The end of 2006 ushered in a new era for New Jersey rockers Senses Fail. After a mutual parting with guitarist Dave Miller, the addition of former Midtown guitarist Heath Saraceno, the release of their sophomore album, and receiving a top spot on this year’s Taste of Chaos Tour, lead singer Buddy Nielsen feels the band has found its niche.
“ Having Heath in the band has been a really positive experience for us,” Nielsen explains. “ I don’t think the sound from his previous band has affected our sound at all, but he has brought things like good melodies, and his presence has helped us escalate our song writing and ideas.”
Still Searching, the band’s follow up to their 2004 successful debut Let it Enfold You stays true to the harder emo rock sound that brought the band to the forefront as leaders of their scene, but with notable a maturity. With deeper lyrics, severing excess screaming, and adding a pop flare, Nielsen explains this growth as an increase in confidence. “ This album was really a natural progression for us. We went into it knowing that we were capable of doing some extreme things, and we just experimented. We wrote some weird shit. Some of it made it, some of it didn’t, but it was very natural.”
“ When you create music, it has to be yours. [On a second album] a lot of bands change their sound completely, others don’t change all. Some bands become pretentious, writing songs for themselves, and that’s bullshit. We don’t want to show off. We just want to be Senses Fail.”
Nielsen, confidently outspoken on all topics regarding religion and the state of the music industry, explains his dislike for labeling bands. “ I think titles really suck. In the states there’s a big Christian and straight edge punk scene. Kids will go out just to see these bands, who are mostly Evangelists, and they preach intolerance to the kids. They claim they’re punk, but they aren’t tolerant of all human beings and different lifestyles and religions, and this is ignorant.”
“ Punk was always about being you and not giving a fuck. Today the most punk thing you can do is be yourself and not have an image.”
Senses Fail who doesn’t hide who they are, according to Nielsen. “ We’re very honest about who we are,” says Nielsen. “ There’s bands like Fall Out Boy who are huge, so far into American pop culture, and way beyond representing any scene but act as if they’re small.
“ I really like those guys, but I wish he (Pete Wentz) would take responsibility and be more outspoken about things I know he cares about. GO ahead and sell dolls to kids, but don’t pretend you’re something you’re not.
“ So many bands feel its necessary to look intelligent, and create an image and credibility. The kids in Panic! At The Disco claim they’re into Morrissey and the Smiths. That’s bullshit, they like Blink 182. We’ve always been honest about our inspiration. We like Jimmy Eat World, Promise Ring and the Get Up Kids. Bands worry too much about their image, and its lame.”
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