How would you describe your typical listener?
Well, I’m always surprised at my shows—there’s a great diversity. When we were doing a muppets show, we suddenly had four-year old fans! I guess they go across the board in terms of age; it’s a person who likes piano, melodies, lyrics and stories.
How does it feel like being in existence for more than a decade now?
Just being in a band for 10 years is incredible. We’re blown away that we lasted so long and that in itself is an accomplishment. I’m just thankful that I can quit my job at the autoshop. We consider ourselves to be very lucky.
Where do you guys see yourselves in another 10 years?
Maybe one or two of us might have a slight beer belly? We’ll still be one of those bands wearing skinny jeans with a beer belly cos we think it looks kinda cool.
Guinness Singapore are creative with their ticket sales for this concert. What do you think of that?
We’re always ready to try new things. We played at so many environments, from performing for presidents in little rooms to large audiences in stadiums. We’ve also done secret shows for just 25 fans before. so we love to change it up a little.
Scars and Stories seem to be more sing-along compared to previous albums. Was there a conscious effort on your part to stay relevant to the fans?
We wanted to follow our instincts; whether that would mean doing well commercially and so on. If anything, an artist should always go where their gut takes them to. Our lives were reflected in that record. There was some darkness and horrible emotions during that period so it came out in our music.
A new album coming out?
We’re actually done with that. We’re in the mixing stage now and looking for artwork. It’s coming out pretty soon! No release dates for that but you’ll start hearing our new single before the end of the year.
We know we’re not the first people to ask this. Have you ever had to save a life? Pun intended
One time when I was in junior high we were sitting during lunch eating our packed sandwiches and I realized my buddy’s face was blood red and he just couldn’t breathe. Luckily I took a Heimlich course as my mom was a nurse! I gave him a couple of thrusts. I remember what came out—a ham and cheese sandwich. I might have broken a ribcage too.
You come from Colorado. So we have to ask, are you a big fan of the show?
Oh I love South Park! I took my fiancé to Casa Bonita just a couple of weeks ago and I made her watch through the whole satire episode of that place before we went in. It’s hilarious when you see all the elements in the show. They have brilliant writers in there. Trey Parker, the co-creator, said that the most creative period in your life is your 20s and 30s. To a large extent I think it’s true—for an artist that’s the most influential period of time.
The Fray performs at Guinness Arthur’s Day on September 27. Check out their Facebook page for updates on venue and how to score tickets.
