December 7, 2002
Interview by Shane Macaulay

Interview w/ Neil of Silverstein

How long has Silverstein been around for, and have you made any changes in the band since the day it was put together?

We've been around since 1999 and sice then we have made some line up changes and our musical style has evolved so much. Richard Mcwalter (founding member of the band) left the band and his guitar in 2001 to pursue his career in electrical engineering in British Columbia. Since then Richard was replaced by ex-Maharahj guitarist Neil Boshart. As for our sound, it has gotten heavier and more melodic.

What was the scene like in your nabourhood? Did you find it more difficult to stand out more than the other punk bands?

The scene is very supportive of their local bands. The scene is what got us to this point in our musical career, without them we wouldnt have made it this far. So you see, the scene is pretty accepting but also picky at times, but that pickyness kinda makes us work harder at what we do. It wasnt too difficult to stand out from the other bands because we feel that we have a whole seperate sound from the rest which makes us unique and more rememberable that way.

How come you chose Victory Records as a label? Did you have any other options?

We've had many offers from other independent labels but Victory stood out far ahead from the rest. Silverstein grew up with albums that Victory had put out. With bands like Snapcase, Deadguy, Earth Crisis, Strife and Grade, we just thought it was like a dream come true. We are very happy with things with Victory, they treat us so well.

Did you ever think you would get to where you are today? Do you see yourselves going even further in the future?

We've never expected to be signed to such a great record label or get signed at all, it was just a fun thing to do to play in a band. Its hard to say how far we go, ask us after our first album comes out, hahaha.

Growing up in Burlington and Oakville, what do you like to do when your not practicing or playing shows?

Just like anyone else, we love hanging out with our friends and most of us in the band love to party. Thing is, there isnt much to do in Burlington and Oakville, which explains the copious quantities of bands in the area.

Will there be any future modifications to any of the songs you have written? Re-recordings? Anything to that effect? Or will you be only releasing brand new stuff?

10 to 12 new and old songs will be recorded and produced by Justin Koop, everything else is top secret.

I noticed the "When the Shadows Beam" album has six tracks, and each song was written and pieced together by a different band member. Will this change now that you are signed? Is there one inpaticular style that the label likes more?

Nothing has changed really in the writing process. Victory signed us based on our 6 song EP which has songs that have different genres of music melted into one, so we're gonna keep writing the same kind of stuff but 10 times better.

What kind of future plans does the label have for yourselves? Is this something you would like to do for the rest of your lives?

Releasing our first album in mid 2003 and playing gigs across the continent or maybe even overseas. The way we see it is that if the fun ends, so does the music. So far we're having so much fun.

Where does the lyrical content come from? Is it bases on personal experience, or from the observations you have made from those in your surroundings?

Its mostly based from personal experiences with relationships and our social life. Like when a girlfriend cheats on you, its like you've been tied to the back bumper of a car and dragged through shards of glass for miles, stuff like that.

What advice do you have to the other local Ontario bands, or Canadian bands for that matter, that are still looking for a label?

Work hard and dont be afraid to evolve your music into something different. Tour a lot and get your band name out there!

What kind of influences does the band have? Do you feel that your music is similar to their style?

We're influenced by mostly hardcore, punk and emo bands like: Grade, Cave In, Mineral, Sunny Day Real Estate, At the Gates, Slayer, Converge, Kid Dynamite, Propaghandi, and so much more. We are similiar in a way that we take elements of music from each of these influential bands and tie them togther into a song.

The violin can display a large amount of emotion in a song. Will the Violin be taking place in any future songs?

Yep, more violins and possibly other stringed instruments as well.

Thanks for stopping to do this short interview for OntarioPunk.com.

Thank you for this opportunity and taking special interest in our band.

Neil//Silverstein