Interviews: A Thousand Reasons

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal/Rock band A Thousand Reasons 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?

Joseph: Several years ago I was in a very dark place. On the brink of taking my life, I said to my wife, “Give me one good reason not to do this” and she responded with, “I could give you a thousand.” She took the time to literally write down a thousand different reasons why I shouldn’t go through with it. I keep that list in my writing and recording space.

2. What made you want to perform in a rock/metal band?

Mark: I've always loved to entertain. Rock and metal runs through my veins.

Jeff: I was trained in classical music and switched to playing great rock music after seeing Led Zeppelin, Cream, Who, Joe Cocker, Santana, and others.

Joseph: I love the expressiveness and raw emotion that can come forth while writing and performing hard rock/emo music.

Nate: I’ve always been a fan of heavier, more emotional music. Fun riffs and breakdowns with some slightly intricate melodies have always had an influence on me and my playing.

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

Joseph: Nate and I were friends before I had even decided to start seriously recording and trying to make a name in music. He was the first person I contacted when I started planning to take things to the next level. Mark and I actually met well before the band formed about 300 years ago somewhere in Eastern Europe. Jeff was actually performing with another band at the same venue as A Thousand Reasons about a year ago. He’s got incredible talent and we got along well. So when the group he was with dissolved earlier this year, I contacted him immediately, and happily he was willing and able to join us.

4. Each band member's all-time favorite band?

Joseph: Thirty Seconds to Mars. They push the idea to live life to the fullest and pursue your dreams as your authentic self.

Jeff: Hard to say but The Beatles, Stones, and Judas Priest are neck and neck.

Nate: Angelmaker.

Mark: Rush, hands down.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Joseph: The music of A Thousand Reasons I’ve written is based on depression, anxiety, trauma, and loss. I feel as though getting these thoughts and emotions out onto a page takes some of the power out of those negative feelings. My wife inspires all the love songs that I write but haven’t recorded yet.

6. Where was your last gig?

Nate: At the Mohnton VFW. It was our first show with the new lineup. It was fun! We love playing there and they always make us feel welcome. 

7. Where would you like to perform?

Joseph: I would love to start playing festivals. It’s an amazing way to interact with like-minded artists and connect with new people through our music.

Nate: Anywhere that’s willing to have us. It's a great feeling when people sing along with us, or when people who haven’t heard us before enjoy our songs.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Joseph: Definitely Dustin Bates of Starset! He is a phenomenal songwriter, storyteller, and showman. I would love to co-write and/or record a song with him. I would also be ecstatic to perform with Shakira, but I can’t keep up with her dance moves.

Mark: I would LOVE to eventually work with anyone from Polyphia, the Omnific, and Jared Dines or Matt Heafy from Trivium. They all have such creative spectrums and are talented as well as inspirational.

Nate: Any of the bands that inspired me, or that we would fit in well with musically. We would love to work with successful touring musicians who would be willing to bring us on as an opener.

Jeff: AC/DC, Metallica, Muse - just to name a few.

9. Whom not?

Joseph: I believe that musical cohesiveness can show up in unexpected places, so I would truly be open to collaborating with an artist of any genre or style.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Nate: During our first few shows I felt a little nervous. Believing in yourself, being confident, and being supported by those around you who also believe in you is a big help. Having a great core group of close friends family and fellow musicians is the best thing for anyone starting out. Also, being open to constructive criticism is important.

Jeff: Yes I have, especially when I wasn’t used to the stage. I recommend getting up on stage whenever you can. Just as importantly, be as prepared as possible when you do. Preparation begets confidence.

Joseph: Yes, 100% every time. My method is two shots of Jameson which can be a slippery slope. I would also recommend meditation and breathing exercises.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Joseph: Breaking Benjamin, Linkin Park, Seether, My Chemical Romance, The Used, Slipknot.

Nate: Lyrically I’d say: Bayside, Homesafe, Trash Boat, Silverstein. Vocally, it would be Killswitch Engage, Atreyu, Born Of Osiris, and Angelmaker. Musically, I would choose As I Lay Dying, Bullet For My Valentine, and all of the mid to late 2000s metalcore giants.

Mark: Rush, The Omnific, Polyphia, Van Halen, Linkin Park, Mudvayne, Led Zeppelin, Incubus, King Diamond, In This Moment and Type O Negative.

Jeff: Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Dime Bag and Pantera, Judas Priest, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, AC/DC, Ghost, Aerosmith, Van Halen, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

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

Mark: I have been asked for a lock of hair and a button from my shirt to make a voodoo doll after a gig with a former band.

Joseph: I don’t know if this counts, but I once threw my shirt into a crowd, a girl caught it and I never saw it again.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Nate: I love our fans, my best friends are some of our biggest fans and the support they give us is incredible and I’m grateful for them.

Joseph: I am extremely grateful. As we are starting out, our fan base is mainly family and friends. They go out of their way to support us, and I can’t thank them enough.

14. What do you think of our site?

Mark: It's amazing! I love that there are interviews, music, and new updates to stay on top of everything. I love that there's always a playlist of music that changes up so I can see what's new, current, and coming around.

Joe: I love that it is artist-centric and about the music and stories behind the music. You’ve put together a fantastic way of showcasing music that’s easy to use and navigate.

15. Something to add?

A huge thank you to Breathing the Core for featuring us, and WormholeDeath Records believing in us. We’re extremely grateful for these opportunities!