Yesterday evening the Rise Up tour kicked off in Norwich, with an epic gig at the Waterfront featuring Memphis May Fire, Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada and Like Moths To Flames. But before they all took to the stage, Silverstein frontman Shane Told took some time out to tell us about their upcoming dates, and where they’re heading next.
Hey, Shane. You’re about to head out on the UK leg of the Rise Up tour, how do you prepare for time on the road, especially when it involves travelling internationally?
At this point it’s pretty second nature to me, I’d say travelling internationally is 50% of my life and being at home is the other 50. So, really I don’t prepare at all. I hate running out of books, so I always carry a lot with me. People lift up my backpack and say, “this is so heavy what the hell is in here, bricks?” Nope, books.
How’s the tour going so far? Any particularly memorable shows, or travel tales?
Well, to be completely honest it’s been a raging party every night on the bus we’re sharing with The Devil Wears Prada. Those guys go hard. I gotta say I don’t know how I’m partying harder in my mid-30’s than in my 20’s, but it’s a real thing. As for shows, my favourite was Cologne, and a close second was our show in Southern California. Two of the best music markets in the world, very very far apart.
Where’s your favourite place to tour, generally?
Australia. It’s so beautiful and so unique and the people there are so excited you’ve come all that way, and they don’t take it for granted. And they have really cool animals which makes me happy.
What do you think is the key to putting on a great live show?
I think the one thing is you need to have a tremendous amount of honesty. Honesty over energy even. Because when you are not genuine it is so obvious to the crowd and you can’t make a proper connection. People respect artists that are real and are performing their art in their way. I think all the cliche things bands do on stage are more detrimental. I’m always myself, and I think nothing should be fake ever.
How has 2016 been for you guys so far? Has it been a memorable year?
It’s been busy! And we’ve done a lot of different types of things which is fun. Support your in Japan with our 2000th show, European festivals, a US headline and support, our first China trip, and our first ever stand alone single! It’s been rewarding both on the touring side and the creative side.
Have you started to think about the follow-up to ‘I Am Alive…’ yet? Do you have any idea what you’d like to explore or write about next?
We have written and put out a new song ‘Ghost’ which is the first time we’ve ever just worked on one song in the studio. It came out so great; we couldn’t be happier. So after this tour, we are going to start writing the next LP and probably start in that realm and see where the journey of writing an entire record takes us. Personally, I’ve had a struggle of a year in 2016 and the frustration and anger is going to come out in whatever I am writing. ‘Ghost’ is a very angry song, and I think that’s just the beginning.
What’s top of your bucket list for 2017? Is there anything you’d especially like to achieve or do?
We’re always trying to expand the number of countries we’ve been to. I think we’re at around 50 now, so looking at that. Otherwise, pushing what we can do as a band with songwriting, putting on a live show, and also trying to make the world a slightly better place with charity work and raising awareness on certain things. We’ve never been an outwardly political band despite having strong feelings about some issues, but now seems like the time to where the world is in a strange place where things that were obviously moving forward are now starting to turn the other way. We shall see.
Who’s your favourite new band at the moment? Who should we be keeping an eye on?
Not really a “new” band per se, but Pup is a great band from Toronto who put out an awesome record. Beartooth are killing it. And I really like Trash Boat. And Trophy Scars. Check all those bands out!
Finally, which band do you think will dominate 2017’s festivals?
Who cares! It’s not a fucking contest. It’s about expressing yourself and having a good time. That’s why we play music.
The remaining dates on the Rise Up tour are as follows:
NOVEMBER
30 London, Koko
DECEMBER
01 Manchester, Academy 2
02 Newcastle, Riverside
03 Glasgow, Garage
05 Birmingham, Asylum
06 Leeds, Stylus
07 Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
09 Bristol, 02 Academy 1
10 Southampton, Engine Rooms
