Overall:
Performance:
Sound Quality:
Crowd:
Venue:

Could you please tell us more about the history of the band, how things started?

Alexia Rodriguez: After playing guitar and writing on my own for awhile, I felt like it was time to start a band. Anissa started playing bass too so we started a band together. We didn't want to start an all chick band because we didn't want to fall under any stereotypes. So we searched hard for guy members and ran into a few bumps into the road. Those helped us find the perfect band members that we have today.

What's your opinion on your EP "When Silence Is Broken The Night Is Torn" nowadays? Where did you record it? Are you still satisfied with the songs on it, the production, and the artwork? How were the reactions on this album?

Brandon Anderson: Nowadays, I don't think too highly of it. Of course I still love the songs on the album and the production. We still play a lot of those songs live, and our full-length "Reach" was recorded at the same place as the EP. The artwork was ehhh, we had a friend do it last minute. The reaction to the album was amazing though. We released it independently and only had it available online and at shows. For probably about a year, that EP stayed in the top 20 on smartpunk.com and I think it got up to #1 or #2 at its peak. The one reason I don't like it is because we had a different singer, and we have all matured and evolved so much since then both musically and personally. We were kids at the time. It took a lot of hard work to get past losing our old singer, so I guess I associate that EP with the negativity involved in that.

You've recently released your new killer album "Reach", where did you record it, who produced it, and are you still satisfied with the songs, production and artwork? Can you tell us more about the recording process? How are the reactions on this one so far?

Alexia Rodriguez: I am proud of "Reach" but at the same time I do think that there is plenty of room for improvement that we should have worked on. The idea of the "Reach" was to make sure it was diverse and unique. Which I think we accomplished for sure. We recorded it with Larry Elyea at Mind's Eye Studio in our home state. We got some really good feedback from our fans and critics. There were those few critics who hated on it but it really didn't matter to us. As long as the fans are loving it, we could never be happier with our first album.

Who writes the lyrics, what are they about? Is there any concept in them? Are the lyrics an important aspect of the band or are they just there to guide the music?

Alexia Rodriguez: Brandon and I write the lyrics together. There are a few songs where I write a whole song and vice versa. I like to think of our lyrics as the most crucial factor to our connection with our fans and audiences. I usually like to write about experiences that most people can relate to. Writing is like therapy sometimes so I write about things I wouldn't talk to my friends about, something emotional. Emotion is what people like to hear about, everyone has it and can relate to it. Whether it be agony or bliss, we have been through it all.

How did you get in contact with "BreakSilence Records?" For how many albums have you signed to them? Are you satisfied with their work? Why did you signed with them?

Greg Kerwin: BreakSilence is a branch of Suburban Noize Records. We know everyone in the Suburban Noize family for a long time. When they offered us a record deal, we couldn't turn it down. We have seen what they have done for their bands and have always been impressed. And they have continued to impress us to the day. We plan on releasing another record soon on BreakSilence Records, so stay tuned.

What's it feel like to be touring around the U.S. with some of today's top notch performers, like Papa Roach, In This Moment, Walls Of Jericho?

Greg Kerwin: There isn't a better feeling than touring the country playing music. I have seen more places than any 21 year old has. And to play with bands that I have been listening to since I was a little kid, is ridiculous. I would have never thought I would get to tour with a band that had a #1 song when I was 11 years old.

Any other "big named" acts you plan on touring with? How's it going touring with I Am Ghost?

Greg Kerwin: The I Am Ghost tour was amazing. They are the coolest dudes I've met in a looooong time. We just got home from that tour and I miss them dearly already. As far as "big name acts" that we plan on touring with in the future, only time can tell. We feel blessed when bands want to take us "out". But we have little control over who wants to take us out, or who we tour with. So I guess we are just going to cross our fingers and pray that one of our favorite bands digs our music and wants to tour with us.

Tell some of your experiences playing live.

Greg Kerwin: Experiences playing live? Well, every night is different. Playing in front of a 1000 people on the Papa Roach tour was pretty fucking nerve racking. Kids taking pictures of us while we were taking pictures of the crowd, that was pretty ironic, haha! But all together, we have had amazing experiences and horrible experiences. Playing live is just different every show. Once, I split Anissa's head open by swinging my guitar around, that was a pretty insane experience.

What are your expectations for Eyes Set To Kill in the future?

Caleb Clifton: To tour as much as possible, spread our music around the world, and to grow as musicians.

What do the band members do in order to make a living? Are they studying, do they have a job?

Anissa Rodriguez: As of right now none of us have jobs and we survive off of the band.

Are there any cool touring/recording experiences or other bizarre stories you would like to share with us?

Caleb Clifton: We are always running into fun and crazy times on tour, so this time I'll choose to talk about the time we were all in our van trying to get some sleep after a long night of driving. We were all half asleep when this crazy old lady started banging on our van asking if we were awake. Terrified, not knowing what to do Anissa shouts out, "We're sleeping!" and she said ok and walked away. We figured she was on some type of drugs, haha!

Could you give me a top 5 of your favorite albums of all-time and a top 5 of your current favorite records?

Alexia Rodriguez: My favorite albums are:
Thrice - "Illusion Of Safety"
Thrice - "Artist In The Ambulance"
Muse - "Absolution"
The Bled - "Found In The Flood"
As I Lay Dying - "Frail Words Collapse"
Favorite records right now:
Eisley - "Room Noises"
Brand New - "The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me"
As Tall As Lions - "As Tall As Lions"
Death Cab For Cutie - "Plans"
I have been into more indie mellow music lately even though our new record will be quite the opposite, haha!

What's it like being in the eyes of your fans? Do you like the feeling or do you get anxious about the whole situation?

Brandon Anderson: It's definitely hard to get used to attention from fans. The first couple times I was asked to sign a CD or take a picture, I laughed. I've always just been a really normal guy and never had too much attention. I definitely like it, it makes me feel special I guess, but it's important to stay level-headed. I haven't developed an ego, I'll talk to anyone at shows, and I still consider myself a normal dude. I'm in it to play music, not for fame or attention. Bands can be destroyed by egos and popularity if they let it get to them.

Currently all over the news is the out-raging gas prices, what are your thoughts on that issue?

Greg Kerwin: Gas prices are killing touring bands. As an upcoming band, money is always hard to come by. And to top it off, gas is $4 a gallon!! It sucks, but we are fortunate enough to get through it. I think bands won't be able to tour in the future if gas prices continue to rise. But, for now thank God they are finally dropping a little bit. Vote Obama!

Going back to the music business, what do you think of everyone downloading music, possibly even your music?

Brandon Anderson: I am ok with music downloading I guess. I mean, it sucks that it has such a huge effect on CD sales, but overall it's an awesome thing. It enables music to spread faster and gets more kids at shows. It's huge for promotion. Real fans are still going to buy the CD.

Do you have a favorite holiday, what/why?

Caleb Clifton: My favorite holiday would be Christmas because it's such a jolly time. Even though it's cold outside you are still warm and fuzzy inside. And at Christmas time I always get to see my family and spend good quality time with them.

What do you think about all these different subcultures such as emo kids, scene kids, metalheads, punks, goths, etc.?

Brandon Anderson: I think labels are lame and music is music. Life is too short to pretend you are someone that you aren't and to try to fit in. Listen to what you want to listen to, and wear what you want to wear. I have respect for every genre. Don't listen to "what's cool" or bash on a band because you don't like them. Be yourself and have fun doing it!

What do you know and think of Romania?

Anissa Rodriguez: Romania is a beautiful land with beautiful people! We hope that we visit there someday!

http://www.estkrock.com/