On Saturday, April 8th, we got to sit down with yet another incredible local band, Absolution. They
had just finished playing a set at a March of Dimes Benefit show in the Schuylkill Mall. What
transpired was one of the best interviews we've ever experienced, and a seven page transcription
of our conversation. I get the lucky job of reviewing that transcription and editing it down.
Absolution is made up of four musicians from all over Pennsylvania (plus one guy who apparently
never got the memo that he's not actually a member of Absolution - just kidding, we love you, Bill!)
The band's new singer, Chad, has been with them for just over a year and the band has been
writing some new material with him. "It's starting to feel like this is the way it's always been," they
told us. The band is looking to refine their live shows by taking a critical look at their own
performances, and by inviting others to voice their opinion, no matter if it's positive or negative. "We'
d rather people say, 'You know, it was really kind of sucky today,' Or, 'There was no energy.' I'd love
that, but it doesn't happen often."
The band will also be taking the majority of the month of June to finish recording their first full-
length album, which will be released independently. Be sure to get out and see these guys while
you have the chance!
Absolution was one of the bands participating in the Last Band Standing competition which
showcased some of the most talented bands in central PA. They were quick to mention their
appreciation and enjoyment in the competition which allowed them to perform with other local
bands. "You know, it's cool that Vera Cruz is doing that, that they're setting everything up and
allowing people to get out there and have their stuff heard. Not a lot of people are doing that. They'
ve helped a lot of bands get out there and at least be seen by people."
One of the things that impressed me about Absolution was their appreciation and admiration for
other bands and the organizations that support local music. They can remember every band they'
ve played with and have such a high regard for others in the music business. It's great to see that
kind of attitude, that kind of support.
"I don't think original music would be around right now if it wasn't for people like you guys and Vera
Cruz. It seems like it was going downhill. Everyone wanted to go see a DJ or party bands, and
original music was just dying. We really appreciate groups like [Word of Mouth], Vera Cruz
Records, The Divide, NEPA bands and fans on myspace. There are so many, I don't think I could
name them all. We really appreciate that. And all the bands do."
Our trademark question: What do you think of the local music scene?
It's getting better. I'm loving the original stuff. I'm loving the bands' twist on cover songs, you get a
band doing their own version of a song. We're getting a lot more bands starting out at a younger
age, like when I was in high school and starting a band there was probably like 5 bands in the
area. And now it seems like everyone is in a band in high school. That's great because it's going
to turn into more talented bands when they get to be our age, because if everyone started out when
they were 14 or 15 years old, you're only going to get better. As long as you keep playing your
instrument, you've got to get better. It's not like you can get worse at it. I'm going to be really
excited to see the scene in this area about 10 years from now. All these bands that are 15 are
going to be in their mid twenties. Playing while they're in college, meeting people in college and
playing. It's going to be great.
Chad: A lot of the bars in the area, if you went to them a few years ago they would ask, "Do you play
any covers?" And if you said no, they said, "Well, you can't play here." It almost doesn't matter
anymore.
Tom: We had one experience at Goodfellas where after As Each Day Dies won the battle of the
bands, they invited us to come back. We played that show, and we threw in a couple covers,
because we weren't sure what they wanted. And they wanted more originals. It was great to hear.
Boge: I remember saying on stage, "We've got one more song, do you want an original or a
cover?" And it throws me when people want an original song."
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