New York rockers Made Violent touched down on UK soil yesterday, the reason why they are here? Well, they have a very special gig tomorrow night (Tuesday 15th July) at The Old Blue Last in London, tickets are still available so head down or miss out on the raucous glory of a Made Violent live set. Your choice.
We caught up with the boys to talk about their journey together from the early days up to now, the music scene in Buffalo, weird fan encounters and much more.
As most people reading this will probably be new to your band, to break the ice I thought it would be great to know a little random fact about each member of the band, to introduce yourselves…
I (Justin) can shoot 3 point jumpers for days. Come see me on the court bruh.
Rob likes to juggle a lot. He can juggle, three balls simultaneously.
Joe is a human fun fact machine he could write a book on any topic you can think of.
Having experienced what works and what doesn’t work within a group dynamic previously with other bands you were part of. Did those initial learning experiences help in any way with how Made Violent operate?
Yes of course. The band we were in previous to this consisted of five members but revolved around one songwriter. That never worked for us, it never actually felt like a band. When that fell apart we made it a point to all write and share ideas. I mean it is a band right?
What was the first gig that you personally went to yourself as a punter? Do you think your first live gig experience had any influence on who you are today – did it spur you on to start your own band?
I started my first band so I had a reason to go to shows. I was always protected being the firstborn and all so starting a band was a way out of that. So for me (Justin) my first show was one I played. I definitely was stoked to be on stage and then get to watch a show.
My first show (Rob) was Backstreet Boys at the Arena in Buffalo. They just released Millennium so I was really excited. I’m pretty sure that’s the reason why I play music today.
My parents took me (Joe) to see a Beatles tribute band when I was fairly young. I might have been too young to know that they weren’t actually The Beatles. I loved music but I hadn’t yet made the connection between it and the bands actually playing the music so I was captivated instantly.
Do you remember your very first gig together as Made Violent? How did it go?
Our first show together was six months ago in NYC. We played Union Hall in Brooklyn it was super exciting for us but I don’t think the crowd was expecting us to be as loud as we were. The two acts before us were pretty slow so when we came on I think we made people jump a little bit. It ruled.
How do you feel the band has evolved since taking those first steps on to a stage?
We’ve really got it down now. This show in London will be our 9th together but people think it’s like our millionth. Eight months ago we started writing songs in order to be able to go out into the world and play them and now we are getting ready to play London. Life is good.
You’ve played shows with the likes of The Orwells and White Lies. Are there any other bands that you’d love to play with?
If we did get to choose it would probably be with the likes of The Stones, Cage the Elephant, we all like FIDLAR a lot and this band, Bass Drum of Death right now, that would be fun.
You were playing to big crowds at those shows, how is it being the support act? Do you find people get into your sound easily?
It’s a lot of fun actually. A little less pressure but you still want to win over new fans. We do our best to always treat it like we’re the main act no matter what slot we play. I think we do a pretty damn good job at making people feel comfortable and getting them moving to our songs even if its their first time seeing us.
Speaking of gigging, you’ll be headlining your first London show this week, now that’s exciting. The Old Blue Last is regarded very highly with touring bands, so it should be a good one all round. What runs through your heads when you’re up on stage?
I honestly zone out and go into autopilot. I’m purely in the moment being one with the music, my band mates, and the crowd. I’ve never really thought about it until this question but it’s like we’re all part of this entity that is the show and we’re all plugged in. It’s fucking great.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on-stage?
Finish our beers, grab another, and do the damn thing.
If you could create your dream line-up for a gig, who would you choose to be on the bill?
Just want to see The Traveling Wilburys play for hours.
Do you feel that a band’s image is as important these days as it used to be?
Music is obviously the most important part, but you have to look good as well. You can look like Mick all you want but if your music is shit no one will give you the time of day.
What are your thoughts on the music scene in Buffalo? Is there quite a buzz around the city surrounding the music scene? Are there any venues you would recommend checking out?
I think it’s like any other small town scene people are trying to make music that they love and that’s great. However it’s about making moves and reaching as many people as possible.
We love Buffalo but also all share a love to travel and play out as much as we can. Our favorite venue in Buffalo was a small venue called Mohawk Place it got shut down two years ago. They just opened up this spot called Waiting Room, where we got to play two sold out shows. It ruled.
What’s the best or most random item a fan has ever asked you to sign?
I think the most bizarre thing was a wall plate or an outlet cover haha. Don’t know why they brought that to the show but I definitely think that’s been the weirdest.
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A special thanks to Made Violent for this interview and for more info on the band, check out the following links below:
