Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
“Although I love the reaction it’s always passion over fashion” With their debut album, Passion Over Fashion, Attraction To Tragedy are ready to prove that style and substance can coexist. Recorded at Zing studios (Killswitch Engage,Underoath, etc) with producers Jim Fogarty (All That Remains, Shadows Fall) and Joe Cocchi the record combines shameless pop hooks and infectious metal riffs. In the studio 22 year old singer/ guitarist Jaiden Shay was joined by Jim Fogarty on bass and Joe’s Within The Ruins bandmate Kevin “Drummer” Mcguill. After a long search for musicians who shared his vision Jaiden was joined by bassist Brandon Burke and drummer Izzy Scott to take the band to the next level. Now stronger than ever Attraction To Tragedy are out to prove that they really do put Passion Over Fashion.
For those unfamiliar with your bands history, can you tell us all how you all met up and decided to start a band ?
Jaiden: Started the band 6 years ago when I was 16. Since then we’ve put out 2 singles and an ep. Brandon and Izzy joined 9 months ago and things have never been better. Our debut album, Passion Over Fashion, comes out October 14th.
Izzy : Brandon I met when his old band opened for my old band and he eventually joined that band and Jaiden had been trying to recruit me for a while and I finally said I wasn’t auditioning unless Brandon did to so he auditioned us both and here we are
Brandon: Well I personally was in a band previously with our drummer, Izzy.
He and I have always clicked very well so when he started thinking about joining another band he came to me asking what I thought about his offer he had received from Jaiden.
I instantly came to enjoy the band’s previous releases so Izzy basically said he wouldn’t audition without myself which of course, was smoothed out and we’ve been going strong ever since.
Who would you list as your musical influence?.
Jaiden: Oh man there are so many: Bullet For My Valentine, In Flames, Dissection, Nsync, Aiden, Funeral For A Friend, It Dies Today to name a few.
Izzy : Sevendust, Korn, Motley Crue, Guns n Roses, Davey Suicide, New Years Day
Brandon: For myself; I dig the 80’s stuff, the black metal stuff, the deathcore stuff, the emo stuff and basically everything under the sun.
I don’t limit my inspiration because I think a true artist can find it in everything.
However, most modern pop makes me want to hang myself.
But to each their own.
What’s the coolest thing that’s happened to you as a band since you started up?
Jaiden: Nothing beats watching a song develop from a riff or melody into a mastered recording. Live it’d have to be opening for New Years Day a few months back.
Izzy: Opening for Apocalyptica and New Years Day in the same month was insane for me. New Year’s Day is my favorite band and Apocalyptica has always been a band I really enjoyed so both were dreams come true
Brandon: We may have differing answers here but I think being able to form chemistry and a solid unit so quickly has been remarkable.And obviously meeting the bands we thought were huge and respected so much as normal individuals is always unreal.
The industry really is smaller than it seems!
What are your hopes and dreams as a band for the next few years?
Jaiden: I want to tour and release more music. I want things to keep getting bigger and better.
Izzy: Promote Passion Over Fashion, get in the studio, tour once I’m done with school this year and get out there and meet new people.
Brandon: Next few years? To be heard by anyone willing to listen and enjoy. Hopefully to play the festivals and with the musicians we’ve always respected and enjoyed. My main focus is continuing to work on music that we’re all proud of and to hopefully get the opportunity to meet as many supporters as possible. That’s always the best.
What are some of your favorite albums from the past few years?
Jaiden: I’m pretty bad at keeping up with new music but the last Bullet For My Valentine was amazing, Trivium’s latest was cool, Aiden’s final record, and the new Cimorelli record are what come to mind right now.
Izzy : I’m super excited about Korn’s new record. I loved the new Sevendust record and Slipknot’s latest album blew me away.
Brandon: Polyphia’s Muse album was incredible. And that new fire Attraction To Tragedy is dropping. ;}
Do you see any real use for social media , or is it all just a pain in the ass to keep with?
Jaiden: At worst it’s frustrating just how many hoops you have to go through so people who like or follow you can actually see your posts. For the most part though it’s all fun and games.
Izzy : I love social media. I think I might be the most active on it out of us three! It’s a great way to get out there and meet new people and promote the band and meet new fans but it has its pain in the ass days as well but I feel more positive towards it.
Brandon: Social media is one of the largest outlets for any average person nowadays. Business, personal lives, art. Any musicians that refuse to channel it as a tool are shooting themselves in the foot.
Do you pay attention to reviews or comments from people about your music or do you just turn that noise off.
Jaiden: I’d rather someone hate us than be totally indifferent. Any reaction is a good reaction as far as I’m concerned. That said obviously we’re human and it’s always cool to hear that someone likes what you’re doing.
Izzy: I’ll read it and just kinda absorb it and laugh if it’s bad or insulting most of time.
Brandon: I pay attention to everything I can, I love seeing feedback whether it’s negative or positive.
Interacting with anyone that enjoys our work is always an absolute pleasure and the negatives are always either a learning experience or comedy.
If you could tour anywhere in the world , where would you want to go?
Jaiden: Where don’t I want to play?! Sweden sticks out right now because of all the amazing pop and metal that’s come out of there.
Izzy: Australia, Germany and Japan.
Brandon: Norway, Japan, Alaska, Canada and probably France. That’s aiming high but I’d settle for playing in California haha.
Can music save the mortal soul or is just a good backbeat to your life?
Jaiden: It’s an escape for sure. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me and the only reason I was put on this planet. My inner nihilist says that’s crazy but that’s what I like to think haha
Izzy: Musics helped me a lot. I think it definitely helps people get through things but you are the main force of those types of things
Brandon: I think it takes a certain soul to hear music in a certain form so in that sense, I think it can guide. However I don’t endorse the “X saved my life” speeches because I believe the credit belongs to that individual.
Whatever essence we take from the music is what we shape to suit our own mentalities.
Any last thoughts for your fans?
Jaiden: Thank you! And our album, Passion Over Fashion, comes out October 14th
Izzy: We love you and come out and catch us very soon playing lots of new songs off the record and can’t wait to meet you all.
Brandon: If you were a fan of the band’s previous work then I assure you, Passion Over Fashion will not disappoint. Oh and come get bloody with us sometime soon!
Click HERE To Purchase Passion Over Fashion
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