Bite Me! Haste The Day Interview

Interview with Brennan Chaulk Of Haste The Day - by Nikki Neil

Haste The Day, a Christian Metalcore outfit from Indianapolis, Indiana, derived their moniker from a lyric in the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul”. Initially the band had chosen the name Painful Truth but that didn’t work out and neither did things with their original vocalist Jimmy Ryan. Ryan departed in 2005 just as the group was about to embark on a European tour. At first things looked bleak -- Brennan Chaulk (guitar), Jason Barnes (guitar), Mike Murphy (Bass), and Devin Chaulk (drums), but thanks to divine intervention (?) that perfect match was found in Stephen Keech, who was fresh out of high school. Keech may be young but he proves his maturity as a musician on the band’s 3rd release, Pressure The Hinges. Appropriately enough the album’s title reflects the band’s ability to adapt to challenges and push themselves personally and musically.

How did you celebrate the release of Pressure The Hinges?

Well we were actually in Seattle the day of [the release]. Seattle is Where SolidState is located, so we got to hangout with the label all day and night. Also, our old vocalist Jimmy was with us and that was a great time.

Was there a central point of inspiration for this album?

Lyrically, the inspiration was just watching friends and seeing different situations they were in and just writing about them. Of course our faith played a big role. Musically, there are way too many influences to name.

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

We want people to think more about what they are doing with their lives. We want people to listen to the record and place themselves in the songs and learn something or just be reminded or strengthened.

Why did the band decide to work with GGGarth again on this record?

He is so talented and has made so many great records. We thought he would do the best job for the sound we were looking for and he did just that.

I love the quote on your Myspace page that states that the band is influenced by "A bunch of bands with long hair". Can you elaborate?

Ha ha. Not really. Ha ha. Think long hair and you got it.

Do you think that the music industry, as we know it, is on its way to becoming obsolete due to outlets like Myspace, You Tube, and other direct distribution channels?

I think it could end up being a great thing, but I do fear it becoming overwhelmed by more and more bands abusing myspace and you tube.

I hear that Haste The Day are advocates of animal rights are there any particular groups that you support?

Actually, just as individuals we watch where we eat. We try to shop at organic grocers, but no we don't take a stance on it really.

I heard that You & Stephen have a rap side project and Mike has a techno project on the side. Do they ever perform when Haste The Day is not touring or recording?

Ha ha no. Mine and Stephens is really a joke. We just had fun one night at my apartment, and as far as Mike goes he is just getting started.

Do your fans often turn to you for advice?

Umm yeah, sometimes. I think the best thing I can do for fans is pray for them. In terms of advice for a band getting started I just tell them to try it. Take a risk.

When all is said and done what do you hope to give back to the music community?

I hope that we are remembered as a band that stuck to our beliefs and made a difference in some people’s lives. That is the most important thing to us.

What is the biggest misconception about the band that you'd like to clear up?

Probably that our old vocalist Jimmy left on bad terms. Actually we, as a band, are closer than ever. I talk to him at least a few times a week – just talking about old times and laughing. We are really close and we are all really proud of him and his marriage.

For more on Haste The Day visit: www.hastetheday.com or www.myspace.com/hastetheday