Silverstein Interview

We had the honor to have the opportunity to talk to Paul Koehler of Silverstein. He told to us about the new record, touring and some of the new bands coming up. Here is what he had to say:

Info

Genre: Emo, Post-Hardcore

Years Active: 2000-Present

Hometown: Burlington, Ontario
Record Label: Rise Records

1) What's your name and role in the band?

Paul Koehler, I play drums in Silverstein. 

2) What made you want to be in a heavy band, write heavy music?

When the band started, back in 2000, there was a lot of punk/ska, and the alternative scene was overplayed.  “Emo” at the time felt like a breath of fresh air.  It was like discovering a new continent.

3) Your band is from Burlington, What is the scene like there?

When we started and through our early years, it was great.  A lot of the people who kept the scene going have grown up or moved away.  It’s a shame because we used to play here once or twice a year.

4) What is it about being on Warped Tour that the band seems to enjoy?

Aside from the energetic short sets and great crowds, we have a lot of time to hang out with other bands / friends of ours.

5) Why did the band decide on Rise this go around? How has it been working with them?

We signed with them before our last record, I Am Alive In Everything I Touch.  We had been friends with some of the folks over there since the early years of our band.  We like working with friends, so it doesn’t just feel like business.

6) Bleed No More was never a single, why has that song become a staple and fan favourite still all these years later?

During the first few years of touring, we always closed with it – every single show.  It became that moment that fans expected and wanted.  We only had 2 official singles for the first record, but I feel like it’s close enough to being the third.

7) How does your latest album Dead Reflection differ from your other albums?

There’s a lot more technical song writing, bigger choruses, more intricate rhythms – it’s a step forward for us as a band.  I feel it also shows many sides of our band.  There are some of the heaviest moments we’ve ever written, but also some of the poppiest.

8) Explain the bromance between Silverstein and Beartooth.

Silvertooth is a lifestyle, it’s a state of mind, it’s more than just 2 bands.  We’ve toured all over the world together, spent many moments hanging out together, and that bond just keeps getting stronger.

9) What is it about being so active on social media that you guys find so important, having convos, liking and following fans?

It’s a direct link to our fans, and it also helps us to know what the fans are actually thinking.  We actually listen to all of the feedback and use that when planning tours, marketing campaigns, singles, etc.

10) You guys have toured/played with some of the younger Ontario bands starting to make waves. What do you notice about the bands coming up here?

Ontario continues to produce great talent.  Bands like Seaway, Like Pacific, First Ghost are a great representation of the next generation.

11) Oct to Dec sees you play in Europe and Canada, what are you looking forward to with your first tour on the new album?

Being able to play a bunch of new songs live!  Up until now we were only performing on Warped Tour, so we only played 1 or 2 new songs each day.

12) Is it hard being a vegetarian on the road? What are the go tos?

It’s not that hard, you just need to plan ahead and do your research.  I always make sure I have a bunch of vegan protein from companies like Vega.

13) What is the secret to the bands longevity?

Making sure that we’re still having fun.

14) Which city or area do you find supports the band most, as in always sold out, buy all the merch, wild crowd etc.?

We are lucky to have so much support around the globe.  There are so many countries/cities that have supported us.  Aside from North America, Germany & Australia have been very generous towards our band over the years.

15) Any thoughts or comments on Mr. Brandon Eedy and what he has done for the band?

We have been booking shows with him longer than almost anyone else in the world!  Stoked to return this November to London.

16) Which bands from around the Burlington scene would you suggest to someone looking for new music?

As for GTA-area, I would absolutely suggest First Ghost.  They are super talented and will be turning heads shortly.

Listen to and watch the video for Silverstein's latest single "The Afterglow". Silverstein's latest album Dead Reflection is available wherever music is sold.

Thanks a lot!

Published Aug 28th, 2017