INTERVIEW BY JOE FITZPATRICK
PHOTOS BY KYLE COGHILL AND KLW PHOTO!
The members DRAWBACK are a combination of old and new. Their members consist of guitarist/vocalist Tim Holmes, bassist, Colin McAleer, and guitarist/vocalist Matt Cole who are juniors at Old Dominion University, as well as their newly initiated drummer Noah Weingand, who is just 15-years-old. This age gap leads to some interesting chemistry between the band and an interesting perspective on how the “scene” in Hampton Roads is changing. With older show veterans growing up, we are left to wonder if more youth will step up and carry the torch to keep the scene alive. I talked with Weingand about his views on the local music scene, as well as what he and the rest of DRAWBACK have planned for 2014.
What is your biggest source of inspiration when writing songs?
A lot of our influence comes from SAVES THE DAY and BRAND NEW. We try to write music that will make others happy, and we hope that people will feel the same motivation we put into the music.
I noticed on your Facebook page that you guys are very supportive of other local bands. Do you think our scene needs more of that?
Not really. I think the scene needs more people going to shows for fun.
Why do you think that is happening?
I feel as if presales have been a burden lately. Pressuring friends and family to buy one takes its toll. I understand venues must make money but most don’t promote as hard as they use to. It goes both ways, tickets are expensive but then again not a lot of people come out so they need to collect money to stay open. Also, the older kids that used to go to shows grew up and grew out of the scene. Basically, our scene needs new people to come to more shows.
What do you think needs to happen to get more people out to shows?
School kids should bring their close friends out to shows, and introduce them to the local bands. As far as older people, take more time to check out a show at a bar or another local venue.
Which song of yours is your favorite song to play live?
Right now, I would have to say “Idle Hands”, because every time we play it live, we do an improvised ending, but one of our new songs called “St. Judas” is my favorite we have written since I joined the band in August.
What can fans expect from the new music you have been working on?
It’s gonna be a little bit different. It’s slower and a lot catchier. The choruses and verses are really easy to remember.
Have you set a release date for it yet?
Not exactly. We are starting recording in August, and we hope to have it out either late summer or early fall of this year.
Has anyone booked your band yet for a Bar Mitzvah or a wedding?
I can’t believe you actually asked me that (laughs). Our lead vocalist likes to mess around on Facebook.
So you are saying that’s a no?
Not yet (laughs).
Who are some of your favorite bands in the local scene right now?
There are a lot. MANDALA is really cool. They are from Virginia Beach, and they are like COHEED AND CAMBRIA mixed with BAYSIDE. Another really cool band is HOLY LAND from Richmond, and you should also check out HEMMINGWAY from Chesapeake, which was formed from two members of GRANBY STREET, and they are really good friends of ours.
Do you have any plans to tour after you finish your next record?
A tour would be nice, but we haven’t decided on anything yet. We are talking about doing a few east coast dates and maybe dipping into the Midwest. We’ll see.
