The following interview was conducted by e-mail with Colin Kimble on July 1st, 2007 while As Cities Burn was on the Vans Warped Tour. Words cannot describe how much I love this band. The individual members, the music, the lyrics—all amazing. Make sure you see these guys on their headlining tour with Alesana, Mayday Parade, and Jonezetta this fall. Their new album, “Come Now Sleep” drops August 14th.

 

First of all, congratulations on your marriage! How was the wedding?

 

Thanks man. The wedding was killer. We just had tons of friends and family, and did it DIY southern style.

 

 

Over my head hangs an old tour poster that says, “As Cities Burn Final Tour.” What made you guys stay together?

 

We stayed together due to the overwhelming support of fans. Kids began to tell us how much they were touched by what we were creating. Taking a step back and looking at all we had accomplished was a real eye opener.

 

 

As Cities Burn has been off the road for awhile. How was it going back on the road with Olympia and Cool Hand Luke?

 

Olympia and Cool Hand Luke are some of the best, and most underappreciated bands we’ve ever toured with. Some of the sweetest, and most creative guys we know. The tour was great, awesome to get our touring feet back under us after so long off the road.

 

 

How do you like switching from guitar to bass? What made you switch?

 

With all the personnel changes we had some spots to fill. We had a great friend, Chris, who we’d been wanting to play with for a long time. He’s a shredder on guitar, so we knew it would be best to move me over to bass so he could come in and get creative on guitar with Cody. I’m so glad I moved to bass, feels so much more natural to me than guitar did.

 

 

How long has As Cities Burn been writing the new album? Did you feel you had enough time to write it?

 

We stayed off tour and wrote at home for almost 9 months. That was plenty of time, almost too much, we started to get stir crazy by the time the record was done.

 

 

Since we agree that Further Seems Forever’s Moon is Down is one of the greatest albums ever recorded, why did you choose to record with Matt Goldman again instead of James Paul Wisner? Do you see yourself recording with the Wiz in the future?

 

We just love Matt’s work. We worked with Matt on the last record, and he’s got such an organic, laid back feel, that’s it’s perfect for what we’re shooting for. Wiz is awesome, but his more current stuff doesn’t really fit our style as well as Matt does.

 

 

What should we expect from the new album? How does the new album compare with the old album?

 

Expect nothing. We’re hoping people just listen with an open mind. The new record span’s a wide gap, from catchier, more melodic rock, to straight out of left field indie-experimental rock. The new album is just a progression in guitar work, with less screaming.

 

 

I noticed As Cities Burn has been added to the Tooth and Nail roster. Do you feel the new album fits better with T&N than Solid State?

 

Yeah, we’re not really screaming anymore, and we fit better on a less heavy roster for sure.

 

 

How do you like playing Warped Tour so far?

 

It’s a super fun tour, but the schedule is brutal. Lots of overnight drives, sleeping the the van, and 7:30 am load ins.

 

 

As Cities Burn -This is it, This is it (Live)

 

Courtesy of: imgreat22

 

Are there any bands on Warped that you have to go see?

 

New Found Glory, Coheed, Anberlin. It’s so killer hot and I’m always so tired from the work that I’m more often in search of a cool place to take a nap.How do you like the new Paramore? Can you believe how successful they’ve become?

 

We couldn’t be more happy for Paramore. We’ve been friends with them since Warped last year, and it’s amazing to see how far they’ve come. The success couldn’t have come to a sweeter group of kids.

 

 

What have you been listening to lately?

 

I’ve been listening to some locals that I freaking love lately. The Passing Lane, and One Warmer Blue. Other than that I’ve been listening to Jeremy Enigk, Saves the Day, Explosions in the Sky, The Format, man, iPods hold too much music!

 

 

Interviewed by Eugene Kim: Eugene@futurerockstarsofamerica.com

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