Surviving September has been rocking stages across Florida since 2019. A hard rock/ metal band from Jacksonville Florida that has shared the stage with Godsmack, The Offspring and Stone Temple Pilots. It’s unique form of heavy, driving, melodic riffs, energetic live show and dedication to its fans, Surviving September brings you music that you can seriously mosh to. “The Beast” Bryan Keith, on drums lays down a rhythmic barrage while Bassman Joe “The Shocker” Stone keeps the bottom end snug with his magic fingers. Mike “What was that”O’Brien slings fire with his searing guitar leads and Rhythm section while Steve Parker screams your face off with his mix of smart lyrics and melodic songwriting. Together they are a dangerous mix of musicians with one thing in mind. To burn a path across the country, tearing up venues and pleasing fans along the way. We are signed to Curtain Call Records and endorsed by SIT strings, InTune gurtiar picks, and Explore Apparel.
-Interview- (7/30/22)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Surviving September" and is there any meaning behind it?
We've all been involved in music in some form for a big part of our lives. Our sound is a direct reflection of who we are as a band. We play the music we want to hear on the radio. There is just something that feels good about playing a guitar through a loud and heavily distorted amp. The name Surviving September, Steve has had that name for a while before we started this band. Prior to this band, we all played in another band together and decided together that we weren't happy with the way the band was going so we left. It was just after playing the Blue Ridge Rock Fest in Virginia. That festival was in September, so the name just fit us. We, in essence, Survived that band together. It was such a terrible situation. We're glad to be where we are today.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
The music we create is a huge part of who we are. We would like people to take that away. Hopefully being able to identify with it and to actually feel it. Bring them closer to us.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Our music is hard, smart rock music. In a world full of really crappy pop music, we try to bring a fresh sound to music.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Raviner, We played a few shows with them earlier this year and had a blast. Severed Sun, Great group, lots of fun. We cannot forget the DOOD. All of these bands are awesome and would love to tour with them.
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
We never really stopped being on the frontlines of the music scene. Covid affected us by keeping people home when they should have been out at a rock show.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Hard Rock/Metal?
Firstly, we love Hard Rock/Metal music. Some of our biggest influences are 80s and 90s Rock, Metal and Grunge. That being said, Radio stations are still playing the older rock bands so much and not really making any room for the newer rock bands to get up there to prove themselves. We believe there are a lot of local rock bands around the country that would be really successful if there were room to prove themselves.
7. What’s the current music scene like locally there in Florida?
It is really easy to find a gig in Florida. Getting people to show up for a local show is a different story. The scene in Florida is really a mixed bag.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
We weren't aware that you get paid for music played on the radio or internet. That being said, Musicians sacrifice a lot of themselves to create this THING, and we basically give it to the people to enjoy while the people we trust to distribute our music make the money for it and give the bands a fraction of a penny per play. Honestly, it's ridiculous.
9. What’s next for Surviving September?
We are currently writing our next album. We are about 6 songs into a 10 song album.
10. Any shoutouts?
We all have people that have tolerated us through this journey. Way too many to add here. Wives that tolerate the buying of gear, and the out of town shows. Long nights away writing and rehearsing. Friends for showing up at shows with only 6 other people in the venue, and every other person we've bored with talking about the band. You're the real rockstars.