Interview with To Write A Riot!

To Write A Riot!

On August 28, 2010, I took the time to message guitarist of To Write A Riot, Matt Alongi.

The small state of Connecticut is stereotyped as being the home to financially well off people but a group of its residents are eager to break that mold. They want to make it known as the home of a rock band.

This is my interview:

Why “To Write A Riot!”?

Haha we always get this one! Honestly, it was the name we picked three years ago when the band first started. Its got an interesting ring to it, so we decided to keep it. For now, of course. Who knows maybe we will change our band name to Kiss and start wearing heavy doses of makeup.

[Just be careful of lawsuits there bro! Hahah]

How do you guys feel about the performance at Bamboozle this year? [Yes I was there.]

Bamboozle for us was like opening one present on Christmas Eve. You get a taste of what it’s like, but you haven’t quite made it yet. It was an unbelievable feeling…We’ve all been going to Bamboozle since we were teens and to play was surreal.

Favorite performance/gig of all time?

I think all of the guys can agree our favorite two shows were Floyd’s in FL and Mojoe’s (RIP) in Chicago, IL.

What are the band’s main influences?

We all have different musical influences, but for the most part we’d have to say The Beatles and Michael Jackson, and for inspiration in our music we look at everyday life, situations we are going through, and situations we’ve had in the past that our fans are going through now.

How did all of you meet?

Zack and Shaughn have been friends since they were really young, and I (Matt) met Corey when we were in college together in New Haven. Dillon is the newest addition to our band and we met him through playing shows locally with his old band.

Who is the one to somehow cause trouble?

We’re all well behaved gentlemen

Does it feel different when you’re off stage or on stage?

Absolutely. When you are on stage you can just feel this energy from the crowd and it is really an indescribable feeling. You also have the ability to connect with kids for about 30 minutes while you are playing on stage. After shows we are usually sweaty and worn out, but that’s when we get to meet new people, talk to fans and just relax. No matter if we are on or off stage, we love what we are doing

Favorite band and songs?

I can only speak for myself when I say I love Jimmy Eat World. My favorite songs of theirs are Let it Happen and Futures and the song 23 is EPIC.

How often do you guys rehearse and practice?

We are actually getting ready to record a brand new EP with Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount (Mayday Parade, The Ready Set, Cartel), so for the past 6 months we have been practicing 4 days a week for about 6 hours per day. There’s been lots of work writing new material, getting all the instruments locked in and working on getting better at our instruments. I don’t care what anyone says, but even when you are a professional, there are always ways to improve yourself and get better.

What are your friends like?

EXTREMELY supportive. We have the best friends anyone could ask for, and they always come support us at local shows! We also have quite a few friends overseas serving in the military, so support your troops and god bless America!

Funniest in the group

Three-way tie between Zack, Shaughn and Corey. They each have a different sense of humor, so it’s like having three different comedy channels at my disposal.

This one is for Matt, seeing videos made by some great fans on YouTube, I see comments of “students” making some great positive comments about you. How does it feel to have fans that you once substitute for?

It’s really great to have the support of almost everyone in my hometown. I’m from a small town in CT where everyone pretty much knows everyone in some fashion, and to have people wish me luck, post comments online or even just stop me in town to say hi is a really awesome feeling. When TWAR takes over the world, I know I will still have my small town that supports me every step of the way.

Back to the band, does your instruments have names? Why that name?

No we don’t name our instruments. If we start naming them I’ll let you know what the names are lol.

How do you guys feel about the band?

Well we are committed 100%, and we are living our dream of making our way to the top! We are all very motivated and goal driven, and hopefully that translates to success in the somewhat near future. Whenever there’s an issue about a song or something like that, we have a band vote. We are a utilitarian form of democracy. Utilitarian = greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Do you guys have any advices for bands out there?

Find people who really love what you are doing and get them to be the driving force behind your band. Have them help you promote your band in whatever way possible and NETWORK! Be nice to everyone because you never know how they can help you advance your career. Also think ahead of the curve.. Don’t look at what other bands are doing. Try to be creative and think outside of the box. Always be three steps ahead of your competition.

Will To Write A Riot! be performing in Bamboozle again?
I sure hope so!! Thanks Hens

The band is already familiar with the vital aspect of success, having recently gotten off the road with Stages and Stereos. “Our goal was to be as busy as humanly possible on this tour, meet as many people as possible and get the music out there.”

Thank you for answering my questions Matt, I will be sure to keep in touch and continue listening to the band. Thank you everyone for checking out this interview, I hope you all give this band a chance and check them out at www.myspace.com/towriteariot and follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/towriteariot for updates from them!