Interviews: Parts Per Million

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock band Parts Per Million, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Paul: It’s a bit of a play on words, and also I'm a giant nerd, so there's sort of a riddle around the name. I always enjoyed bands that included things that were sort of hidden or special to them.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Brian: Heavy driving music is the only real reason I wanted to play guitar.

Alex: Rock was the first music to catch my attention, so it will always have a pretty important place in my heart.

Dave: Rock music is the reason why I wanted to start playing drums. When I was 10, I remember seeing Dave Grohl playing in the "In Bloom" video and J was immediately inspired to pick up the drum sticks.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Paul: We've all basically met through the scene or Brians music store.

Alex: I've known Brian since I was a little kid. He was actually my guitar teacher.

Dave: I remember Paul growing up since we went to some of the same schools and also had some of the same mutual friends. I first met Brian when he worked at the music shop where I first started taking drum lessons. Then when that placed closed, he opened up his own guitar shop where a lot of my friends took lessons from him. When I first starting learning guitar, one of my best friends who also took lessons from him would have Brian write out tabs for songs that we both wanted to learn. So basically, he indirectly helped me during the process of learning how to play guitar. Haha. I knew Alex a little bit just from the few shows that my other band, Sonic Red, had played with Parts Per Million before I joined the band. All amazing musicians and a great group of guys.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Brian: Temple of the Dog

Alex: My favorite band is an ever-changing thing. I go through phases. I do remember the first-time hearing bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains and having my mind completely blown by what music could be. I'll always keep going back to those bands.

Dave: So many but to name a few... Sevendust, Deftones, Alice in Chains, Big Wreck, Stone Temple Pilots

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Paul: I'm not really sure honestly. Sometimes its other music, sometimes it's just out of the blue.

Brian: Lately I’ve been really inspired by my teammates.

Dave: Besides my influences from all of the various music that I would listen to, it's the constant drive to continue to create the best music that I can while also trying to stay relevant, be innovative and take risks. The challenge to outdo me as an artist is never-ending.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Fete Music Hall in Providence, RI, opening for Flaw. Definitely, one of the best shows I had ever played.

7. Where would you like to act?

Paul: Wembley. Where else?

Brian: Any stadium honestly

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Paul: Devin Townsend, Dave Grohl, Buckethead to name a few

9. Whom not?

Paul: I mean, who would we be to turn down anyone at this point? As long as your not a horrible person, we are open to work with everyone

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Paul: Does it go away? Hahaha, it’s something that is always there. It's not a bad thing anymore. Brings on adrenaline for me. I used to be so afraid to sing that it would affect my singing. At some point, you just have to recognize you are doing it because you love it. Specifically in those times that you start to be afraid of what other people think

Brian: When I was first starting out, I would get nervous. I used to make up a confident me or a character that belonged on stage and then the music started and everything was great

Alex: For sure. It's one of those things that I grew out of overtime. When you're starting out remember that you can be as weird as you want. Nobody really cares. You're the one on a stage.

Dave: I definitely had plenty of stage fright when I first started playing but most of that goes out the window pretty fast once the lights go out and the energy kicks in. I was lucky enough that my first big gig had tons of my friends there. They were totally rocking out and having a good time so much that it made it easy to get over the stage fright because it just felt like a party. So they pretty much helped me to build confidence in my playing right away. But sometimes anxiety will still kick in before shows but once you can get through the first couple songs without any major trainwrecks and get a positive response from the crowd, it becomes much easier to overcome and get over the nervousness. If there was any advice I could give to beginners, I guess it sould be to just try to imagine yourself back in your rehearse room, try to pretend no one is watching you and just play how you would normally play. Then once you feel like you're comfortable enough maybe try to let loose a little bit, be a showman and interact with the crowd. People came to see a show, so give it to them.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Paul: Devin Townsend. There are many inspirations, but he has always been my go-to for inspiration. He’s really blazed a remarkable trail od music and mostly done it alone.

Brian: Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Ozzy, Buckethead

Alex: My favorite band definitely influence my playing a ton. As far as inspiration goes? The bands in the local scene are so insanely inspirational. The support and love that they share is so it of control. The talent in the local scene is crazy too. A lot of these bands could easily outplay national acts.

Dave: Sevendust, Deftones, Alice in Chains, 311, Big Wreck, Clint Lowery, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, STP, Soundgarden

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Paul: I can’t say I recall anything weird.

Dave: I do remember thinking it was weird the first time someone wanted a picture with me after a show. Which isn't that weird but probably just because I can be really odd.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Brian: Our fans are the best. I love the opportunity to show people what we can do and what emotions we can get out of a crowd.

Dave: I don't like to consider anyone that has shown their support of me during this musical journey as a fan, more like friends and family of our musical community. But words can barely express my gratitude to every last one of them for continually showing me their love and interest in what I've poured so much of time and energy into to keep driving me to keep playing and creating music.

Paul: We really appreciate anyone who supports us. It's very humbling to me, and difficult to put into words how good it feels when people connect with your music. It really is a gift.

14. What do you think of our site?

Paul: The website is very impressive. A lot of great music, interviews, and information.

15. Something you'd like to add?

Paul: Just that we appreciate the interview. Cheers!

Dave: I’m honored to play in this band and love this group of talented guys. We have some exciting things happening so I'm definitely stoked to see what the future has in store for us. Thanks a lot for the interview!