Straight Up Random

Interview: Artist Vs Poet

It took less than one year after forming for Artist Vs Poet to get picked up by Fearless Records. After getting signed, this pop rock band from Dallas,Texas released their debut self-titled EP in November 2008 and toured across the country in support of it. Their second EP “Damn Rought Night,” is set to release digitally on December 15, but can be ordered now on Smartpunk and Merchnow. Their full-length album is due out in March 2010.

LINKS: MySpace | Facebook | Twitter | Purevolume

INTERVIEW:

**All questions answered by Tarcy Thomason (vocals) and Joe Kirkland (guitarist) of Artist Vs Poet**

So how’s the tour been so far?

Tarcy: Awesome. It’s our third day and it’s been great. Last night there was like 700 kids there, or something like that.

Joe: Yeah, there was a lot.

Tarcy: It’s been the best tour we’ve been on so far for sure.

How’s life like on the road for you guys?

Tarcy: It’s great! We all hate each other.

Joe: That’s one bad thing about it.

Joe: Seven dudes in a van, it’s gross. It’s been gross. It smells disgustingly. I had my first shower today.

Tarcy: Me too. It was good after four or five days. Not good. But no, we love touring. When we’re home for over a month we’re just like…it’s good, we love touring.

What city are you most looking forward to?

Tarcy: Maybe Anaheim. Anaheim is really really good to us, but Ft. Lauderdale is always awesome too. And there’s a huge line out there so were stoked on that.

What’s been your favorite city to play so far [ever]?

Tarcy: Possibly Chicago for me.

Joe: Chicago. Yeah, Chicago. Or, I like Denver a lot.

Tarcy: Oh yeah, Denver.

Any reason in particular [that those cities are your favorite to play]?

Joe: Just awesome crowds.

Tarcy: The response is great.

So your new EP is coming out in December, how do the songs on that EP compare to your last EP?

Tarcy: It’s a lot more mature. It’s not just about “I want to love you, I want to marry you.”

Joe: It’s a variety and range of “I want to love you, I want to marry you.” Our range of topics have broadened.

Tarcy: Yeah, we’ve gotten a little bit better in writing. This one’s a lot more mature and well thought out.

Is the new EP like a sneak peak into the direction of your full length album?

Tarcy: Yes, definitely, definitely.

Have you been playing any new songs live?

Tarcy: Yes. The first song we’re opening with tonight is a new song called “Favorite Fix,” and it’s on the full length.

Joe: Actually we’re playing like three new songs.

Tarcy: Three new ones - two off the EP – “Damn Rough Night,” and then “Gateway,” which is an old one, but we’re brining it back.

Joe: Remix! Whoop whoop!

How’s the reaction been from the crowd to the new songs?

Tarcy: It’s been great. Some kids that don’t even know are old songs are singing our new songs. It’s been fantastic, loving it.

In general, what’s your favorite song to play live?

Tarcy: Now, “Damn Rough Night,” for me.

Joe: That’s a good one, I enjoy “Favorite Fix,” right now.

Can you give me one straight up random fact about each member of the band?

Tarcy: Joe, our drummer, is pigeon toed.

Joe: And sniffs when he makes a point!

Tarcy: Oh yes. Check this out [mocks Joe] “Dude, I got it taken care of, I got the strings, and I got my guitar strung, I’m already done. (sniffs)”

That’s what he does. It’s weird.

Joe: Jason…

Tarcy: Where to go on this one…

Joe: So many pathways, so many pathways.

Tarcy: Is secretly in love with Craig.

Joe: Shhhh….

Tarcy: Don’t tell.

[then points to Joe] He walks on his toes.

Joe: Tarcy has really short legs.

Any last words for the readers of Straight Up Random?

Tarcy: Thanks for checking us out. There’s new stuff on the way. March 2010 is when the album comes out, so check it.