www.facebook.com/mindovertime
From: New York City, NY
Sounds like: Alternative/Indie Rock
1. How did the band come together and form? Who thought of the name “Mind Over Time” and is there any meaning behind it?
Xavier - Wes and I played with the idea of forming a band while we were in college. We jammed a few times with our buddies but nothing really took shape until we returned back from a road trip to Canada. It was then that one of us made the solid suggestion of starting a band. Interpol's japanese b-side "Mind Over Time" was playing on the car radio and somebody, whom of which is still hotly disputed to this day said "you know, If we start a band, We should call it Mind Over Time. BOOM! band name. At first it was a place holder until we formed the final line up but it ended up sticking due to how appropriate it seemed to be. As the years passed by, writing demos, lyrics and fine tuning our sound and instruments, we realized we have given the whole process a lot of attention, time, patience and dedication. Mental stamina over all of the obstacles that seem to challenge us. I'm glad to say we met and climbed every wall head on. Mind Over Time, to me at least, means staying focused no matter how long it takes to achieve a goal.
Wes - It was the strangest thing, There were times when we tried to change the name for something better but just as it was discussed something would happen that lead us to use the name in the situation. Sometimes it just takes to have patience and composure over the situation presented in time. you have to have "Mind Over Time". Musically it works perfect as well.
2. What do you want listeners to take away from the "A New Kind Of Romance" album? How has reception to it been thus far?
Xavier - I hope the listener becomes intrigued and sticks around. So far the reactions have been positive. The single "Northstar", is doing very well on Youtube. At this moment, I believe its passed the 4,000 views mark. We released the video a little over 2 weeks ago. Not too shabby, lol
Heather - The reception has been phenomenal, haven't had any negative responses. This album is something that anyone can relate to, and I hope that people do.
Wes - I hope the listeners take away the potential that is in this bands sound and music. There are so many directions we can go into sonically. I hope they fall in love with our melodic musical stylings as well as our personalities. The reception has been like a dream and the support has been incredible.
3. How would you describe your music to the average listener?
Xavier - Take the synths of the 80's, alternative rock stylings of the 90's, the vocals of the 00's and there you have it.
Heather - It's genuine and its heartfelt, It's very easy to listen to and it's something to put on whatever mood you're in.
Ben - Required listening.
Wes - All of the above and more, everyone in the band has different music tastes, and is always listening to something different from each other. When we come together, everything comes together and those influences become apparent in the music.
4. What can people expect from your live show? What are your favorite songs to play live?
Wes - People can expect a high energy, fun time with everything under the sun. My favorite songs to play live from "A New Kind Of Romance" are "Farewell Until We Meet Again", "The Ways You Remind Me", "Northstar" and "Closer". There are some new songs that we are going to mount to our live show. We love to practice them and think they will be great to play live. So we are definitely excited about that.
Xavier - Even though we haven't played them yet, I have a feeling the next batch of songs we have coming up will be my favorite to perform live. On "A New Kind Of Romance", "The Mirror" and "The Ways You Remind Me" are a few of my favorites.
Ben - Hopefully something that they like and remember the next day (we have all kinds of A.D.D up in NYC). Usually "Northstar" and "The Ways You Remind Me" but, nothing is better than playing fresh new songs which I'm definitely looking forward to.
Heather - "Closer", "She's Evil", "Bill", "Northstar", "Farewell", "Until We Meet Again". I'm excited to try the new ones out as well.
5. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Ben - Brand New because I've got to go with a fellow NY band. U2 because duh! They are the biggest band in the world so even if 90% of the audience hates us we are still get like 500 new fans, and Hasselhoff for sex appeal.
Xavier - Phantogram, White Lies, and Frankie Rose.
Wes - I would love to tour with the Kings Of Leon because we would have great pool games after shows. U2 because they are the biggest band in the world and it would be massive exposure. It would be a dream to tour with them. The 1975 is my third just because I feel their audience would love us and the back stage shenanigans would be great. I know you said three but The Killers are another band that would be a blast to tour with.
6. Any crazy show stories?
Wes - Our first show was nuts, The night started very quiet when we got to the venue and the place was empty but about one hour before our start time we were informed that we had sold out the show. When we got our equipment set up there was no room anywhere for us to play. There were people standing in places they weren't suppose to and I remember having someone on my bass rig during the whole set. It was a lot of fun. Great reception. After the show, we partied with everyone all night.
7. What’s your take on the current state of alternative/indie rock?
Ben - See Coachella/Lollapalooza line ups every year and that's pretty much the state.
Xavier - It's going strong but not through the mainstream sources. This is a positive statement as it means that the mainstream sources are no longer the most used means of music listening. That's awesome! Gives us little guys a chance.
Wes - It's not as strong as it could be but, everything works in circles and when it comes back full swing we will definitely be there to capitalize.
8. What’s the current music scene like there in New York both locally and state wide?
Ben - In the NYC area, it's pretty much the indie/electronic thing going on (The National, Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective, etc). If you look throughout the state there's probably more scattered isolated metal and punk scenes in the burbs (especially Long Island and around Albany).
Wes - Besides what Ben pretty much stated from what we see is that there isn't much of a scene but we are definitely working towards building that up by making friends with like minded bands and building something back up.
9. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?
Heather - It's in the title itself, "Illegal!", I'm not saying that I haven't done it before but it's not right. Music is someones living or means of survival. Creating songs and albums for an artist takes them away from their families, friends, lives, children, etc. so that they can create this and support both themselves and their families with it. When you go on and download it illegally it's just a slap in the face. If you really like the music and the artist, you should go out and spend your money and support them so they can continue to put out great music for your enjoyment. Otherwise we are always going to be overrun by "artists" like Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus.
Ben - I was for it when I was younger and broker but, now that I'm in a band and trying to actually be successful at it; I would totally kick my own ass from 5 years ago.
Xavier - It's happening whether you like it or not and there's not much anyone can do about it. Even if bans, or blocks are put into place, someone will find a way to continue to do it and the method will always spread quickly. The plan of action a band takes on has to include this fact into their strategy.
Wes - I can write a huge book on this subject but, I go with Ben and Heather on this. As an avid collector of vinyl records, I definitely feel you should go out and support. I do love free LEGAL downloading for unreleased stuff, demos and rarities. Music has a value in everyones lives and that's something that should be worth paying for. Look at Wu Tang's latest album. It sold for millions because they only released one copy and feel that music is an art and should be appreciated and valued as such, and I agree wholeheartedly.
10. What’s next for Mind Over Time?
Ben - "The same thing we do every night Pinky…"
Wes - We are working on new material to release in the summer time and are gearing up to play everywhere and anywhere we can. Our ultimate plan is cheesy, but it is world domination.
Xavier - The new material we have been producing as a group is a lot more organic and a real collaborative effort between all of the members. It's great and I really believe that whats coming is going to be excellent. We are also looking to build a strong fan base by playing a lot of shows in the tri-state area as well as expose people to the music. Now that we have a music video for "Northstar" we are using it as a big part of our marketing. New videos are to come soon.
11. Any shoutouts?
Xavier - Jaqi Medlock, Ryan Phillip Thomas, for doing our photos and first music video. All of the independent magazines, internet radio stations, and promo companies that have been helping us out. So many to name , I apologize that there's nothing specific here but you're all in our hearts and minds. Thank you so much.
Ben - Greg Dunn (Moving Mountains), every bar and liquor store, that diner in Poughkeepsie, and The Entourage.
Wes - I would love to give a shout out to my brother Brian, Farrah, Linette, Aki and the Entourage, Abslans Family, Heathers Family, Moe, Kishwar, Billy, Jaqi Medlock and Ryan Phillip Thomas, Beau Hill, Devin, Carlos & Karla, Our boys in And You & I, Signal For Pilot, Doug and the rest of Cerenkov and everyone else whose lend us an ear and listened or have gone to one of our shows. We love you all.
Heather- All of our friends and families for understanding when we have had to bail on things or not be able to show up to things because we were 'working'. And to those same family and friends for coming out and supporting us.
