Interviews: In The A.M.

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band, In The A.M., 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?

Alex Shimp: I was looking for a name that was marketable when I came up with In The A.M. But I also wanted it to be something that had a more personal meaning behind it. I also thought it would be sick if the name was a phrase that people say a lot on a conversational basis. So In The A.M. came up in my mind. People definitely say it a lot, and it includes my first and middle initial (A.M.). So I went with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Alex Shimp: Growing up, some of my favorite bands included the likes of Green Day, Three Days Grace, Boys Like Girls, RJA, Papa Roach, Breaking Benjamin, etc. I've always liked a very wide array of rock music, and there is just something that speaks to my soul about loud drums and grungy guitars with a powerful lead voice driving the sound. You can't beat that sound in my opinion. Not to mention, the rock genre has gotten me through a lot of hard times in life. So, it just makes sense to pass that gift on to others who're going through a tough time in life.

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

Alex Shimp: My original drummer Kerry and I met each other on Bandmix, which is a social app for musicians looking to meet other musicians. We hit it off and started playing songs together. The other members have really just come and gone over the years. It's really hard to keep members in a group before your career takes off. It's a good thing I do most of the writing myself anyways. I have set myself up for success, because I don't have to rely on any flaky people who don't have the drive to go all the way.

4. Each band member's favourite band? 

Alex Shimp: Technically, at this point in time I am the only band member. My all time favorites are Three Days Grace (with Adam), Matchbox Twenty, Boys Like Girls & Third Eye Blind.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Alex Shimp: Most of my inspiration comes from past life experiences. Whether it be love that got away from me, or people that have screwed me over, I am inspired by my own misery.

6. Where was your last gig?

Alex Shimp: My last gig was actually an online gig. I performed a virtual concert a few months back for the company I've worked for recently called ScreenBroidery. Shows are definitely missed right now. COVID has had a very weird effect on touring. I know everyone in the industry misses playing out. And I certainly do as well.

7. Where would you like to act?

Alex Shimp: I think it would be pretty sick to play Batman. Christian Bale's life must be awesome.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Alex Shimp: Oh that's a great question. When the world goes back to being somewhat normal compared to the shithole that it is right now, I'd really love to hit the road with artists like Falling in Reverse, Beartooth, BMTH, Motionless in White, or I Prevail. Hell, even touring with MGK would be sick. I understand that's a longshot at this point in my career, but a tour of that size is definitely a dream of mine.

9. Whom not?

Alex Shimp: Honestly, there aren't many artists in the rock industry that I would be against working with. In my previous record deal, there were talks of touring with Carly Rae Jepsen, and that sounds pretty damn miserable. If I had to listen to that garbage track Call Me Maybe everyday, I don't think I'd make it out of the tour alive.

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

Alex Shimp: I think stagefright is a good thing and I think most artists suffer from it. There's always pressure to perform at your highest level and put on the best show possible. But, that should also be what drives you. Getting on stage and tearing shit up for an hour or so is my favorite thing to do in life. If you need to calm your nerves, do a shot of whiskey 15 minutes before you go on.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Alex Shimp: Three Days Grace, Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind, and Boys Like Girls. Every one of those bands has written incredible records that have stayed with me over the years.

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

Alex Shimp: Fans don't usually ask me for stuff other than suggesting new merch or cover tracks. But, I do find it a little odd when I get very sexual messages in my inbox from creepy women that are 55+ years old. That's just part of the game though. And it's actually kind of entertaining.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Alex Shimp: I love my fans. People who listen to my music and feel something, that is an amazing thing. That's why I do this. At the end of the day, I don't make music for myself. I do it to help people.

14. What do you think of our site?

Alex Shimp: I love the Breathing The Core site! You guys have no idea how much us artists appreciate platforms like yours that allow us the opportunity to share our music with the world. It's a very important part of our industry, and you guys have a very diverse catalog of artists of all sizes. I think that is so sick. Please never stop doing what you're doing.

15. Something to add?

Alex Shimp: I don't have much to add. I would just like to thank you guys at Breathing The Core for allowing me the opportunity to interview. It means the world to me and I appreciate the opportunity. Stay true to you.