Alternative metal rockers
Throw The Fight, have released a new album called "Transmissions" after mentioning a couple of years ago, that the band was done. But apparently they aren't, so they have gone on to write and record this release, and play some shows, and even go on tour. Guitarist Ryan Baustert discusses about the band''s time of being done, as well as the new album and what plans they have next!
1. Back in June 2014, you had an announcement about calling it a day, and then doing a final show, stating
"After 11 years of being a band, we have decided to move in another direction and focus on different areas of our lives (family, other careers, etc)."We can look back on our years as Throw The Fight knowing that we have accomplished everything we set out to do and had a hell of a good time doing it! With that being said, it's time to see what else is out there for us personally and professionally. Change is good. We want to thank our families, friends, fans, bands we've shared stages with and our team behind the band for all of the support that you've given us since Day 1. It means the world to us. "We will be playing a final show on August 23rd at The Fine Line in Minneapolis with Emergent, 5th Hour and The Missing Letters. Details and ticket info will be coming later this week. It's going to be a night to remember. Don't miss it!" But two years later, you guys are still alive and well? Can you elaborate as to what happened between then and now?
Ryan: After 11 years of touring almost non-stop, we felt that we needed some time away so that we could all focus on our families and other entrepreneurial opportunities. We needed a break so that we could recharge the batteries and hopefully get to a creative spot again down the road.
2. You will be releasing the follow-up release to "What Doesn't Kill Us" entitled "Transmissions" you saying that this album is the heavier album to date. Define heavier album, what makes it so?
Ryan: It’s louder, harder, and a lot more aggressive.
3. How many albums will this be for record label Bullet Tooth? Are you really satisfied with what they have to offer you guys? Will you be sticking around from here on out or will be looking elsewhere or is there no telling?
Ryan: This is our 3rd release for the label. They have done a lot of great things for us over the years so we’re definitely happy. But we’re focused on the latest record currently so there is no telling what’s going to happen down the road. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
4. Can you tell us the story behind the song “Drown with Me", will it be made into an official video or just its lyrical counterpart?
Ryan: The song is about realizing you are trapped in a relationship that isn’t going anywhere and you’re just going through the motions. It’s about you both knowing its over and that it’s not going to end well, but it’s easier to stay trapped and unhappy than move on into the unknown. At this point, it will just remain as a lyric video. We don’t have any other plans to do an official video for this track, specifically.
5. How many more songs will be picked off "Transmissions" and be made into singles and or videos?
Ryan: Loudwire recently premiered the first official video from the record for “Don’t Let Me Down.” We are currently working on concepts for the next video which will be for “Bury Me Alive.”
6. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Ryan: We wanted the record to be heavier than our previous release. Other than that, the focus was to write the best songs possible.
7. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Ryan: Nope. We’re sticking to what we do best. Guitars, bass, and drums. But this record also has a lot of cool production elements like strings, keys, percussion, etc.
8. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous Throw The Fight albums?
Ryan: We started writing last June and the process was a lot different than previous records. I ended up building a small studio in my house and we demoed all the material there. It allowed us to crank out material really fast. Over the course of 4 months, we ended up with 25 songs in various stages of completion. We narrowed it down to 10 tracks and did the record at Carson and Grant’s studio over the course of 10 days.
9. "What Doesn't Kill Us" was a success. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?
Ryan: We put enough pressure on ourselves to put out material to the best of our ability so there’s always that thought in the back of your mind.
10. Do you think this album is more or less accessible than "What Doesn't Kill Us"? Why?
Ryan: I think both records are accessible to fans of rock music. We’d prefer they listen and judge for themselves.
11. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Ryan: We’ll be supporting this record as much as possible and touring as much as we can in order to get it in front of people.
