Interview: Every Time I Die

bst interviews Every Time I Die

by rob tatum

Recently, bst had the chance to interview Keith Buckley, the vocalist from Every Time I Die, when the band hit Denver as part of this year's Warped Tour. We asked Keith about the band's latest album, the current tour, as well as some other things. The following is a recap of the interview. If you are interested in learning more about and listening to Every Time I Die, visit the band's official website, and the band's Myspace page.

bst: Please state your name and instrument.

Keith: My name is Keith and I play the voice instrument.

bst: The Big Dirty was released toward the end of last year. How would you compare it to your other releases? I.e. what was the inspiration behind the album? What did you do differently? What were your expectations for the album?

Keith: We wanted it to be a lot more aggressive than previous releases. You know. Punk as fuck. More of a live feel.

bst: On that note, are there any plans for the next album? Is there anything different you will do this time around?

Keith: We have no plans as of yet. We take it day by day. Once Warped Tour is done we’ll start thinking about the writing.

bst: Obviously Warped Tour has become a staple of the summer and it seems like every year it gets bigger and bigger. Every summer it seems that more and more summer tours and festivals are started (SOTU). With higher ticket prices, shorter set times, and larger crowds, do you think this has some adverse effect on the music community? Do the shows have any intimacy from your perspective?

Keith: I still think they are extremely intimate. We might be further away from the crowd physically but we play as if we were in a tiny club. We don’t dumb the set down. We don’t change who we are. I think most bands on this tour have that same attitude.

bst: Through the years, the tour has offered a little bit of everything and created some diverse crowds with its eclectic lineups. Clearly for up and coming bands (regardless of genre or personal agenda), the exposure is beneficial, but for established acts, what motivates you to play Warped? At times there is tension between the crowds, does this translate back stage? Any memorable moments you’d like to share (good or bad)?

Keith: There actually hasn’t been much tension yet. When you’re on the Warped Tour it’s like you’re attending a party thrown by the cool kids. Our sets are much shorter but we pack that much more energy into them.

bst: Your live show has always been one of the best, what do think separates you from other bands?

Keith: The fact that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. If my mascara runs, ill just learn to deal with it.

bst: It’s been nearly a decade since mp3’s (Napster) came out and changed the music industry. Dollars and cents aside, do you think the internet and mp3’s have benefited the music community? Or do you feel artists are being exploited? How do feel about someone who purchases your album online instead of buying the CD? Downloads it?

Keith: Yes, I certainly think artists are being exploited but I also think that’s the price you pay when you don’t have to work as hard for your millions. Kind of like being a celebrity. You want the good life; don’t complain about invasions of privacy. You want to sell out arenas on your first tour ever, don’t get mad when kids are stealing from you.

bst: Speaking of changing the music industry, your song “The New Black” was featured in Guitar Hero 2. Describe your thoughts on this. Is it harder to play live or on the game? Have you had the opportunity to include any songs in upcoming games?

Keith: I’ve actually never played our song but being in a video game is my childhood dream come true. All I do is play video games. They are my commercial. You want to sell me something, put it on a billboard in GTA (Grand Theft Auto). It’s more prominent than anything.

bst: What do you think is the best part of the music industry right now? What can be done to keep that going?

Keith: I think the best part is the live shows. That’s something that can never be downloaded. Keep the entertainment value up and you don’t have to worry about iTunes putting you out of business.

bst: What do you see as the biggest problem with the music industry right now? What do you think can be done to fix it?

Keith: I see the biggest problem being too many bands think they’re owed too much. Tour in a van. Get robbed. Get in an accident. Then tell me you’re upset you don’t have Gillette razors in your dressing room.

bst: What are your plans at the conclusion of this tour? More touring? R&R?

Keith: For sure, more tour. That’s all we do. Ever.

bst: You guys have gone through more bass players than albums released? Is this just a bad coincidence? Do you think Josh is going to break this trend?

Keith: Josh will break this trend god willing. Everyone gets along with him splendidly

bst: Anything else you would like to add?

Keith: Numbers.

bst: Thanks so much for talking with us and answering the questions.