Hailing from Brighton, UK, metalcore band Architects – characterized by an intensely technical blend of extreme metal and hardcore punk elements – has enjoyed a steady climb through the genre’s ranks since forming in 2004. Between recording four LPs, including this year’s The Here and Now, the group – Sam Carter (lead vocals, keyboards), Tim Hillier-Brook (guitars), Dan Searle (drums, percussion), Tom Searle (guitars), Alex Dean (bass guitar) – has played countless gigs and festivals, performing alongside acts like Faith No More and Jane’s Addiction. Dan Searle offers his thoughts on the band’s inspirations, gradual progression and their newest, somewhat softer release.
How do you describe Architects’ music?
I’m still deciding. I think my definition would be different to everyone else’s because we’re in the process of writing a record that is very different to our last one. I like to think that no matter what we do it’s…exciting.
What do you think of the popular conception that heavy music is dark and negative?
Well, it’s a misconception, although I understand the inaccessibility of heavy music. I remember being 13 and finding Poison a bit scary…but then I ended up loving them. It’s obviously not always dark and scary, and there’s a lot of heavy music with a positive message. People just need to give it a chance to like it.
You once said, ‘We don’t really listen to much heavy music’ – so where does the inspiration come from to play it?
I suppose I try and fill the void that the world of heavy music is failing to fill. I want to make music that is exciting to me. And I love the energy of heavy music live. I do enjoy listening to softer music but I’m not sure I’d enjoy playing it. I’ll be eating my words when I form a soft rock band in six months, won’t I (laughs)?
Do the band’s musical heroes influence how your write or perform?
I’m not sure…Our heroes are bands that push boundaries and do something genuinely unique whether it’s The Dillinger Escape Plan or Bon Iver.
The Here and Now marked a shift in sound for you, didn’t it?
It was a strange record for us, I suppose. We definitely tried new things and recorded at a new studio. We went out of our comfort zone, that’s for sure. I don’t think any of us realized how big a change in sound we were going through but it’s clear to me now (laughs). I’m glad we were honest with ourselves in what we wanted to do, but I’m ready to return to playing heavier music; I miss it.
Have you progressed as players through the years?
Yeah, of course; we all work hard with our instruments. Sometimes you’ll go through a period where you get a bit complacent but before too long, you step up your game and iron the errors out. There’s still a lot of room for improvement though.
You’ve played some pretty massive festivals – what are those like?
We’ve had some great times at big festivals. Playing the Download Festival in England in 2007 was our first big one and we all had the time of our lives; I’ll probably remember it for the rest of my life. This year we had some really fun ones, too: we played the main stage at Sonisphere to thousands of people… that was a really amazing experience; very overwhelming.
You’ve shared the stage with acts like Faith No More and Jane’s Addiction – what do you take away from watching them?
I actually didn’t watch either band when we toured with them…Oops (laughs). You know, when I watch other bands play I start feeling bad about our band; I’m always wanting to play better, tighter, and with more energy. It’s good to tour with great live bands because it keeps you on your toes. We’ve done a lot of touring with Bring Me the Horizon this year and those guys are untouchable.
What’s Architects looking forward to?
Our main focus is recording our next record; we go in the studio for a month at the beginning of January. I’m really excited to get the ball rolling and start 2012 with a new release. We also have a tour with Rise Against starting at the end of February and we’re super thrilled for that.
To learn more about the Architects, visit their MySpace profile.
*Originally published under ‘Interviews’ on MyTelus.com.
