For those of you who are unfamiliar, A Step Ahead is a Pop Punk/Easycore band out of Mesa, Arizona. The band released their second EP, entitled In It To Win It back in February, and have just recently signed with fellow label, Arkaik Records. I hope you enjoy my chat with Colin from the band!
Firstly, can you state your name and role in the band?
Colin: Colin Becker. I play guitar and do some of the vocals.
Give us a little background information on the band - how did you guys start off? How was the band name chosen?
Colin: We started the band in late 2007. Just some dudes wanting to play Pop/Punk. Nick Johnson (vocals) and I are the only original members. Patience and touring have claimed many ex-members. We are still great friends with everyone. When coming up with a band name, we were throwing names around and Cesar Velasquez [ex-keyboards] came up with A Step Ahead. We all agreed that the name felt right... No crazy story, haha.
So back in February you guys released your second EP, In It To Win It - what's the reception been like for this?
Colin: It has been great! We have had a lot of positive feedback.
Have you had a chance to write any new material since the EP release, or have you been focusing on other projects for the time being?
Colin: We are always working on new ideas and songs. Nothing officially done yet, but we gotta stay busy when we aren't touring.
Overall, how has In It To Win It compared to your previous EP, All Or Nothing? Surely you've learnt a few things along the way, having also become more established since then.
Colin: Yes! We recorded In It To Win It with Producer Curtis Douglas (The Maine, This Century, Brighten). He really challenged us vocally. He knew what we did with All Or Nothing and wanted to fine tune and polish it. We spent a lot more time on the little things.
The band's sound remained mostly similar across both EPs - how did the writing and recording processes compare with one another? How much did your musical and lyrical influences evolve?
Colin: Lyrically we have always written positive messages. If you're a downer... our music isn't for you. Writing has always been a collaborative process. The writing process for both EPs were about the same. The only difference was having a producer help us develop our sound, and the addition of guitarist Ruben Daniel.
How would you summarise the goals you set out to accomplish with In It To Win It?
Colin: This might be the toughest question... We don't really have a specific goal for the record other than getting it to as many people as possible. We love touring the country and cant do it without the support of our fans.
I understand you've also been looking into shooting a music video - what can you tell us about this? Have you chosen a song for it yet?
Colin: Yeah! We are in the works of shooting a music video for the self-titled track In It To Win It. We had our first meeting with the director today. No time frame on when it will be released yet.
Colin, what's it like working at Arkaik Records while being in the band? Do the duties ever overlap?
Colin: Everything is just starting up. It is good to know first hand what we have planned for A Step Ahead. Nick and I will be on all of this Summer's Vans Warped Tour with Arkaik Clothing. Come visit us at the Arkaik Clothing Tent and grab some A Step Ahead and Arkaik merch.
Speaking of, you guys were recently announced to be part of the new Arkaik Records band roster, congratulations on that. Was this something imminent or a sudden opportunity?
Colin: We had been talking with Jordan Abidor (Arkaik Clothing owner) for the past 6 months or so about it. It's all in the early stages and we are developing it. This summer we are focusing on spreading A Step Ahead and Arkaik Clothing.
You also recently played at the Arkaik Arizona Summer compilation CD release show, with a few other local bands - what was the turnout like for this? I imagine you guys would attract larger crowds at local shows.
Colin: It was a great show. Our hometown fans are great and many of them have been listening to us since the beginning. We also have a whole new group of fans, since we played with Four Year Strong a month ago. Gotta represent the Arizona Easycore scene.
Off-topic, what's your favourite joke?
Colin: What do you call the musician that broke up with his girlfriend... homeless...
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Colin: I'm not a comedian.... Check out A Step Ahead and come keep us company in your city on this Summer's Vans Warped Tour. You know where we will be (at the Arkaik Clothing tent).
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