Interview: Brad Rosson of 1000 Plane Raid

Pretty good! Excited to say the least.

First of all, I would like to thank you for doing this. Let’s start with a simple question: What’s the origin of your band’s name?

Well actually, it came from a history class back in high school. Hard to believe it’s been so long, Ben Ford and Aubrey Upton who were two other original members of the band were studying the subject in their class, by the end of the class they thought it was a pretty cool and original name. Of course back then we were under a different band name and we were more hard rock, wanting to go for something heavier.

It’s amazing how little things like that can stick with you, right? haha

No kidding! That’s a moment I can never forget though. I had so much fun being in the same band with those guys, despite having a more intricate and talented lineup now, I don’t think it’ll ever beat the times I had with those guys, back when we were a more hard rock/metalcore group.

They say everything happens for a reason though, brother. Just cherish those times, like you do now!

Next question: What was the writing process like for “Before the Fallout” and who/what were your influences?

This’ll be fun.. haha. I was the one who wrote 4 out of the 5 tracks on the EP, and it was beyond fun and challenging. I have hardly any clue how to play guitar/bass, so I think they all came out very well.

With this EP, I wanted something different when it came to deathcore. Melodic and even progressive elements added in, but still keeping that dirty sound within the roots of deathcore. MUST have them breakdowns. The leads in this EP and the synth that I added really touched it up and added a sense of gorgeous uplifting melody on top of the chuggy down tuned guitars. 3:25 in to The King And His Wall is still my favorite melody on the entire EP. Each song had different influences really, from Born of Osiris, the Contortionist, to Chelsea Grin and Rings of Saturn.

That sounds like it was a fun challenge for you!

Most definitely! I wanted to write music but couldn’t play guitar at the time, so I bought and borrowed friends’ software to create realistic MIDI guitar. It’s funny, the songs just kind of came to me. I can’t seem to write anything for the life of me now, but when I was writing those tunes, they just..happened. It was meant to be maan! Spooky.

It definitely sounds like it, I’m sure the next ones will come easier though if not, it’ll just give you more of a challenge which always seems to produce the best tracks

My next question is was the EP self-recorded and self produced or did you work with an outside source?

Oh yes! The entire band will be writing the next full length though, it’s already looking BEYOND nasty.

Our EP was recorded by the talented Miah Lajeunesse of The Sound Lair in Knoxville, TN. He has been in this business for a long time and though he can record any genre, he definitely specializes in forms of metal. We’re proud of his work and very glad we decided to go with him.

The EP turned out incredible, as we’ve discussed. Definitely something you guys can be proud of and I’m sure the full-length is heading in that direction as well!

What’s your favorite track on the EP and your favorite to play live?

The full-length will be twice as complex, now that everyone has had experience in the studio and knows what to expect, we’ll be sure to 1 up this EP, no doubt. We all love and want to dedicate everything to music, so quality is what it’s all about. Go big or go home.

My favorite off the EP would probably have to be The King And His Wall. I believe it has the most melodic influence dug into it. As for playing live, it’s all about the song Misconception At It’s Finest. It’s the most energetic tune we play currently.

I can definitely see that track getting your crowd moving! So, regarding the full length: can you divulge any details regarding material or track titles as of yet? Any tracks you’re super stoked in yet?

No titles as of right now, but we’re wanting to go for a more progressive theme for our next release, more ambient and soothing melodies that could instantly kick into a brutal and monstrous chug and blast beat passage. We want it to be unpredictable and leave the listener with curious and confused but satisfied emotions…and lots of chill bumps on their arms. That’s when you know music is good, it’s happened to everyone! Think The Contortinist. It’s essentially the most influential band we listen to. For half of our members anyway, the other half being Rings of Saturn. Put those two together and you’ll have our full length..

Wow, that answer alone intrigues the hell out of me!

Of the shows that you’ve played, what has been your favorite and why?

Of the shows that I’ve personally played, it would probably have to go to Fool’s Day Massacre back during the Alnwick days. I believe it was the April of 2011. The show easily brought in over 200 kids and our set was so tight that night. Pits were started every song, people left bloody and bruised, we signed autographs, it was just a very energetic show.

Sounds like it was a blast! Any shows coming up that you’re excited about?

We’re playing at RIO 180 in Maryville on November 9th with some neat bands, we’ll finally have some merch to sell as well so we’re definitely stoked on that one. RIO’s always been a nice venue.

Sounds like it’s gonna be a great show!

On the subject of touring, I am going to ask a question I ask everyone I interview: We hear and see a lot of bands pranking each other and their management on tour. Is this something that TPR participates in? If so, what is the best prank you’ve pulled and the wort pulled on you?

We’ve actually yet to go on tour, we’re focusing on upgrading our guitar equpment and grabbing other little accessories like stage scrims and the like. As I’ve said before to many, I want to make sure we put on a quality show for people. I will say though, it WILL be something we participate in when we do start down that road!

Haha, I’ll ask the question again when you guys are touring, then!

Were any of you clasically trained? How did you learn to drum?

Justin Thomas our lead guitarist is the only one who’s had some lessons with theory and such. He started on a bass before guitar too, which we all thought was neat.

I’ve had some drum lessons (including a single hour lesson from Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers while I was down in Florida) but that’s all I’ve had. Mostly self taught, which can be said for the majority of the members. They’re all extremely talented at what they do though.

But of course that’s not to say we’re all ignorant with music, we understand chords, scales and modes, I know how to read music, etc.

Wow, Chad Smith? That’s pretty sick! I love RHCP haha (as you will learn, my music taste is incredibly diverse)

What was the first thin you learned to play on drums?

thing**

I’d probably have to say Raining Blood by Slayer. It was a difficult song to be playing for just starting on the drums, but I eventually built up the endurance to play most of it.. hahaha

That’s pretty impressive!

I guess that’s about it for me, thank you rod doing this, once again and is there anything else you would like to say to your fans, our readers and the general public?

I’d like to thank everyone who ever gave us a chance and listened to our music, as well as our future listeners. I think I can speak for the entire band when I say we’ve worked extremely hard on this EP. We’ve come a very long way this year and have accomplished more than the past 2 years of being a band. This is a passion for us all and hopefully we can really take it somewhere. Thanks again for your time, it’s been a pleasure.

Always a pleasure brother!