Interviews

Alexisonfire

Interview by Ray Harkins

   Some bands break, and others will be filed in every used bin across the U.S. Alexisonfire is not content to only exist in the used bins in Canada (their home territory), so they are venturing out to the U.S. All joking aside, Alexisonfire is the best thing to happen to melodic hardcore since sliced bread, as they blend punk angst and a DIY attitude that most bands can't even begin to emulate. Do yourself a favor and watch them this summer as they come through your town. You will not be sorry.

SKRATCH: So, why are you guys so huge in Canada?
WADE: Good question. Well, we try to play as many shows as possible in as many venues and small cities as possible, but our band just got recognized here a bit more through word of mouth. More kids were coming to the shows. Also, one of the main things was our video getting tons of play on Much Music in Canada. It is mainly because kids who dig us phoned in for our video. That completely did it.

SKRATCH: What is something you want kids to take home after seeing one of your shows?
WADE: We just try to have a great time when we play, and we have a great time regardless of what the show is like. If people could have as much fun, dance, and not worry about how they look, it would be great. People should be at a show not worried about how they look but to be there because they love the music. Hopefully, everyone goes home in a better mood, forgetting about the bad things on their minds in the few hours of the show.

SKRATCH: Do you find it odd that people usually write off bands from Canada?
WADE: Yeah. I don't really think people give a damn. I think there are tons of great bands from Canada. The border is like an invisible line that many bands don't bother to cross. Some bands only tour Canada and don't bother with anywhere else because that is where they do well. I find it strange to only concentrate on being popular in Canada. I guess it is just great over there. I don't know?

SKRATCH: What has been the most surreal moment being in the band?
WADE: We did a big Christmas show in Toronto. It was our headlining show. We played with our friends Moneen (who are also a very good Canadian band). Moneen and we sold out the venue which had a 3,000-people capacity. Having that room filled with kids that were there because they dig our band and knowing that everyone in the room really wanted to be there, for us and Moneen playing a show like that, driving up in our little vans when usually at that venue you see huge tour buses, was one of the most incredible things we could ever do.

SKRATCH: How’s the new record coming?
WADE: It is completely done! We just talked to the guy who recorded it yesterday, and it's complete, as well as the artwork being finished. We tried not to make any sacrifices whatsoever with it, and we are extremely happy with the outcome.

SKRATCH: If you guys were asked to do one commercial, what product would you endorse?
WADE: We would completely endorse Nike dunk shoes.

SKRATCH: What Warped dates are you partaking in?
WADE: We're primarily doing East Coast dates. We start on August 12th, and we go until the 19th.

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