The Rocket Summer Interview March 5th 2006

I just wanted to preface this by saying thank you so much to the kind people at the Militia Group & Island Records for their continued support of websites like ours. I got an opportunity to dialogue with Bryce Avary (The Rocket Summer) and ask him some questions I’ve been curious about for quite some time; pop in ‘Hello, Good Friend’ and enjoy!

Michael: So why Island/Def Jam?

Bryce: It seemed like a really good place to be. The people there are all really cool. It felt right.

Michael: What made you choose Brat Pack as the next single from your record?

Bryce: I had a good concept of what I wanted the video to be like for the next single and of all the songs it seems like Brat Pack was the best one to fit the video concept. It’s also a song that seems to connect with a lot of people.

Michael: What should fans expect from you on the upcoming tour? New songs? New members?

Bryce: Neither really. We might play new songs but you can definitely expect aԚ  celebration! It’s always a good time, you can count on that.

Michael: You just made a pretty extensive trip to Japan, what is the scene like over there compared to the US? Are fans more/less receptive?

Bryce: They are just as receptive, they definitely freak out more though. It’s a special thing for a band to go over there. We tour America around the clock but I haven’t been to Japan in over 2 years. It feels more special since it’s not as often.

Michael: It’s quite evident in some of your songs that you maintain a spiritual relationship, without me defining it any further for you, could you explain that and how it plays into your music?

Bryce: I think because I’m a Christian and it’s a huge part of my life, its only natural for it to influence my songwriting. I definitely enjoy singing about that beautiful part of my life.

Michael: Your song, Good News, has been incredibly powerful in my life, could you tell me the story behind it?

Bryce: That song is actually inspired by a situation when I was in Detroit. There was a guy that I got into a conversation with and he wanted to see the show. He was a homeless man in a wheel chair. I carried him down the stairs into the venue to see the show. He wound up getting really drunk and the venue wouldn’t allow him to stay any longer so I had to carry him back out.

Michael: In writing/recording music full band by yourself, is there anything method you’ve found to be most successful?

Bryce: I use one method the whole time. When I finish writing I record the song on 4 track and start messing around on top of the song adding guitar parts and other layers to the song.

Michael: Did the process change for Hello, Good Friend from Calendar Days?

Bryce: Its always the same process for me.

Michael: When you choose your tour support or look for a band to support, what are your decisions based on?

Bryce: We really look for music that we like and think will be a good match with us on tour. As far as us opening for other bands, we are open to playing with almost anyone. I try to play in front of as many people as possible and always take that opportunity.

Michael: Seriously Bryce, what type of equipment do you use?

Bryce: It’s a pretty extensive list actually… On tour I usually use Fender guitars, Marshal amps, Yamaha keyboards, C & C Drums. On the records I use ALL different types of equipment.

Michael: You have been considered ‘The Rocket Summer’ solely as Bryce Avery for quite some time now, do you ever plan on adding members permanently to the roster?

Bryce: I’ve definitely thought about it. If I came across the perfect group of people it would be very possible. Right now, I’m having fun having with my friends tour with me. It’s really up to them when they want to go on the road with me. For instance, my drummer is going to school so its pretty casual right now but the next record might be different.

Michael: What’s life like as a touring, married musician?

Bryce: It’s interesting, it’s definitely way different than most marriages but it’s a lot of fun. We try hard to take minutes out of each day to not be The Rocket Summer but a lot of times that’s hard. It’s good to beԚ  with each other though.

Michael: How supportive have your parents been of your chosen career?

Bryce: They have been really supportive. I was so young when I started that they had a few reservations like most parents would. As time went on and they saw how hard I was working and things started happening they are became extremely happy for me.

Michael: What is the best gift you’ve ever received from a fan?

Bryce: In Japan we got lots of great gifts. Actually a few nights ago I got a cool banner that was written in Chinese. It read The Rocket Summer is sexy. That’s been the most recent one.

Michael: any albums or bands you want to plug?

Bryce: Mindy Smith. She’s really awesome.

Michael: Thanks Bryce!