8123 Interview Series Part 2 – Philippine Concerts Interviews This Century’s Joel Kanitz

 

8123 is more than just a management company; to some, it’s the epitome of home. The Philippine leg of the 8123 Tour wouldn’t have been complete without This Century. Next in line to the The Maine, they have been one of the bands that have performed in the country the most. Philippine Concerts spoke with Joel Kanitz about their latest album and the process behind it:

Philippine Concerts: What makes a song a This Century song? Is there a signature sound that you guys are trying to achieve so much so that when people hear it they know it’s your music?

Joel: I’d like to believe we have a signature sound, but I’m not really sure. We try to keep our songs melody driven and uplifting, so I suppose that could be it.

PC: What was the biggest risk that you guys have taken in order to grow as a band?

J: It was likely the process of recording and releasing our latest record “Biography of Heartbreak”. Sonically and stylistically, it was uncharted territory for us, and we weren’t exactly confident our fans would be receptive to a change as drastic (at least in our minds) as that. It didn’t turn out to be as dramatic an evolution to our fans after all, but we did have some fear of rejection before the release and to us, that was a risk.

PC: What is the main message behind Biography of a Heartbreak? Were there specific experiences you pulled from to express yourselves through the songs or is it more of a reach-out to those going through tough times of their own?

J: We intended for the album to be both. It’s an expression of the happiness and hurt that we’ve experienced in the recent years, but it’s also meant to be a consolation to anyone who’s endured the distress of loss, and the barrage of emotions that come as a result. We were intentional about leaving the listeners with a message of hope; that regardless of the sorrow or anger or whatever else it is you’re feeling, you have the potential of allowing love to persevere–coming out even stronger and more resilient in the end.

 

PC: When do you know it’s time to release a new album? Do you sit down and decide that you need to put out new material, or does it come naturally in a sense that you guys record/write as much as you can, then put an album together once you have enough material?

J: I think we typically resolve to make a new album whenever it feels right. If we feel that we’ve grown and have something new to say, that’s when we’ll naturally begin to write new material, and put our heads together to discuss an album release.

From Angela: What made you guys decide to stage the first international 8123 show in Manila?

J: Following the 8123 US tour, there was an overwhelming amount of requests from fans in the Philippines asking all of us to make the same tour happen for them. The guys in The Maine were ultimately the ones who made the decision to do it and when they asked if we’d be into it we, of course, said yes.

PC: You guys and The Maine have been to the Philippines more than pretty much any band around and there’s no doubt that the Philippines is only more excited to see you every time you return. Do you have other particular places in the Philippines that you would like to visit or maybe go on vacation to?

J: I’ve been told there are some stellar beaches in the Philippines, so I wouldn’t mind visiting those on one of our next excursions.

 

 

Just for Fun: Let’s take a break from the heavy questions and get a little silly.

PC: Who in the 8123 family do you think would be the sole survivor of a zombie apocalypse?

J: That would most certainly be either our manager Tim Kirch or my drummer Ryan.

PC: Who in the group has the [well, we wouldn’t say the girliest but the] most tedious morning routine?

J: That’s definitely me, simply because of my longer hair and the upkeep that it entails–at least if you want to keep it looking presentable.

PC: You guys encounter less-than-calm fans everyday, but we want to know…what or who are you guys huge fans of?

J: All of us in This Century are serious fans of the show Breaking Bad. So much so, in fact, that we made a special trip whilst traveling through New Mexico to visit the house of the main character, Walter White. It was incredible!

Thanks for taking some time out for our Q&A, Joel! Stay tuned for our third installation of the 8123 series as we interview The Maine’s John O’Callaghan! 🙂

 

Article by Izzy Matias

Izzy Matias is an avid concertgoer with a penchant for the arts. Though she is soon completing a business degree, she immerses herself in the creative world: music, fine arts, literature and photography.

Follow Izzy on Twitter @izzmatias

Edited by, photos by Carla Barretto

Carla Barretto is a busy bee that eats, sleeps, and breathes concerts. When she’s not shooting shows, she’s planning them herself! Her production and multimedia backgrounds blend into this peculiar mademoiselle with a love for live music.

Follow Carla on Twitter @heycarlaaa