Exclusive: So Many Ways Interview

So Many Ways is one of our favourite bands and good friends, so naturally we couldn't've been happier for them when they announced their signing with Mightier Than Sword Records and the re-release of their self-titled EP. Paving their own path, the band promises to deliver originality at every turn. Check out our interview with vocalist, Colin, from a few weeks ago.

For the record, can you tell us your name and role in So Many Ways?

Colin: My name is Colin and I sing/yell for So Many Ways.

So the band recently signed with independent label, Mightier Than Sword Records. Personally, I think this was imminent and a great fit, but tell us how this came about.

Colin: Thanks so much man! We never really expected anyone to sign us or anything like that, so that was a surprise in and of itself. We owe everything to our buddy Matt from Stay Ahead Of The Weather (my favorite band right now). I showed him the EP after we first recorded it and he had some incredibly nice things to say about it. He told me he was going to show some people the record and not too long after, we got an email from Buddy of MTS. It couldn't be more of a perfect fit for us. We love the direction they're going as a label and their roster as a whole, so we could not be more excited to be a part of it. We're still surprised anyone listens to us, it means the world that anyone takes the time to check us out.

It was also announced that your latest self-titled EP will be re-released through the label, however not including any new material. Have any news songs for a future release been written since?

Colin: We have a couple riffs and lyrics written here and there but nothing solid. We're going to start writing in the Fall for the full length.

Since starting the band in 2009, you've released a new EP each year, with several line-up changes. Have these changes kept you from making more music, or do you prefer releasing new material in short bursts as opposed to a full-length every two years?

Colin: Yeah, it's been quite the bumpy ride as far as solidifying our lineup goes. We feel the lineup we have now is the right fit for us moving forward. Although we've had some shakeups, it hasn't really kept us from making new music at all. We've enjoyed writing our EPs but I think we're ready to take the next step and write a full length record.

Going back some time, what was it like working with Jay Maas on the Real Talk EP?

Colin: Making that EP was too much fun. Jay is in Defeater (easily on of the best bands around) so we already looked up to him before we even got there. We were also nervous because it was our first time recording anything, so we learned a great deal in a short period of time. Jay was really helpful, and also made fun of us and cracked jokes the whole time so we laughed a lot in the process. We certainly had fun making Real Talk, even though we may never play those songs again (haha).

The self-titled EP is in many ways a step up from the two previous EPs, building further on to the essence that makes So Many Ways - for you, how did writing and recording the song for this EP compare to the others?

Colin: First of all, thank you so much for saying that. We definitely feel that our sound has progressed and we only hope to continue venturing in our new direction. The writing/recording wasn't that much different from the others. However, this time around, we just wrote better songs (haha).



So Many Ways' overall sound makes a very seamless and unique combination of various musical styles from Pop Punk to Thrash, with plenty of shredding - being as diverse as you are, are there ever any disagreements in the studio?

Colin: Once again, thank you very much for the kind words. And honestly, we don't really disagree very often when it comes to songwriting or recording. We're all on the same page as far as where we want our sound to go. I just can't wait to start writing the new record soon.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't listened to any of your songs before?

Colin: Chaos + smashing things + shred + pizza + garbage + pud = So Many Ways. Basically, just Rock music.

The band is also about to head out on tour with Major League and Carousel Kings - is there anything in particular you're looking forward to? Perhaps eating pizza in different states?

You hit the nail on the head, eating pizza in every state. That's it.

What're the craziest or most entertaining tours stories you've experienced? Do you guys have any favourites to play at shows?

Colin: We haven't toured that much so we don't have that many crazy stories. And at the moment, I love to play Huge Mistake and Murf's Life Hints.

Given the chance, which countries would you like to visit the most?

Colin: All of them.

Do you have any recommendations you'd like to make to anyone reading this?

I would highly recommend the following bands: Late In The Playoffs, Stay Ahead Of The Weather, CSVT, Last Call, Bayonet, Revocation, and Call It Fiction.

Thanks for your time, we wish you the best. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you so much for always supporting whatever it is we're doing. You've always been too good for us. And thanks to anyone who has checked us out recently, it really does mean the world. Look out for our EP on September 13th!

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