WHEELS 2.0 AT WARPED SPEED

By Jesse Beer-Dietz

This week, I put the focus on an up-and-coming band that has signed to a top indie, which will be releasing their EP in the fall. Also, check out my interview with Victory Records band A Day to Remember. Keep feedin’ my inbox: [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT
I the Mighty (http://www.facebook.com/ithemighty): This San Francisco-based band has melded effortlessly since forming in 2007 and has already accumulated an impressive following on the West Coast. What’s more, they’re in regular rotation on local modern rock station Live 105 and sharing stages with the likes of Hawthorne Heights, There for Tomorrow, Deftones and more. I think very highly of this band and will be keeping a close watch on them; I suggest you do the same. Look for their EP, Karma Never Sleeps, which is set to drop this fall on Equal Vision.

EMAIL Q&A WITH A DAY TO REMEMBER
Hey guys, it’s a pleasure to interview you. The band formed in 2003; can you talk about the grind of relentless touring and how you’re finally getting the recognition for all that hard work?
We started from nothing. We play this music because it's what we want to hear, and that's the way it's always been. We toured, and stayed true to ourselves. As for recognition, that's gotten better with time, but I would still say for the most part people don't understand what's actually happening with us. To them I say: by all means come to a show, and we'll gladly put you on your ass.

What's your favorite part of being on Warped Tour, and how has that experience been?
I just love being a part of it. We grew up going to this tour. In fact, about five years ago we won the battle of the bands to play the St. Pete date, and we thought that was the coolest thing in the world. Now to be a main stage band is incredible.

Your newest album, What Separates Me From You, has sold 200k+ albums, which is amazing, with the climate being the way it is. Do you think this level of success is due to touring and having built a loyal "real" fan base?
I think it's a culmination of everything. We started off playing to 10 people on some tours and we grew from there. Not only do you build a strong core fan base that way, you also learn how to be an entertaining band.

I see that after the Warped Tour you guys are headed overseas. How excited are you guys about that? I know they are super-passionate about music overseas.
We actually tour more overseas these days than we do I'm America. What's really got us excited about this trip is we’re bringing our entire show with us this time. So it will be the first time we've played full production shows in Europe.

Final Question: What superhero is your favorite?
Spider-Man!