Currently on their first Australian tour, Balance And Composure are basking in the reception for their new record, Separation. Unlike many other bands in the scene, the band has shown they are capable of standing out, both musically and lyrically. Below is our interview with singer/guitarist, Jon.
Can you start off by introducing yourself and your role in Balance And Composure?
Jon: I am Jon and I sing and play guitar in the band.
Before we go on, could you tell us how the band started out and how the band name was chosen?
Jon: We were all friends in high school playing in different bands and we just jammed one day and haven't stopped since. We had a show scheduled and they needed a name for the flier so we just gave them balance and composure and it stuck with us.
So the tour in Canada with La Dispute and Make Do And Mend is just about over, how've you been enjoying this so far? Have there been any particular shows or moments that've stood out?
Jon: Well now it is over haha (sorry about taking so long to answer these questions) but it was an amazing experience because La Dispute and Make Do and Mend are some of the best people we have ever met. We had a lot of van problems on this tour and we were in a horrible rut and if it wasn't for La Dispute's help we wouldn't have completed the tour so that stands out as my favorite memory. The fact that they helped us out and believed in us was just an extraordinary feeling and we are forever grateful for that.
You guys are also coming down to Australia during August in support of the new record, Separation - how excited are you to visit the country? What are you looking forward to the most?
Jon: We are way too excited, it's still surreal kind of. We are so lucky to be
given an opportunity like this because it was only a dream until recently. We are looking forward to everything about the experience.
Who's idea was it to organise the free acoustic sets and how did they come about?
Jon: Not sure whose idea it was actually but a great idea it was! We were asked if we wanted to do that and we agreed immediately. It sucks so much that our full band shows are 18+, it really bummed us out so it is great that anyone of any age can at least see us with acoustic guitars.
On a similar note, a full US tour with Polar Bear Club, Fireworks, Make Do And Mend, and Such Gold was recently announced for the months of September and October. Evidently, touring will be taking up most of your time - for you personally, what's life out on the road like? Do you get homesick?
Jon: Touring has it's positives and negatives. The positive is that we get to travel and play music and meet all kinds of amazing people but it does get very rough sometimes. It's hard to live in a van for months at a time when you have a girlfriend and all of your best friends at home. It's weird coming home to your friends moving on and doing their own thing... You start hanging out less and less and it starts to really weigh down on you. Also having no money on tour is never fun and that can burden the whole experience. But all in all its about playing music every night and there is truly nothing better in the world.
Separation has been out since May now, how has the general reception to the record been? Do you feel that you've met or surpassed any goals you may've set for yourselves?
Jon:The reception has been amazing. We couldn't be happier with people's support. I do feel we are accomplishing goals and that is a great feeling.
You've mentioned in the past that Separation is a much more mature
and well-written effort - what were the major differences between the record and your previous EP releases?
Jon: I think it's just growth in all of us. It's inevitable that the music is going to change with age and experience but the major difference with Separation and our earlier EPs is that we had a good amount of time to write the record.
Can you tell us about the general themes behind Separation and the inception of the record?
Jon: When I wrote the lyrics I wrote a lot about uncertainty in life. I was inspired by simply not getting it yet. I don't know why I'm here on Earth and I have no idea if there is a meaning in anything and I have trouble accepting this, so the lyrics reflect that on this record. Separation is in regards to anything really. It is a part of life whether it is in a relationship sense or just growing up and separating yourself from previous ideals.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't listened to any of your releases before?
Jon: I hate this question so I always respond with kind of like Nirvana? And I give a nice shoulder shrug haha.
Do you have any musical or general recommendations you'd like to make to your fans?
Jon: Yes. Be open minded. Stop comparing everything and take in music like it
is art and stop ruining it. Don't follow trends and just make something genuine and honest. Listen to Seahaven, Joyce Manor, Daylight, Sainthood Reps, and Hostage Calm.
Thanks for your time, would you like to add anything else?
Jon: Come check us out on tour and bang your head. Thanks for thinking of us for this interview.
Exclusive: Life On The Sideline EP announcement, music video premiere
Since releasing Honesty Is A Dying Breed two years ago, Life On The Sideline has remained active on the road and is now ready to unveil its upcoming EP, Never Settle. To kick things off, we're premiering the music video for the band's new single, "Echo", which tells the sad story of a young girl reminiscing times spent with her deceased partner. While not a pop punk song per se, it's as catchy as one with an infectious chorus that you'll inevitably get stuck in your head. The band's sound could be compared to that of Transit's and The Early November's. Fans can pre-order the EP on iTunes and CD here, before it's released on June 7th. […]
