CloseToHome-Interview

CLOSE TO HOME (Josh)

Close To Home

Introduction:

Josh from Close To Home was nice enough to sit down and answer some questions that we had for him about the band, the past, and the future. Close To Home is truly an amazing group of guys who pack a tremendous amount of talent. The inspiration that comes through in their music has touched the hearts of fans across the globe. Enjoy!

1. Can you give us a brief introduction to the band members and how you formed the band? Close To Home has a long history, I started it back when I was in High School but it went through a lot of changes/break ups through the years.

When I would start a new band I would just keep the name because “Close To Home” was always my dream. The band that really is Close To Home today has been doing this for a few years. The band consists me of Nick, JJ, Josh (me), Travis, and Dan.

2. You have released Standby and Legends Live On. When were those released and how long did it take to put them together?

Legends Live On is a collection of live songs mainly; it was our last performance with our former bass player, Brad Andress, who died from Cancer. We released the CD, along with some bonus tracks from friends’ bands about the situation, to raise money to donate to his family and to cancer research. Cancer is something very close to our hearts and we want to continue to give always.

Standby was our first major release this year. A couple of the songs were songs we have been playing forever, the rest of it was written over a month or two. Each song on it has a very unique story behind it.

3. What’s your writing process like? Group writing? Lyrics first? Where do you get your inspiration?

Every song is its own experience. If JJ writes out something and brings it on his own time then we all work on it. If I do that, or Travis, or anyone. We are very open to everyone’s ideas in the band, and we always take the song to everyone for input. Sometimes we sit and write a song from scratch all together, other times you get inspired sitting by yourself somewhere. There is no wrong or right way to do it, just the way that works.

It sounds cliché but inspiration comes from life. Hence why the name Close To Home means so much to me. Writing songs that have a strong deep personal meaning has always been my goal. To many bands just put words on paper, they may not even mean anything. I like songs that are easy to relate to, even if the inspiration for the song was a different situation.

4. Any current plans on another album release or any upcoming tours?

We are currently pushing the EP (Standby) and working on our first major full-length release. We are putting a lot into this new record and can’t wait to get in the studio in early 2009. We have also been kicking around ideas for an acoustic EP this year and a couple new songs for compilations. We are working on a lot of tours, promotional things, appearances, and pushing the new CD heavily in Japan. This has been a very exciting year for us.

5. What’s you favorite city and venue to play live?

Personally, my favorite city is Chicago, as for a favorite venue. It’s hard to beat the hometown, so probably Madison Theater in Covington, KY.

6. You appear to get a tremendous amount of support from your fans. Anything you’d like to say to them?

Thank you, we are nothing with out it, and it is what keeps us moving on. Our fans/friends are incredible.

7. What has been your most trying experience, and how did you make it through this experience as a group?

For sure Brads death is at the top of the list, but there are so many times when life will smack you in the face. Being closer than friends…like family…is what drives us on. Everyone has their moments, but knowing that no matter what tomorrow brings these guys are here for you, and you are there for them. It’s a lot like a close family.

8. What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment so far?

Hmm…that’s a hard one, I am proud of so many things we have done on our own. Getting our album not only in stores in America, but also in Japan is a big one. Seeing yourself in magazines you would of never imagined being in is a pretty sweet one too. I could spend all day on this subject…I think the ultimate “high” for me was playing on Taste of Chaos Tour though. Just experiencing 10,000 people and the energy.

9. Where would you like to see your music take you in the next year?

Someone told me once that if you can accomplish everything you want in a lifetime you didn’t dream enough. I try to live by that. To continue to keep putting out CD’s we are proud of, to make an impact on the world, and help out as many causes as I can, I always have dreams beyond the current. I have so many dreams for 2008 still, so ask me in 2009 again.

10. Any “final thoughts” you’d like to share with the world?

I enjoy Starbucks, sushi, and Chipotle…if you want to do something nice for me