By Morning interview 

by Adam Warner

 

What is the exact name of your band?
By Morning

Where did you come up with it? What’s the meaning behind it?
Our name just kinda happened. We were a essentially a back up band to a singer/song writer. The title of the EP we were working on was called By Morning. Our former singer, Brandon Lowery, decided that he did not want to be a T-Shirt and that he wanted the rest of the band to be part of the creative process. We tossed around names and Lee, bass guitar, mentioned that the EP title sounded good. Nobody argued it, so it stayed.
Many people have stated that the name is what yo might be “by morning”. Such as, “By Morning you will not know why you woke up with that horse.” you can make plenty of jokes with it!

Who are your current members and what instruments do they play?
Joey Wilton – vocals
Tim McGill – Guitar
Brandon Burney – Guitar
Springs Wade – Drums
Lee White – Bass

What genre would you put yourselves into?
We get labeled as modern rock or hard rock. In the lines of Foo Fighters, Incubus, etc.How would you describe your music to someone?
Melodic, hooky, high energy . . . rock, baby, rock!

Are your songs political, personal, fictional or something else?
99% of our songs are from lessons we have learned in life. Nothing political or fictional. We draw from what is closest to us, family, friends, relationships, etc.

Who are your influences?
Each member has so many different backgrounds with music. From jazz, gospel, heavy metal, death metal, broadway, country, . . . We do not box ourselves in with the bands and artists that we listen to. When we get together to write, we do not say “We need a “____” type of song.” We write naturally and let what ever we hear in our heads come through. Some of our songs happen by accident. Someone will start strumming or doing a simple riff, then everyone just piles on after that.

Describe the type of person that would be a typical fan of yours?
Wow, that is a varied as our influences. Normally it is people that just enjoy a good rock song, want it to be loud and something they can sing to. Ours fans can not be placed into one demographic to another, each person finds something personal with our sound to enjoy.

Do you have any existing promotional materials we could share with others for you?
We have a new EP called Arietta. You can  get it online at www.bymorning.bandcamp.com or at one of our shows. We will soon have a new merchandise store up with new shirts, stickers and posters.

What is your song writing process like?
As mentioned earlier, it is a natural process. We do not set out to write a certain type of song. One or two members, normally Burney or Tim, bring in a riff or set of riffs. We jam on them for a while and start a simple arrangement. If Joey has a vocal melody, he will record the jam. We listen back, add or subtract parts, and finalize. Of course we do not know if a song will truly work until we play it live a couple times. That is the fire test.

What are your songs typically about?
As mentioned before, our songs are from life lessons. Relationships, friendships, bad times, and good times.

What image do you think your music conveys?
Overall our music projects a positive image/message. We are trying to give people something that they can relate to in their lives and hoepfully make them realize that they are not the only ones that feel that way : good, bad, or ugly.

What is the ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
It would be safe to assume that the majority of bands want to be recognized for their work. We are right there with them. We want to go as far as we can with By Morning. Producers, record labels, major tours, worldwide releases, these are all things that we want for the band’s future.

Did the recent passing of Michael Jackson affect you as a musician?
It was a tragic thing to happen but did not affect us in a musical sense. We all drew something from his music and songwriting. He had been a major radio player about every year of our growing years. The man was a major facet in pop culture and music. He will be missed.

Do you feel your music has changed since you first started?
Oh yes! We have grown with each new song we write. A band should never stop striving to outdo themselves. We always look toward new areas to tap into.

Do you have another outlet other than myspace that your fans can access your music?
Myspace is great, but our songs can be bought and download from iTunes and www.bymorning.bandcamp.com

Any opinion on the recent Kanye West incident at the MTV VMA show?
He messed up. He took away from Taylor’s spotlight. It will burn him eventually. You can’t live thinking that you can do whatever, whenever, to whoever. One most learn self control.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering support?
Everyone that has come out to a show, bought a CD or MP3, or just looked us up. Support your local bands in your city! See them now for $5 and help them go farther.

What do you hope your fans get from your music?
We hope that everyone that listens to our music can find something they can relate to. Either through the lyrics or the music.