Interviews

Interviews: A Static Lullaby

There are few bands on the independent hardcore scene with more fans buzzing than A Static Lullaby. These young men have melded a style that is in the same vein as Glassjaw, Thursday and Finch, yet have somehow managed to lay claim to the coveted moniker of "THE band to keep an eye on". However, with this title comes great responsibility (at least that's what I've learned from Spider-Man), and A Static Lullaby have thus far handled their newfound throng of fans nation wide with open arms and raw, emotional live sets. Smother's own LochNessPimPster had the chance to discuss the current goings on of A Static Lullaby, how they felt working with Steve Evetts, as well as their past and the much-talked about interest from iconic producer Ross Robinson. To find out more, read on:

Smother: To start things off, could you introduce yourself to the readers?

A Static Lullaby: Hello, My name is Phil Pirrone, I play bass and I am one of the three singers in A Static Lullaby.

Smother: And Don't Forget to Breathe is your first full length. How was the experience recording the album?

Phil: Wonderful. The studio was amazing. Steve Evetts is the best guy ever. Perfect guy to do our album. It felt like another one of the guys hanging out all day, making the same jokes we do, pulling lines from the same movies.

Smother: You worked with producer Steve Evetts, a man with a firm understanding of heavy, emotional music. What did he bring to the table, and how did he help in the recording process?

Phil: First thing we did was re-work the songs for the better. He came in and rocked out with us in pre-production (basically, for us a fancy word for practice) and he made suggestions and we would either say yeah, lets try that or nah, were not too into that. But I don't think we ever said nah. Basically, Steve would have an idea.........not even explaining notes or structure, just from him talking about a feeling we would work off of that and make the songs better.

Smother: It was widely publicized how you would be working with Ross Robinson, yet seems went south suddenly, which resulted in the parting of ways between you and I Am. What exactly happened?

Phil: What exactly happened? Is that what you would love to know? Well, I'll tell you what happen. Ross Robinson is a robot and so are we. Two robots together for too long causes magnetic force to become too strong and will erase history. So, as amazing it would be if we were to work together, it could not happen until technology allows it.

Smother: In any case, you wound up going with Ferret Records, a respected indie label for heavy music. What led you to this decision, and looking back on the past year, do you feel as if Ferret was the best choice for you right now in your career?

Phil: To tell you the truth, we kind of regret ever meeting Carl and Ferret. Worse damn day of my life. HAHAHAHA Just Joking. Carl was the only motherfucker that didn't creep us out.

Smother: And Don't Forget to Breathe has a very intense, emotional quality to it that instantly grabs hold of the listener. Not just lyrically, but also musically, as the aggressive elements give way to heart-wrenching passion and dedication. What influences your stance on the music ASL create?


Smother: Here's a question that will surely get old, yet I still feel the need to ask: What is your favorite song off from the new album, and why?

Phil: As I began to read this question I thought it was gonna be much worse, but, I don't actually hate this question yet. I think We Go To Eleven is my favorite song.

Smother: Album packaging is often detrimental in broadening a fan-base, as a stand-out cover can persuade a casual music fan to notice your album on the shelf. How do you think the packaging for your disc represents the content contained on the disc, and who came up with the idea?

Phil: We worked with Don Clark (Poison the Well, Open Hand, Hopesfall) to do our art. We really liked his work. and basically said, our album is called "...And Don't Forget to Breathe". He came up with 10 very different comps and we chose one.

Smother: In a short amount of time you have performed with some of hardcore & metal's elite, ranging from Glassjaw and Hatebreed to In Flames and even Andrew W.K. What's it like to go from being a batch of friends practicing in your basement to sharing the stage with such well-known and widely respected artists?

Phil: It's kinda amazing. I mean, every time we get a chance to play with bands we actually listen to its always amazing.

Smother: Have you always aspired to be a professional musician, or if it were to all end tomorrow do you have another career to fall back on?

Phil: I want to do this and have wanted to do this for a while. But for me personally I do have a backup plan.

Smother: Though you play a heavier style of music, do your musical tastes echo the style you play?

Phil: Not at all. We all listen to everything under the sun.

Smother: If I was to look at your album collection, what record would I be most surprised to find?

Phil: Hmmmm..........I think Epidemic or The Aquabats.

Smother: A lot of pessimistic fans consider music to be at an all-time low right now. If you were given the power to make major decisions, how would you turn around this so-called musical slump?

Phil: I'd get rid of every soul-less, no talent piece of shit nu-metal act out of there now! Plus, it saddens me to say that hardcore is no longer sacred.......It's being duplicated, fabricated and watered down for MTV and radio, its sad.

Smother: Obviously, 2003 has a lot in store for you, your album is out and you're on the road. What do you envision the rest of the year to hold for A Static Lullaby?

Phil: Lots of short days and long nights..............hazy eyes..........blood...........& rock and roll.