Roses Unread is an rock band from Jackson, Tennessee. Interview done by the bands guitarist Blake Becton October 5, 2013. Band members include Allison Teague Purifoy – Vocals, John Crickle – Guitar, Blake Becton – Guitar, Mitch Harris – Bass, Caveman – Drums.
1. What’s new in the world of Roses Unread?
Right now, Roses Unread are gearing up for the release of our new self-titled album. We’re playing as many shows as we can to help promote it’s release and we’re doing our best to kick things into high gear. We’ve done a lot of work writing, arranging, and recording over this past year to get to this point.
2. How was it recording the self-titled album?
It was an amazing experience! We recorded at The Noise Factory in Memphis, TN with producer Dave Cowell. Dave was awesome to work with. He pushed us to get the most out of each song, and the results of that really blew me away. Prior to joining Roses Unread, I had only recorded on my home studio set up with little to no knowledge of the full process. Having the opportunity to go into an actual studio was one that I will never forget. After tracking we sent the album off to Jason Gillespie for mixing, who did a fantastic job. We were really happy with the mixes. He worked with us to make sure we had the best possible mixes and that everyone was happy with them. We sent the album over to Brad Blackwood with Euphonic Masters to master and he was the final piece of the puzzle. He did an amazing job mastering the album, and ultimately brought the process full circle.
3. What equipment is the band currently endorsing, etc.?
Mesa, Warwick, PRS, Egnater, Fender, DW, PDP, Line 6, Sennheiser, Ernie Ball, Ampeg, GK, Daddario.
4. What type of guitars and amplifiers did you use to create the albums tones?
John used his Mesa Mark IV for all of his parts. He recorded with his PRS Mira, his PRS Custom 22 and his Fender Tele. I recorded with an EVH 5153, and I used my PRS Tremonti guitar. It’s been my favorite guitar that I’ve owned.
5. Would you say Social Media Online has changed the Music Industry for the good or the bad?
I would say Social Media itself is an overall good thing for musicians and fans alike. It gives musicians a way to promote their art and reach fans immediately, and it also provides fans with a direct link to a given artist/group. I personally like to connect with our fans as much as possible, and the easiest way to do that is through Social Media Networks. I think Social Media was a welcome addition to an already rapidly changing industry.
6. What’s your vision on the Internet as a way to releasing Music Online now days?
Well the internet has definitely made things more convenient. You can have your music immediately on the day of it’s release and never have to leave your house. I personally miss the days of going to the store and buying albums. I miss the stacks of CD cases and the big CD books with your whole album collection in it. So I feel like as an artist, it’s opened doors for a wider fan base, but has also diminished the experience of buying an album. Purchasing a CD is almost foreign to some of the younger population these days, and it’s a little sad.
7. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
I have a little bit of everything in my iTunes library. I’ve got all the Metallica you could ask for. I’ve got bands like Dream Theater and Incubus, and then Film Score Composers like John Williams and Hans Zimmer. You never know what will come on the shuffle on my iPod.
8. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician?
A day in my life would best be described as hectic I think. I’m constantly thinking of things that we can do to keep moving forward, and at the same time coming up with song arrangements in my head. This happens to me on a daily basis. Between practicing, writing, and shows my mind stays pretty busy.
9. Where do you see the future of music going in 100 years?
Music is in a weird place right now, at least here in America. The industry seems to be focused more on making music with less and less live instrumentation. I feel that over time, this phase will pass and we’ll get back around to having huge sold out arena concerts with full bands. Hopefully it won’t take 100 years to get to that point though.
10. Any words for future musicians?
The best words I have would be to never give up. As cliche as it sounds, there were times when I didn’t think I could keep chasing the dream, and I very easily could have given up, but I didn’t. If music is what you’re passionate about, then give it everything you’ve got. At the end of the day, no matter the outcome, you’ll be glad you did.
Extra questions with Blake Becton from Roses Unread
Life without music would be: Life without music to me would be empty. That’s the best word for it.
Favorite movie : Definitely Gladiator
Favorite sport : Football
Favorite food : Mac n’ Cheese
Favorite drink : Water
Favorite saying : “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Favorite car : 72 Corvette Sting Ray
Favorite book The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
CD or Vinyl : I have to say Vinyl, even though I’m not old enough to have owned them, I wish that I was.
Favorite band : Metallica!
Star Wars or Star Trek : Star Wars
PC or Mac : Mac
Check out Roses Unread online https://www.facebook.com/rosesunreadband