Hey! Can you please introduce yourself?
We are Alius Spero from Cape Cod Massachusetts. We are comprised of Jeff Amadei on Drums, Zack Gowan on Guitar/Vocals/Piano, and Dave Place on Bass/Vocals.
What got you into music?
Every teenager seems to get into liking a certain genre of music in junior high or high school. We started listening to pop-punk music (Blink 182, New Found Glory, Good Charlotte) and learning how to play their songs to get a feel for what our type of was all about.
How did you decide which genre to sing in?
Like I said, we started listening to pop-punk/alternative music in our pre-teens and it influenced us. All of us pretty much learned how to play our instruments by listening to and mimicking our favorite songs. So of course this had a huge part to play in what we sound like now. We always try to listen to our favorite bands and see what we like about them and try to throw whatever that may be into our sound.
Who plays the instruments in your songs?
Jeff Amadei- Drums, Zack Gowan- Guitar/Vocals/Piano, Dave Place- Bass/Vocals . Jeff just joined the band recently but he makes us sound 10 times better. He gives us a very tight and close-knit sound as a band. Zack always tries to throw in different guitar effects and piano sounds to keep our songs different and cool sounding. Dave and Zack both sing lead vocals and try to throw in harmonies wherever they can go.
Why should people be encouraged to listen to your music?
Our new CD Here Before is a very expressive cd. Our goal for this full-length album was to keep it interesting by making each song different whether it be drastically changing up tempos, dynamics, instrumentation, or style of music from song to song. I've heard people say they thought one song sounded like John Mayer, another Red Hott Chili Peppers, HelloGoodbye, Relient K, and a bunch of other different sounding bands. Our other goal was to give each song a purpose and make each one great. I hate listening to a cd and having to flip through songs that I just hate listening to. This CD doesn't have that. Lastly, lyrically, each song is about something... not just girls or a relationship.
What was your first gig like?
Our first gig was actually probably better than most bands. It was at our high school talent show in 9th grade. We played a couple songs we made up. Of course we didn't win, but we got to play infront of a couple hundred people, which is a lot no matter what the situation is.
How long did it take for you to make it?
Zack and Dave have been playing together for about 5 years. Since we started we have learned so much. I wouldn't say we have "made it" yet, but we are well on our way. With a new CD that we are very proud of and a few national tours coming up this year, we are coming close.
What are your hopes for 2007?
We just finished making the CD which was a big thing for us. Other than that we plan to tour as much as we can and shop around for different record labels.
Though you’re only young, you are already quite big. Why is that important to you?
Being a musician, the younger you are, the better. Bands get more popular as they grow, so for us to start so young it is easier for us to do this now, rather than us being 25.
What are your inspirations when you work?
We just love music. Tedious efforts such as setting up a show or booking a tour are always rewarding for us because in the end we get to do what we love which is playing our hearts out for people that love to hear us.
What is your process of song-writing?
One of us will think of a beat or riff that we think is good enough to put to song. Then we all just feed off each other and think of what we would like to hear in a song. The melody is always the hardest thing to think of. When you are happy with a melody, you are golden.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years we hope to still be doing exactly this, but on a much, much larger scale.
Who are your role models and why?
Travis Barker because he is an amazing drummer and knows how to market himself, Jon Foreman (frontman of Switchfoot) because he is at the top of the music industry but still stays true to what he believes in which you can tell in his lyrics.
If you could work with anyone or any band, who would it be?
Matt Squire or Jerry Fin because they are the top producers in our musical field. They did amazing things for the majority of our favorite bands. Musicians we'd like to work with are Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus, Brand New, Jimmy Eat World, or Death Cab for Cutie.
What’s the worst part of the music industry?
The fact that almost everyone in the music industry is not interested in bands, but rather how much money a band can make them.
What makes all the hard work worth it at the end of the day?
Seeing people singing our lyrics back to us at a show or having someone say how much they appreciate our music.
Is it important to you to connect with fans?
It is the most important thing about being a musician. Without any fans, a band would be nothing. Our fans and our music are the two most important things to us. They are what keep us running.
What has been your best experience with music?
Recording Here Before was very tedious, but it was so rewarding to finally get it done. It was so nice to be able to sit down and put whatever we could think of into these songs. Please give it a listen at www.Myspace.com/AliusSperoRock or www.Alius-Spero.com
Which was your favourite show that you played?
Our CD release show was a blast. We gave it our all and the crowd recognized that. The room was full of energy and everyone enjoyed themselves.
What’s the recording process like?
Tedious, but extremely fun at the same time.
Do you prefer recording or playing live?
Recording gives you a creative edge. But playing live is just so much more fun. There is so much adrenaline and energy involved trying to impress and connect with the crowd everywhere you play.
How can your fans contact you?
www.Alius-Spero.com
Contact@Alius-Spero.com
www.Myspace.com/AliusSperoRock
www.PureVolume.com/AliusSperoRock
