Interview w/ Last One Out

Continuing to bring it with another installment in my ongoing interview series! Today, we sit down and have a chat with Providence's own Last One Out. You may remember the post I did about them last week regarding their documentary surrounding their latest release "Still Life Moves" and all of the buzz and aura surrounding it and the magic that happened while recording it in the studio. The boys were nice enough to take some time out to do an interview that allows readers to get to know the band a little better and what inspired them to shoot a documentary for their EP. Here is what they had to say in this transcript:

Give us your names and your roles in the band?

Scott Royal-Vocals, Keys
Scott Mesite-Guitar
Jeff Gahan-Bass
Dustin Bailey-Drums

How did you guys all meet and when did the band form?

The four of us met while attending Providence College our Freshman year in the fall of 2007, but it wasn't until March of 2009 that we formed the band.

How did you guys come up with the name Last One Out?

While attending school, we often practiced in the rehearsal room of the music and arts building on campus. After one practice, we were hanging out in the foyer outside of the room, discussing different band names. On the door that led out to the hallway, there was a posted sign that read: "Last one out, turn off the lights." Scott Mesite pointed to the sign, and said, "What about Last One Out?" And it stuck.

How big of a role has music been in shaping the people you are now?

Being in this band together has undoubtedly been one of, if not the biggest event that has shaped who we are as people. Upon graduating from college in 2011, we all decided that we wanted to continue the band, and pursue it as a career. That decision alone has affected our lives forever.

What themes and/or subject matter typically run through your music?

Singer Scott Royal writes the lyrics for our material, and he often draws on different emotions that are common experiences in life that everyone can relate to, but in their own way. We leave the meaning of the lyrics up to the person who is listening.

Take us behind the recording process for "Still Life Moves" and what that whole experience was like?

We feel comfortable playing music in basements. We did it a lot in college at house parties, we rehearse in our own basement in the house we live in together now, and we record in a basement as well. The Echoroom Recording Studio, formerly in Uxbridge, MA, run by our friend Ian van Opijnen, was a great fit for us to record Still Life Moves. We had worked with Ian before on our last EP, so we knew how to work well with him. The Still Life Moves experience was even more enjoyable. We decided to record one song at a time, so that we could really focus on each song as a whole, rather than laying down four drum tracks, then four bass parts, etc. This way we could really understand each song, and what we wanted out of it. Going into the studio, we had three and a half songs ready to go, and when we left, the four song EP was in place. The last song we recorded, Hardwiring, came together, literally on the last day in the studio.

What inspired you guys to shoot a documentary film surrounding the recording of your EP?

We have always tried to include other local aspiring artists to work with us on our projects. One relationship that had developed in the year prior to Still Life Moves was with videographer/photographer Billy Nawrocki. He wanted to be as involved with the process as possible, so we decided to have him put together a documentary around the recording, to help capture that point in our lives and the process in general.

What do you guys like to do for fun in your spare time when not making music?

We enjoy doing anything outdoors, going to the movies, spending time with family and friends, and just enjoying our time here.

What's coming up next on your agenda this year, any upcoming shows we should know about?

We are playing a headlining show on September 21 at The Middle East Upstairs for WBOS Local Radio 929. The show is a kick off show to raise awareness of the new local branch of the station. Apart from that, we are going to be playing throughout the Northeast this fall in support of Still Life Moves, playing in cities we have previously not played in. We want to gain exposure in new locations, and sometimes the only way to do that is by showing up and playing for whoever is around.

Any words for your fans who may be reading this interview?

We just want to thank any fan we have, from wherever they are. Knowing that there are people who support us gives us the drive to keep pursuing our goal, so thank you. And please don't be strangers. Come say hi at our shows, write to us, and tell us what you think!

Thanks once again to the boys in Last One Out for being so gracious with their time in conducting this interview! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of getting to know them a little better personally, and I'm sure you guys had the thrill and honor as well of getting to discover who they really are as both musicians and people. Check out their EP "Still Life Moves" if you haven't had the opportunity to do so, now available on iTunes right here.