Exclusive: Live The Story Interview

After traveling to Florida to work with producer Tom Denney (ex-A Day To Remember guitarist), Toronto's Live The Story released their second EP, Everything I Am, as a free download last November, in exchange for a tweet. The band is now going out on tour and show no signs of slowing down. Below is a recent interview where we spoke with the band about their 2010 break-up and getting back together, recording the EP, and the band's future plans.

Firstly, can you state your names and roles in the band?

Mack Gallagher - Vocals & guitar
Dave Fiore - Vocals & guitar
Nick Philia - Bass
Joe Buscema - Drums

So the band had actually broken up in 2010 and got back together in early-2011 - can you explain how it all went down?

Joe: I was dealing with some personal conflicts that I had in my life and I examined my current place in life and decided that at that point in time, I was not happy being in the band anymore so I left. During that time, I did some touring with other bands while Dave and Mackenzie kept in touch. After 6 months, I guess you can say I realized that being in Live The Story and playing drums was what I wanted to do with my life. When I came around again and we practiced for the first time in months, it just felt right and it was a mutual decision with everyone that we would bring back Live The Story and take on this beautiful journey the proper way.

In November the band released the Everything I Am EP, which was produced by Tom Denney, A Day To Remember's ex-guitarist. Tell us a little about the EP in general and what the songs mean.

Mack: The EP was something that came together in pieces over a long period of time, but once we found what we were missing with these songs, it came together quite quickly and was for the most part finished before we left. We had some parts that were unfinished but we figured it would be a process that would be figured out in the studio. As always, we write our music expressing exactly what we feel at that point in time, it helps to take a lot off of our chests. I feel the lyrics on the E.P were a clear depiction of exactly what I needed to express and let go of.

What was it like driving to Florida from Canada and working with Tom in the studio? Were all of the band's expectations met? I'm sure it would've been an amazing experience.

Dave: The drive to Florida was an amazing experience for all of us. Doing a 20 hour drive brought us very close as a band. When we finally settled in, and got into Diamond Studios, I guess we were a little nervous at first, but once we started talking and joking around we got really comfortable and we felt like we were at home. Tom was really great and also a very talented guy. We are all stoked on the new EP and the whole experience was for sure one of the best and most accomplishing moments of my life.

How would you describe your sound to someone who's never listened to your music before?

Mack: I guess you could call us a Pop-Punk band, but I don’t think it’s fair to submit ourselves to any genre specifically. We just play what sounds good to us. That reflects off of the bands we like and grew up listening too. We’re all very open minded.

The band recently went on the Christmas Vacation tour with Abandon All Ships and A-Game. Being the band's second tour ever, what were some of the highlights?

Nick: It was such a great opportunity for us to tour with some friends that we’ve grown up with. The biggest shows we’ve played were those nights and it was exhilarating to say the least. We made a lot of new friends and fans on the Christmas Vacation tour as well.



You guys will also be playing a hometown show at the end of the month with Like Pacific and a few other bands - how excited are you for this? What's your current local scene like?

Joe: Every time we headline, or even play Toronto it is always amazing. Playing to a room full of kids on tour who don’t necessarily know who you are isn’t as comforting as playing to a room full of kids who are there to see you and sing along. Like Pacific is a great band that is doing some awesome stuff and almost every Toronto show we play is with them, so we had to make sure that they would be on this bill. The current local scene is progressing and I feel like a lot of pop punk bands are emerging from members who once played in hardcore bands, which is cool to see.

What are some of your favourite songs to play live? Do you still play any from the We're In This Together EP?

Mack: I love playing songs when we get a good reaction from the audience. It’s hard to enjoy playing a song live when the audience just isn’t into it. I love playing Twenty Years, Another Chance To Change and Is Anyone Down?, but in all honesty, I love playing our full set. When we have the opportunity we always play songs off of We’re In This Together. We are very proud of those songs. They define an important chapter in our band.

Having made a great comeback, what other plans does the band have for this year? Have you guys been working on any new material?

Mack: We have plans to play as many shows as possible and not slow down. We plan on releasing a music video early this year and have some tours lined up for the spring. We never stop writing, whenever something comes to mind even if it’s four in the morning and I can’t sleep, I’ll crawl out of bed and grab my guitar and write. We have many new songs in the works and I personally think they will be considered our best work to date. A lot has happened in each of our lives in the past year. There’s nothing more relieving then taking what’s on your mind and putting it into something relatable, musically. It helps when you’re feeling alone.

Thanks for doing this, would you like to add anything else?

Mack: I want to thank everyone who has ever supported Live The Story. We can’t progress without you. Please continue to tell your friends about us and to keep coming to shows.

Joe: Thanks to all my friends who give me the strength and support to do this and thanks to the kids. Thanks to xEasycorex, Pop Punk's Not Dead and everyone else who supports our band from blogs, zines and fans.

Nick: We’ve got a lot on our agenda this New Year and I personally can’t wait to share it with everyone. Much love and be safe!

Dave: I’m very stoked on this upcoming year. We are so thankful for everyone’s support. Love you all.

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