-Interview- Short Stay (10/4/16)

Short Stay gets interviewed and talks about their formation, the "Wilt" EP, the hardcore scene and much more.

www.facebook.com/shortstayband

www.facebook.com/shortstayband
From: Greeneville, TN
Sounds like: Melodic Hardcore



1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Short Stay” and is there any meaning behind it?

We have essentially grown up in the same local music scene, and by local scene I mean shows that would happen in Johnson City, TN, a college town with venues, and bars that would host local, regional and sometimes international acts. We all played in bands of various genres, and then between 2011-2013, Alex, Michael and I, were all in a pop punk band for a couple of years and where able to do some touring together. Alex and Jon went to high school together, as did Mike and I, and we all just became friends through either school, or because our bands were on the same bill. In the beginning phases of this band, we wanted to create something that pulled from all of our own personal influences, emotions and just the reality of our daily lives.
The name “Short Stay” came out of the discussion about the concept of our “Wilt” EP, because it is loosely based on literal nature, and human nature. We all brainstormed different ideas, and my thought process is that the time we have in this world is short, so why not make the best of the time we have? So, I pitched “Short Stay” to the guys and it stuck. In addition, we are all easy going and fun loving guys, but our music touches on serious subjects and we wanted to be able to convey that with the whole package in regards to the name, lyrics, artwork, and everything.


2. What do you want listeners to take away from the "Wilt" EP?

As fans of music, I think we are drawn to songs, and bands that we can connect with through the subject matter of the songs, as well as just enjoying the music overall. So, we hope that people check out our songs, and can potentially make those kinds of connections. We aren’t putting on a front with these songs, there are portions of the songs that we are emotionally connected to for certain reasons and we like to think that comes across when we perform.


3. What can people expect from your live show?

We expect everyone to feel welcome and have fun at our shows. We are big on family, and community, so we not only hope that people can connect with our music, but that they can associate positive experiences with our shows. All in all, its emotion, energy, and a release from whatever we may be dealing with in our daily lives.


4.  What's your favorite track to play live?

My personal favorite would have to be “Polarity,” or the new song that we are going to be playing at upcoming shows that has yet to be titled, but will be on our next EP.


5. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?

Modern Life Is War, Stick To Your Guns, and Counterparts.


6. Any crazy show stories?

When Alex, Michael and I were in our last band, we played a local show once and I was literally tackled by what felt like Brian Urlacher during one of our heavier parts, other than that, we played a show in Cambridge, MA, and this lady was on a completely different planet. She essentially walked in over to the bar, leaned over on a stool and fell asleep while the show was going on. The description doesn’t do the picture justice; it was an absolutely hilarious night.


7. What’s your take on the current state of hardcore?

We love the positive, and diverse community that it can be. We appreciate bands with a legitimate message. The tough-guy stuff is a bit much, we love for people to move at our shows and sing along, but the senseless violence you see on occasion is the worst. It’s a community for anyone and everyone to come together and connect with, and enjoy hardcore: the music, the message, the energy, all that it’s about, and have a good time.


8. What’s the current music scene like there in Tennessee both locally and state wide?

It’s hard to say what the music scene is like across the rest of Tennessee, because it’s been a few years since we have played Nashville in our old band, or went out to the western part of the state, but the local Tri Cities scene is pretty solid. We are fortunate to be a part of it as there are plenty of talented bands, and musicians in our area. The Hideaway in Johnson City is like the hub of our local music scene, because we have all grown up in that venue. The owner, Tarvo, has been gracious enough to bring through some awesome touring acts over the years, all while giving local bands an opportunity to perform.


9. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?

It happens, and there is really know way to prevent it from happening. We are all about supporting artists and bands that we like by buying music, and merch, and we hope people would do the same for us. Regardless, we are just stoked when people share that they are into what we do, and can connect with it.


10. What’s next for Short Stay?

By the time this is out we will likely have already announced that our dear friend and brother Ryan has stepped down as vocalist, and I’ve moved from guitar to vocalist as a result. Other than that, we are working on a new concept EP due to be out some time after the first of the year. We are also planning a few weekend tour runs, along with more touring and music in 2017.


11. Any shoutouts?

Our drummer Jon’s other band, Glass Idols, Chris Lazarro and Troy Glessner for producing our “Wilt” EP, Cassie Podish, Nathan from Relentless Printing, Jesse from Riot Printing, and especially our family and friends.