Define the Revolution – You Are

Listen to the new song from Define the Revolution – You Are

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Exclusive Interview

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
We are all from West Jefferson, Ohio and have been around for about 6 years. We recently just signed with Short Circuit Records and new manager Kassandra Barnhart. It all started on the way home from our 8th grade field trip in 2007 and all the current band members were in attendance, with exception of Joey King and our former singer, Shiaz Nicholas.

When we got back into Ohio, for about 4 hours we ran through ideas for names, going through almost the entire alphabet until we landed on the reluctant decision of “Shackle.” First, I will tell you that some of our oldest fans refer to us as “The Band of Many Names” and that is because in the 6 years we’ve been around we’ve had nine different names, each one bringing in a new style of music.

We decided to change “Shackle” because on a commercial for an event at Nationwide Arena we saw that some headlining band was going to be opened for by another band named Shackle. After that, we were Shadow Priest, then Corridors of Dark Salvation, (and due to fear of copyright lawsuits) we changed that to Guardians of Dark Salvation, then The Erosion, then OMG! (a zombie), then Damn the Day, then We Are Kings, and finally landing on Define the Revolution, which we hope to keep for a change.

What do you have coming up? What are some of the new projects we can expect to see?
We just recorded our very first EP with Short Circuit Records called Faces that’s hopefully going to be released in early March. After that we hope to plan a tour, but who knows where it will take us.

Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.
We’re going to be promoting our song Hope, Now off of Faces because it has a message that everyone can relate to: whatever hard times you go through, someone is there to help you; someone loves you.

How does your music separate yourself from other artists and bands out there?
Our music is extremely diverse, because we don’t have a particular artist we want to reflect. We want someone to ask, “What does Define the Revolution sound like?” and the only response can be “Define the Revolution.” we stick out form the other bands by just being us.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
One of the hardest things we’ve had to face through our time together has definitely been trying to reach our fans and trying to establish ourselves as artists and not just another small town garage band that plays at local festivals and stays that way until all their hearts go kaput. Now that we are signed with Short Circuit Records it seems to be growing.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
The biggest challenge we’ve had to face has probably been lack of a bassist. For a very long time after becoming Damn the Day (about 2 years) we performed without a bassist, simply because there was no one we could turn to. The thing about small towns is, there’s a hell a lot of guitarists, but no bass guitarists. Luckily, our guitarist’s younger brother Joey got into the high school jazz band program and started learning, so we scooped him up right quick.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?
From personal experience, we can say that all artists, big or small should avoid letting their success get to their head. Always remember where you came from because no matter how far away you go, your heart’s going to land back home.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Just make sure that you’re true to yourself and your band mates, make sure that if you want music to be your life, make it your life, and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Whether it’s crazy girlfriends, or crazy parents, or just crazy people, you’ll find a way to do what you want to if you really want it.

Also, never forget that your band mates are your best friends; your family! Even if you’re all just sitting around playing Minecraft or jamming around the singer playing Skyrim (or Oblivion), make the time to stay connected with your band mates because they’re there for you no matter what.

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
We really like to just get up close and personal with people. Whether it’s just conversations on Facebook about how important one like can be or hanging out promoting it to people in the local hookah bar, we find a way to make people feel comfortable with us, rather than making it a chore to be a fan.

Where can people visit you?
Fans can visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/definetherevolution. We make it a point to welcome each person that likes our page personally. Also you can find us on www.shortcurcuitrecords.com.