Interview with Saints in Stereo

Saints in Stereo is a rather new band on the St. Catharines scene, trying to find the success that such hometown heroes like Alexisonfire have found in the music industry. Comprised of some members from the former band Downtown Drama, they are a band that's members are not new to the music scene, but have well versed themselves in what they are doing, and have fine tuned their skills. Ready to take on their first show in St. Catharines, Ontario on April 10th and looking to get a three song EP out to their fans and followers as soon as possible, Saints in Stereo are built for success. In my interview with Jason, lead singer of the band, he expresses his love for influences such as AFI, as well as exposing his thoughts on what songs are the most important to him, where the lyrics come from, and his background in music.

Name of Band and people: Saints in Stereo, Jason-vocals, Hooker-guitar, Rich-guitar, Marv-bass, Matt-drums

What is your background? I've been playing in bands since I was 16. I started off as a drummer and my bands could never find singers so I always got moved to that position. I've just always wanted to be in a band. I've never had any formal training.

Have you always wanted to be a singer? [Laughs] Singing is fun. I like that I get to be up front and jump around and act like a goof. However, I don't like the idea that the singer gets so much focus. We're a band, a unit, without one of us things wouldn't sound the way they do.

Why do you want to record and release your own music: it just seems like it would be the greatest job in the world, i can't imagine anything better than seeing the world from a van with your best friends. the fact that your getting paid to create something and do something you love. it's something I've always wanted to do

Who are your fans or target markets? I'd say our target audience is probably between 15 and 25. I don't think we cater to any certain type of person there's something in there for everyone. I'm sure we'll get labeled as punk or one of the punk sub genres.

What are your songs about? Mostly just about my life experiences, mostly about relationships. I touch on different things though. No fiction in our songs. It's all shit everyone can relate to

What is your favorite song the band does and why? My favorite songs we do are called "This Song Is Not Important" and "It's Not a Tumor" just because they are high energy songs that get me moving. "This Song is Not Important" is probably my #1; it means the most to me

Why does that song mean the most to you? It's just a more positive side to my writing that people don't get to see a lot. It's about taking something positive away from bad times.

Who writes the lyrics, and who writes the music? I write all the lyrics and we all write the music together. Someone will come up with a basic idea and we all just build off it.

Who are your musical influences? For me personally it would be afi, ALL, valencia, amber pacific, new found glory, between the buried and me and the break

How do you describe your music to people? Upbeat, fun, positive energetic

What type of image do you think your music conveys? I'd say a positive one; we're a band that's fun and easy going. We are all really easy to talk to, so come say hi at the shows.

How would you define the term "success"? Being happy with yourself and making it on your own terms.

Are you looking for an independent label or major record deal? Why? It doesn't matter as long as we don't have to change our look or sound or anything like that. We like to be able to do this without having to keep a day job [Laughs] As long as we can stay true to ourselves.

What has been your best live performance (either with your current band, or other)? Mine so far has probably been one of my older bands CD release party.

Which band was that? Were you the singer in that band as well? The band was downtown drama, and yes I was the lead singer.

Last question: Where can people check you guys out or hear your stuff? Our first show is April 10th at the Mansion House in St. Catharines, Ontario and to keep tabs on us go to http://www.myspace.com/saintsinstereo We'll be posting songs within the next few weeks so check 'em out.