical influences that range from Bruce Springsteen to Queen to Billy Joel to Fiona Apple, to Morbid Angel and Testament. It all really depends, but there is a truly wide range of influences that factor into our sound.
If you could tour with any band (past or present), who would you choose?
I would LOVE to someday tour with Strung Out, Propagandhi, or Bad Religion. They are just such killer bands who continue to put out some of the most inspiring records out there today.
Any other bands you know who you reckon we need to check out?
Definitely check out Kids Icarus, Anchors, The Stereo State, Broadway Calls, and Comadre if you are into our style of music. You'll undoubtedly be pleased and surprised by all those bands, and they are all really genuine awesome dudes who happen to play fantastic music.
Who did the artwork for the new album? (we think it's awesome!)
Richard Minino (Horsebites) did the artwork, and he also did our last album as well. He does a lot of amazing work for awesome bands like Strike Anywhere, Polar Bear Club, Dead to Me, etc.
You're looking forward to playing the Fest this October? Which other bands are you looking forward to seeing?
Yes. That weekend is going to be the best weekend of lots of people's lives. If last year was any indication of how fun the Fest can be, I can't even imagine how ridiculous this year will be. We'll be up-front and singing along to tons of bands like A Wilhelm Scream, The Flatliners, Hot Water Music, and too many more to count!!
So you've been before?
Yes, we played last year and we had the time of our lives!! It was seriously too much fun, and we're so thankful to be able to play again this year!
And will this be the last gig for you in 2011 or do you plan to book a few more in before the year ends? You seem to be touring pretty much non-stop for the next month at least.
We're flying out for the Fest, but we plan on doing some more regional shows and short tours for the rest of the year after the summer is over, and probably another US tour in January. We also have tentative plans to go the UK/Germany in November, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
We look forward to seeing you in the UK!
