Interview w/ Handguns

Have yet another interview ready for your attention this week. Today, we catch up with the Baltimore based pop-punk group known as Handguns. This band has been featured numerous times here on the site in the past few weeks and has quickly grown on me with their insatiable punk hooks taking me over and bringing me into their world where rules need not apply and music is as honest as they come. Vocalist Taylor Eby graciously donated some of his time in doing a quick interview as him and the boys get ready to hit the road with their hometown buddies in All Time Low, and talked about their beginnings and what they hope to accomplish musically this year. Here is the transcript from our chat:

Give us your names and your roles in the band?

I'm Taylor and I sing, Kyle plays guitar, CJ plays bass, Brandon plays guitar and sings, and Woody plays drums.

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

We are from all over the country. Handguns officially started touring in 2010, which is when Handguns decided to take it seriously.

How would you describe the sound of Handguns to those who aren't familiar with you guys? 

We are a pop punk band with a strong work ethic. We draw a lot of our influences from Fat Wreck Chords and Drive Thru records bands. We like to put as much energy into our sets as we possibly can and make the crowd feel like they're part of something.

What do you think is the one element that sets you apart from the other bands out there in the scene? 

We're not into gimmicks and we make it a point to be on a first name basis to our fans because without their support, we wouldn't be here right now.

When playing shows, how important are the fans in the crowd and do you ever feed off the energy that they give you? 

Like I said before, we make it a point to sweat our asses off and put on the best show we possibly can for the fans, so they are definitely and extreme asset to this band. It really doesn't make a difference to us whether we are playing to 10 kids or 100 kids, we owe it to however many people there a good show. Sometimes I enjoy playing to a crowd that doesn't give two shits who we are, I like the feeling of having to win people over, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Maybe you wont like this band, but you'll remember us.

What are some of your favorite songs you've recorded and ones you like to play live? 

I feel like we all really enjoy opening with Porch Light a lot because its such an in your face song. I feel like it gets us really hyped up and ready to play.

In your spare time away from music, what do you guys like to do for recreation?

Most of us have girlfriends, so we're always taking time to be with them and our families. We all try to work jobs when we're home just to make ends meet. It sucks, but its what you gotta do.

You guys have a tour coming up with All Time Low, how influential have they been to your music and what does it feel like to tour with them? 

Me and CJ are both from Baltimore. We have watched that band grow over the years. I remember seeing them play to 20 people one time. To see a band from our hometown that has had so much success has kind of made me proud to be from Baltimore. When we got the email for the offer, we were like "no fucking way" We were all super excited. We are just very grateful, and very honored that they chose us to be a part of their tour.

Lastly, when can we expect some new music from Handguns this year? 

We've been in the studio all month with Paul Leavitt in downtown Baltimore. We actually start tracking vocals. I think we're hoping to have the record out in the spring. We are all super proud of it and can't wait for everyone to hear it.

Thanks once again to Taylor for being so generous in donating some time for this interview before they hit the road! they truly a re a tremendous band and one that I'm surprised more people aren't catching on to yet. But after this tour with All Time Low, I'm sure plenty more people will become familiar with Handguns. For more info on Handguns, give them a 'Like' on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter over here.