Bite Me! RED Interview

RED by Nikki Neil

When you think of red the first thing that comes to mind is the color. Red is also associated with anger, death, blood, passion, and love, but it’s not often that people associate red with music. However, that is about to change.

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, RED—Michael Barnes (vocals, piano), Randy Armstrong (bass), Anthony Armstrong (guitar), Jasen Rauch (guitar), Hayden Lamb (drums)—is an ambitious quartet that is creating quite a buzz with their debut release, End of Silence. The band’s dynamic hard rock sound blends passionate vocals and grinding guitars with delicate piano and intricate stings. The album’s first single “Breathe Into Me” topped the rock charts for five weeks, the group’s legion of myspace friends grows by the dozens each day, and their live shows keep people talking long after the last chord has been struck. Needless to say, this Christian Grammy nominated act is just getting started.

BM: End of Silence is doing quite well, were there any events that happened in your life or with the band that influenced the album?

The whole record, End Of Silence, is based on things we've been through. All of us come from different backgrounds and different experiences, but regardless of what struggles we faced we learned we all could understand where each other had come. The emotions we felt and the things we learned were universal. Our intention in writing the record was to write about things everyone faces or has faced at one point or another in their lives.

Two songs that really stood out were “Pieces” and “Wasting Time”. What is the story behind them?

"Wasting Time" was one of the first songs we wrote together. It's talking about victory over something - whether being a struggle you've faced for a while, or even finally getting over a relationship. It's almost a boastful conquering of something. "Pieces" comes from a much more delicate, less aggressive place. It's about being vulnerable and surrendering in a time of need. All of us feel broken at some point and would do anything to get out of the situation we are in, so that is what "Pieces" is about.

Is there a feeling or message you want the listener to come away with after listening to the album?

I think our goal is the same as most songwriter's/artists, which is to write music that connects with people. When we play live we get to see people singing every word and reacting to how the music impacts them and makes them feel. People have made comments about connecting with the music, having something to vent to, or something to crank when they are mad. If we can bring out in people what the songs are talking about, then we've succeeded.

How do you deal with creative difference within the band?

We've been fortunate enough to have minimal differences creatively between the five of us. When something does come up it always comes back to what's best for the song. If there is a guitar part that I like but, as a part of the big picture, it's distracting I'll take a back seat and be thankful I did later. We try not to get hung up on the pride element of what each of us has invested in a particular song. Doing so only hurts a band.

What is the first memory of someone else’s music changing your life?

I remember being a huge fan of 80's metal and the whole "hair band" scene. I loved watching videos and seeing the decadence that came with it. I first remember seeing music change my life when I saw Nirvana play for the first time on Saturday Night Live. It was vastly different from what I usually listened to, but I (along with millions of other people at the time) found something in it to connect to. I didn't know it at the time but, looking back on it, that band changed music and how I would see it forever.

Do you think pop culture inspires violence?

Pop culture is defined by the things we do, the entertainment we watch, and things that go on around us. We influence pop culture as much as it influences us.

As a band, do you feel some responsibility for being a positive role model to your fans?

Whether any artist is willing to admit it or not you will always be a role model in your fans eyes. Most artists don't want to be, but NO artist really has a choice. There is responsibility that comes with being in the public eye. We learned quickly to think before you speak and act because someone will always be listening. It's flattering in a way.

Besides music is there another talent that you possess?

There are plenty of talents I wish I possessed. I would love to consider myself athletic, but in no way could I be in the NBA. I'd better stick to music.

Who would you like to switch places with for a day and why?

I'd love to be Chris Martin from Coldplay for a day. I'd love to see and interpret music the way that man does. I've always admired him as a writer. He has an amazing way to make you say, "Why didn't I think of that."

What do you want people to know about your band?

When most people meet us they are surprised to see that we are all down to earth nice guys. Lots of fans have come up with other expectations and are somehow shocked we have smiles on our faces and are overall cordial.

For more on RED visit: www.redmusiconline.com or www.myspace.com/dropofred. Be sure to catch the band on tour with Puddle of Mudd.