Can you please introduce yourself and your role in Mayday Parade?
My name is Jake Bundrick and I play drums and sing.
Your latest album, Anywhere But Here, was released in October. How is this album different or the same from previous albums? Are the fans into it?
I feel it’s different in a sense that it’s a newer record. We’re a better band, better friends and we have different lives now than we did when we wrote “Romantics.” We’re also minus a member but we’ve been a band longer without that member than we have with him. This record is relatively the same lyrically. We talk about heartache, relationships and hope. Another big thing I think kids notice about this record is there isn’t as many dual vocals. With this record, we were hoping to enter into a new world of fans while keeping our hardcore fans happy. With all that being said, I think kids still enjoy the new sound.
What are some of your favorite songs from Anywhere But Here and why?
Still Breathing is one of my favorite songs because it’s something everyone can relate to in a sense that it talks about being a man and doing everything you can to be your own person and be strong. The second verse of the song was written with this scenario in the back of our mind. You’re an American soldier in Iraq and you don’t want to be there. Is it justified?
You guys are getting ready to hit the road for the Take Action Tour 2010. What can we expect from this tour and what other bands will you guys be playing with?
We’re expecting a really good time. We The Kings, “the headliner,” are really good friends of ours. Every band has a ton of energy and brings great music to this tour. Other bands on the tour include A Rocket To The Moon, There For Tomorrow, Stereo Skyline! and Call The Cops.
What else can we expect from Mayday Parade in 2010?
Tour Tour Tour!! We hope to going overseas after the Take Action Tour and soon after that we have Warped Tour this summer where we’re doing the entire tour. We’re also involved with a compilation that Fearless Records is putting out soon called Punk Goes Classic Rock. So look for that this year!
Can you provide a little background history on how Mayday Parade got started?
Mayday Parade formed from two popular local bands called Defining Moment and Kid Named Chicago. We had a plan when we first started writing together. The plan was to press an EP and follow the entire Warped Tour asking kids to listen and purchase. By doing so, we sold close to 11,000 EP’s in two months by ourselves. Soon after, we signed to Fearless Records and have been nonstop touring ever since.
How did you get started playing music? What are some of your musical influences?
I started playing guitar when I was in 8th grade. My favorite bands were Green Day, Foo Fighters, The Offspring and Less Than Jake. My parents bought me that guitar with intensions of me just playing it alone but I had to start a band. The band I started, Sucker Punch, needed a drummer so I stopped playing guitar for the band and somehow convinced me parents to help me with a drumset. My dad always told me, “NO BAND,” but I never listened. I’m glad I didn’t. He’s proud of me now though. Our band was terrible then. Terrible!!! But without that band, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
What was your most memorable and/or insightful experience of 2009?
My most memorable moment of 2009 was writing and recording our record, “Anywhere But Here.”Watching that record come together in the studio was a dream come true. I poured my heart and soul into that record and I’m very proud of it.
How did you celebrate New Years/Christmas this year?
I spent it in New York City, 10 blocks away from Times Square in an apartment that my friend rented out. A lot of my close friends were there including my girlfriend. The alcohol I consumed gave me super powers that night, but I learned no super hero can conquer a nasty hangover.
What are your goals for Mayday Parade?
My goals this year for Mayday Parade are to be more in touch with fans. The reason we’ve been giving the opportunity to do what we do and continue on is because of them. So I made it one of my New Year’s resolutions to be in touch more whether it be blogging, videos or twitter. They mean the world to me and I want to show them that.
Any last words?
Make sure to pick up or even just listen to our sophomore release, “Anywhere But Here.” You can check that out and so much more over at maydayparade.com. Also, make sure to follow us on twitter for info on the spot. @Mayday_Parade or @JakeMaydayP
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