Interview with Like Animals

Like Animals is a band from Orillia, Ontario that I have had the personal pleasure of reviewing before in the past, and also seeing perform live. I am a very big supporter of this band, and the immaculate musicianship that they bring to the music scene. I got a chance to interview them via Facebook! Check it out;

TRBP: How has band life been post-Sweet Whispers, Plagued Ears?

Jesse: It has been great! We got a lot of really good reaction/reviews from that album and I feel like it has pushed us in the right direction. The new tunes we have been working on feel like they flow quite a bit better than SWPE so it will be interesting to see the reaction from the newer tunes. Not that I don’t love everything off of SW but I feel like we’ve really hit our niche on this one.

TRBP: When I saw you guys perform with my own band The Blind Surgeons Operation, I noticed that your live act was probably among the tightest sounding I have ever seen. How have you guys accomplished this?

Will: Well first off, we know that our music is very challenging to play, let alone hear. If we aren’t playing at the top of our game, then it will come across as “just noise”. Basically in order to play music that has many changes and time swings, we have to play it tight. Lots of practice and attention to detail is key. We practice a few times a week as a band, then we each practice on our own time away from band. There is no room for error with our stuff. 

TRBP: You guys have recently signed to a label is that correct? Congratulations btw
Jesse: Yes, and thank you! We’ve been signed to Soda Records which happens to be run by our manager/producer. We recorded Sweet Whispers with him (Shane Heath) and our new album will also be done in his studio (One Star)

TRBP: How has the label helped you guys as a band?
Will: Being a part of Soda Records has been great! Shane Heath (founder) has been like a mentor to us and having that extra set of ears has been wonderful. He is there to help us with anything we may need, and he has been in touring bands as well, so he knows what needs to be done in terms of getting out there. Its nice to have someone we trust to provide insight and constructive criticism. The bands and the label are like a family with the same goals in mind.

TRBP: What i’ve seen through lurking on your fb pages haha is that you’re recording a NEW CD? is that correct?
Will: That is correct! We have been working really hard at writing new tunes for this cd. We are aiming for around 6-7 songs. We will be entering One Star Studio in Barrie to record tentatively at the end of Feb. If all goes to plan, it should be released at the end of march.

TRBP: How will this CD differ from SWPE, soundwise and whateverelsewise

Will: Well the length of the songs hasn’t gotten any shorter lol (almost all of the new ones clock in at over 7 mins). One thing people will notice is the smoothness and cleanliness of these songs. They are a lot more organic sounding….not forced. Another thing that will differ is the all around timing and feel of the songs. We have all been working really hard outside of band to get better at our crafts. I have been taking a lot of drum lessons and Jesse has been working hard at becoming an all around better bass player. I think our hard work is really gonna shine on this record. A lot of people will be surprised. 

TRBP: You guys are clearly one of the most talented bands I have ever met and reviewed, have you found it difficult to break into the various music scenes around Ontario?
Will: It has been very difficult. Thankfully almost all of the promoters we have dealt with have been great. A lot of these bigger promoters won’t give bands a chance unfortunately. All bands want is to be acknowledged and every band has to start somewhere. There has been a lot of shows where we would have fit in well and KILLED it, yet we get overlooked. But honestly, we take anything we can get. We believe that as long as we stay true to ourselves and our music, eventually people will be forced to take notice.

TRBP: There has definitely been a decline in substance over the years musically, but you guys are still chock full of that. What has prevented you guys from just breaking down and writing some more commercial friendly tunes?

Jesse: I myself am very very picky when it comes to music. If it’s not interesting or lacking substance I usually won’t give it a second chance. I also think having diversity in your listening habits as well helps quite a bit. I listen to a bit of everything – anything from Rick James, Earth wind and Fire, Cee lo Green to Between the Buried and Me, Dillinger Escape Plan and such. Listening to other local acts really inspires me to paint outside the borders. Bands such as – The Isosceles Project, Adrenechrome, Ninjaspy, We the undersigned and We Were The Fires of Rome. All great acts that make me want to push myself and to get better at perfecting my craft. 

TRBP: What can we expect from Like Animals in 2011?

Jesse: A brand new album and lots of tour dates! This will be one helluva year. We are gonna push ourselves harder than ever this year. I’m expecting a full east coast tour and we have been talking over a west coast tour as well. Keep checking back with us for dates and don’t forget “Sweet Whispers, Plagued Ears” is still available at www.reverbnation.com/likeanimals for download for FREE!!!

We look forward to seeing everyone this year! Get ready!!!