The Strive: Interview
If The Strive's debut LP Modern Pace is even a small piece of this band's talent, hold on tight because they're going to sky rocket. The incredible band from Kansas City made up of Brendan Stevens (lead vocals), Greg Dowd (guitar), Michael Zenk (bass), and Nick Stacy (drums) did us the honor of answering some of our pressing questions before their show. The band has recently embarked on a new tour supporting Metro Station and Palaye Royale -- what a rad line up -- and even more recently have released their first LP called 'Modern Pace.' My personal favorite is definitely 'Bottom of the Ocean;' I love the mix of drums and guitars, I'm instantly hooked from the beginning. Now let's see what the guys have to say to a few of our questions...
What is it like opening for such awesome bands like Metro Station and Palaye Royale?
Nick: It’s a lot of fun. Everyone on the tour is a blast to be around and both bands have such killer live shows, It can feel daunting at timesAny fun before show rituals that get you pumped up for your set?
Greg: After load-in, we usually like to explore cool spots near the venue, but no specific rituals, other than just looking at each other and laughing all the time, haha.How’s this tour different from your time on Warped Tour?
Greg- It's not HOT!Your recent LP ‘Modern Pace’ just came out and you’ve said that the “album is all about learning to create better lives for ourselves, and learning to adapt to modern society.” Modern society can be a bit insane sometimes, what kind of advice to you have for your fans for this?
Michael: Do what you love to do as much as you possibly can. Do not do what you feel you “have” to do. Don’t let the pressure of society, school, college, cloud your view of being yourself. Be yourself!Your latest cover of Lady Gaga’s ‘Perfect Illusion’ just went live on Youtube, as a pop-rock band what inspired you to cover such a pop based song?
Nick: We wanted to bring a totally different vibe to the song and use our style to generate new fans and direct them to the new record. Covers can be a very useful tool to connect with people/fans that might have never heard your music otherwise.From Kansas City to touring around the states, sharing your music with your dedicated fans must be really surreal, what’s it been like having your dreams become realities?
Brendan: It’s very rewarding to do what we do now and see the progress consistently build. Which means we are connecting with more people everyday, making new dedicated friends and fans.For each of you, what’s the number one album and/or band that’s impacted you as a person and as a musician?
Greg: Green Day - Warning
Brendan: Cartel - Cycles
Michael: Incubus - Morning View
Nick: MuteMath - Self-titledWhat does the rest of 2016 have in store for The Strive after this tour?
Nick: Sleep. Spongebob. Spend time with family. But for real, we are releasing a music video for the LP title track “Modern Pace” and we are also playing a show with Lydia November 19, and a show with I See Stars December 10 in Kansas City.
(Editors note: looks like we'll be heading to a few more The Strive shows...)What’s your favorite tracks off the new record and why?
Michael: Subliminal Friend - (this is unanimous) It is such a groovy and energetic song to play live and is definitely resonating with all of us.What was the recording process like?
Brendan: LONG and meticulous but well worth all of the hard work. Its the little things in the recording process that really make production value stand out.I know the tour just started, but are you excited for any specific dates coming up?
Brendan: Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee for sure! The Rave is such a killer venue and we have some good friends in Cleveland and Chicago. And of course the show tomorrow at Voltage Lounge!Who do you aspire to work with in the future? Any wishful-collabs?
Nick: We would really love to work with producer David Bendeth someday. (Paramore) Hopefully on the next record or two. He would know EXACTLY what to do with us and we would be able to release the best music we could possibly create.What’s it like being on the same bills as bands like The Used and Taking Back Sunday?
Brendan: The TBS/Used show was amazing. Both such great bands live, and super nice dudes. It’s very humbling to be on the same bill.What inspired Modern Pace?
Michael: Modern Pace is all about feeling frustrated with your own “status quo” in life and doing anything to break free from that and do what you love. It was written to motivate and inspire any listener, because its a struggle everybody deals with.You’ve noted that your inspirations are Mayday Parade and Cartel, did you reference their past albums when writing your music? If yes, which albums of theirs are your favorites?
Nick: We’ve all been inspired by MANY artists over the years. While those artists were an inspiration to some of us, The Strive’s writing style and approach is influenced by so many different artists and styles of music.Concert Updater was created by artists for artists to help everyone get their art into the world, how does it feel knowing your music inspires others?
Brendan: It feels beyond gratifying. Its confirmation that we are doing what we set out to do from day one. We only hope we can continue to grow and grow with our fans everyday.
Aren't these the coolest dudes? Absolutely enjoyed working with them and cannot wait for our photographer, Melissa, to photograph their set tomorrow (10/28) at the Voltage Lounge in Philadelphia! You can still grab some tickets here! Check out all the dates of this tour below and don't miss out on this sick new band! Concert Updater loves The Strive, so should you.
ALSO: Check out their album, Modern Pace,
available on iTunes and Spotify!
Say hi on their Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
and don't forget to like their Facebook too!
Interview and reporting by Nicolette Cunningham All images courtesy of The Strive and Michael at Mazur PR.