We were recently given the opportunity to send a few questions out to Austin Carlile regarding his new project, Of Mice & Men. During the interview, we touched on a number of subjects such as the band's outlook for the year, unfathomed initial success, and a few bits regarding the band's upcoming self-titled debut, due out February 23rd through Rise Records.
Shawn@RRR: Would you care to give a brief history of the band up to this point?
Austin Carlile: I started OM&M shortly after I left Attack Attack in 2009 in Columbus Ohio. Since then Jaxin Hall and I moved to Newport Beach California, joined up with the rest of the guys, wrote and recorded a full length album, and have been on 3 separate tours, all in the past 9 months.
Shawn@RRR: Do you feel that being in other bands that didn't quite work out for whatever reason has helped with the success of Of Mice & Men?
Austin: Of course, there would be no OM&M without Attack Attack, and Lower Definition. Tino and I were so ready and stoked on the chance to be in something fresh and new. We wouldn't know anyone from The Agency Group, Artery, or Rise if it wasn't for our prior bands.
Shawn@RRR: Do you feel that if it wasn't for prior success of past bands that Of Mice And Men would be at the level it is now, even before releasing your debut album?
Austin: Even before the release? No way. I, in all honestly, don't think OM&M would be where we are now if it weren't for our past bands. The people backing us clearly see how hard working we are and also know how badly we want to succeed. I think it would take a lot of time to prove these things if we were just starting out with a fresh slate.
Shawn@RRR: Going along with the previous two questions, with each member having prior experience in a band setting, what advantages do you believe this creates for the band?
Austin: We know how to tour, we know how to present ourselves. We know what to expect, we know how things work, and we (for the most part) know how to act and what to do and not do. "Veterans" of the game, I'd like to call it.
Shawn@RRR: The band's self-titled debut is currently set to be released on February 23rd through Rise Records. Guide us through the writing and recording process for the album.
Austin: We had a small practice studio in Anaheim California which we rented out for about 4 months while we wrote the album, then recorded it in Indiana with Joey Sturgis.
Shawn@RRR: It's definitely hard for a band to make a name for itself, especially in a genre plagued with repetitiveness. What do you truly think sets Of Mice apart from any other band in your genre?
Austin: Honestly? My screaming, and Shayley's singing. I (not great) but different. No one else sounds like me. Kids can hear it and say "Oh, that's Austin Carlile!" and then Shayely's voice is just incredible. It brings such a different sound to this genre and I believe sets us apart from any other "screamo" or "metalcore" band.
Shawn@RRR: What are some of the reasonings to stick with Rise for the release of the new album? Do you believe that there is any stigma attached to being on the label. For example: “Oh, they are signed to Rise, so they must sound like this.” Though it could probably go both ways...
Austin: Never. I just decided to sign with Craig again because he always had faith in me and was always supportive of me after I left Attack Attack. He has a lot of different sounding bands on his label also, and a lot of GOOD bands too.
Shawn@RRR: Aside from the release of the debut album and time on Warped Tour this summer, what are some of the band's goals throughout the year?
Austin: Hah, those have been my goals for years. Besides that, I just want to continue doing what I love and hopefully make a living off of it.
Shawn@RRR: Speaking of Warped. Of Mice is set to be on the entire tour. What things specifically are you looking forward to while being on the tour? Any cities you are looking forward to playing in most?
Austin: There are so many friend's bands that are going to be on Warped this year. It's going to feel like summer camp! I'm stoked to play every single date of Warped too. It's always been my dream. Let's hope people actually come and watch us!
Shawn@RRR: Though the band hasn't necessarily been around for too long, at this point, what has been the most rewarding part about being in Of Mice And Men?
Austin: The fans. Holy crap they are amazing. I've never felt so welcomed and loved in so many cities. I honestly could not keep doing this without the constant support that I get from them.
Shawn@RRR: It's been said that most of your lyrics come from personal experiences. Why do you feel you need to share these experiences with others through your lyrics and music? Ultimately, what do you want people to take away from listening to your music?
Austin: I just want them to be real. I want to talk, and make music about things that everyday people will relate with and be able to see themselves in the same situations with. To me music is nothing if you don't listen to it and feel something.
Shawn@RRR: Give those reading one solid reason they should pick up your new album when it drops at the end of February.
Austin: Anyone even thinking about buying our album is in for a treat. I and the rest of the band are super proud and excited about it. It's full of a lot of fun things.
Of Mice & Men's self-titled debut hits shelves on February 23rd through Rise Records. Be sure to check out the band on this year's Warped Tour all Summer long.
Awful band. When did Rise sign different sounding and good bands, I must have missed the memo.
haha, that was funny.
Awful? You must be borderline retarded, this band is great.