June Divided
June Divided is an amazing American band who have been doing really good things and will no doubt be winning auidences along the way. I talk to Melissa from the band and find out why these guys rock.
1. How did the band form?
Melissa: Chris and I met in college and wrote music together. After graduation, we started a band for fun during the job hunt. We never expected the band to get serious, so we put out an ad for a drummer on Craigslist. After we found Keith, the band kinda took off and so we rolled with it. It’s been quite the happy surprise.
2. What has been the highlight so far?
We’ve been lucky and have had a lot of cool stuff going on! Recording this upcoming record was amazing- probably the most intense, but amazing 3 weeks of our lives. It’ll be out in June 2012. We were also selected as a finalists for the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands (Vans Warped Tour), so we got to play in hollywood, and got to keep some amazing music man guitars. Since we were finalists, we get to be on a week of Warped Tour this summer, so we’ve got that to look forward to as well!
3. How does it feel to be able to play SXSW and the Florida Music Festival?
Awesome. We can’t believe how busy our spring is! The festivals themselves are amazing to experience just in themselves. It’s cool to play it, but to actually be there is also incredible. Texas and Florida are beautiful this time of year, so we’re also looking forward to the nice weather!
4. What inspires the band when writing music?
Life, personal experiences, and what we feel other people can relate to. We’re into bands like Thrice, Jimmy Eat World, Explosions in the Sky, Ivoryline.
5. What was the inspiration for the EP The Other Side Of You?
We were just starting out as a band- so we were just writing for fun (but we still write to have fun). We were listening to a lot of Jimmy Eat World and Ivoryline at the time. We’ve grown as a band- and you’ll hear that on the full-length, but we’ll always be proud of that EP. It was fun to make.
6. Who have you guys enjoyed playing with recently?
We played with Falling In Reverse, and that was pretty cool. We love playing with fellow PA-based bands, Kingsfoil, and Music From Another Room. We’re looking forward to sharing the stage with Every Avenue at SXSW.
7. How did it feel to Best New Artist, Best Rock Song (Bullet), and Best Music Video (Bullet) at the 93.7 WSTW Hometown Heroes Homey Awards?
Almost like winning a Grammy, minus the dress clothes and the cameras. (hah)
8. How has social networking helped the band?
Social networking is key to being an artist these days! It’s amazing- we’re on facebook, twitter, youtube, myspace, tumblr. It’s really cool to be able to keep in touch with fans from around the world. That’s my favorite part of social networking- seeing that someone all the way in India is listening to our music.
9. What advice could you give to some one wanting to give a career in a music a shot?
Put yourself out there any way you can, and always be true to who you are. It may sound corny, but seriously, the key is to know what your good at and create what makes you, you. I think our band has been pretty lucky with the opportunities given to us, but it’s still always an uphill battle. Patience and persistence helps you get there.
10. How has touring helped the band?
Like I said- you have to put yourself out there any way you can, and that’s what helps you get your name around. Whether you play a show to 10 people or 1000 people (we’ve done both)- someone heard your music. That’s kinda the way touring is- at the end of the run- you have new fans and new cities who know your name.
11. Who would the band most like to work with or play with?
Foo Fighters, Thrice, or Jimmy Eat World would be cool. But honestly, we meet amazing bands all the time when we play shows. We love playing a show with another local or unsigned band that just blows us away. We like making friends.
12. How has radio and the media received the EP?
I think it’s safe to say we’ve gotten really awesome reviews and critiques! We’ve been lucky to have people out there who enjoy our music so much! We really can’t wait to get our new album out to everyone.
13. What is next for the band?
We’re planning our album release for June 2012- and then we’ll be touring to promote the record (including a run on Warped Tour).
14. What will the new recording be about?
Lyrically, there’s a lot of different subject matter on the album- but the musical concept can kind of be explained by the album title. But I can’t tell you that yet 😉 looks like you’ll have to find us on any of our social networking sites to keep up with us when we release it!
