Interview: Of Mice & Men

Having skyrocketed through the ranks to underground sensations over the past year, Of Mice & Men are finally releasing their Rise Record’s debut in the coming weeks. Frontman Austin Carlile was kind enough to answer some question for us to fill all of you on what you can expect from this highly anticipated release.

UTG: Hey Austin, How are you today?

A: I’m great! Thanks!

UTG: We’re in the final stretch of what has seemed like an endless promotional period for the first OM&M release. How does it feel to be nearing the release date finally?

A: I’m really excited about it! I have been waiting for this album to come out since the day I formed Of Mice and Men. I set out to do something fun, and make something I was proud of and feel like I’ve finally done that. I’ve wanted this so bad ever since I left Attack Attack.

UTG: The age of the internet has brought fear to the minds of seemingly everyone waiting to release an album due to piracy. What are your views on the current state of the [music] industry and piracy?

A: I never thought 3 or 4 years ago it would be SO easy to come across an album online. You can find pretty much anything you want with a click of a button. Three minutes later, it can be playing on your itunes. I, of course, as a musician think that it’s a bummer, but people are going to download no matter what we say or think. My only thing is, if you want to download it early, go ahead, but if you really love the band go out and buy a copy when it comes out. Or download it and tell all your friends about us, come to our shows, buy our merch! If you download but still show your support I really don’t see anything wrong with that.

UTG: Back on the legal side of things, you’ve actually posted quite a few songs online [in various stages of production], how do you feel what has been heard represents the full effect/feel of the album?

A: The whole album is actually posted on www.myspace.com/ofmice for a while! I hope that everyone will listen to the songs and it will make them want to go out and buy the thing.

UTG: Speaking of the record, if your previous work is any indicator, you never write meaningless songs. What are some of the lyrical themes/ideas of the new record?

A: Thank you! I truly believe that music is nothing unless you feel something while listening to it, or you walk away with something from it after you do. The self titled OM&M record has songs about how utterly terrible the opposite sex can be. Songs about losing a loved one/family member or being away from them for a while, but continuing to keep them close to your heart. Songs about living for something bigger than your own agenda. Songs about love, and also songs about keeping your name and earning your respect you deserve. I covered a lot of things on this album that I never even touched on in past bands.

UTG: Do you feel that since Attack Attack! has found so much success of an album you did vocals for and will forever be associated with that the bar for your debut with OM&M has been set higher by music fans than many bands about to release their debut?

A: Yes I do. I feel like fans are expecting a “second AA album” from OM&M. But this is not why I started OM&M. I steered away from the dance beats, synth parts, and over played auto-tune sound for a reason. I wanted OM&M to be something completely different from AA. Of course it’s still going to sound similar. It’s the same vocalist, but in my opinion the two cannot be compared in that aspect. Especially with the new sound AA has reached for recently.

UTG: Speaking of your transition between acts, how would you compare the writing/recording process with OM&M to the experiences you had making Someday Came Suddenly with A!A!?

A: I had a lot more fun making the OM&M record. For many reasons. It meant so much more to me also.

UTG: Not to continue to speak of your prior work again, but how do you think the new OM&M record will change [if at all] perceptions of you in the eyes of those who have been following your career for a while?

A: Yes please, haha this is an Of Mice and Men interview! But I think it will make fans have more respect for me. I wanted to show everyone that I wasn’t going to give up and that I could do what I do without AA. The guys in OM&M really stepped up to help give me the chance to do it again. And I also feel like they will hear my vocals on this, compared to AA, and say “Wow, he has gotten a lot better!” This is all a learning experience for me, and I, in no way, consider myself a veteran of the game.

UTG: Back to the OM&M side of things, outside of the record release, what else do you have planned for 2010?

A: Bamboozle in May, along with a small tour, and then Warped Tour this Summer! We also should be going to Europe sometime before the end of the year! I’d really like to anyways! We will also be releasing two music videos for everyone to see too! 2010 has been and will be a huge year for us!

UTG: You’ve done a few guest appearances in the past, what [if any] side projects, guest spots can we look to see you dabble in this year?

A: I actually have no idea to be honest. I’d love to do some stuff with some respectable bands though again soon for sure!

UTG: Now, I don’t want to keep you too long, so I’ll simply finish by asking if you have any final thoughts [does NOT have to pertain to OM&M] that you’d like to share with our readers/your fans?

A: With readers that haven’t heard of us before, haha go download our album! Give us a listen, I really hope you’ll enjoy what you hear. And to the people who have already been fans, seriously thank you all so much for the love and support. OM&M wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for all of you supporting us how you do! It really does blow me away! Me, and along with the rest of the guys, are so thankful!

Written by: James Shotwell

James Shotwell
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