When was the last time you saw an all out rock and roll show? In today’s music industry there are so many bands trying to become the next big rock and roll band but yet fall short in so many ways. Well, I have found a band that has the potential to be that next big thing. These guys come from the heart of the Circle City and bring not only talent to the stage in their songwriting to their instrumentals, but also a sheer passion and a drive to be the next best thing. These guys also have an understanding of how to run an online campaign, to get fans to become friends, and do nothing to push their music other than just performing night after night for hands waving crowds. These guys also have a pretty solid brand that stems from their recent album cover. I could go on all day about these guys and their talents, but I would rather introduce you to the guys in Alter Ego.
Where did you come up with that name?
It comes from our singer Matt’s split personality, in comparison to his everyday life, his alter ego comes out when he is on the stage.
How long have you guys been performing?
We have been together since 2007, so for about three years
I dig your logo. Who designed that?
Cliff Asher did that. He is a really talented individual.
I have to know the meaning behind your MySpace design. What is going on there?
It’s a representation of everyone’s alter ego, and the constant struggle of emotions from within.
Speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts on the service?
In all honesty, with Facebook and Twitter, we believe MySpace has become obsolete. We are on MySpace, as you said, and we maintain it everyday, however we, as well as the majority of our fans, are more active on Facebook, which we also have linked with our Twitter account.
Good to see you on Twitter.
Yeah, we are on Twitter. I think you should follow us!
Who is the ringleader of the band?
We all have our responsibilities in the band. There is no real ring leader, per say. We all make a group effort to attain a common goal.
Who writes all those lyrics?
Matt Hurt writes all of the lyrics, but we all collaborate on the music, and finally our songs are produced by Jeff Deihl.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Jim Morrison, Van Halen, Stone Temple Piolots, Alice in Chains, Godsmack, Creed, Tool, as well as many others I’m sure we are leaving out.
Do you guys play outside of Indianapolis a lot?
Yes, we play in Angola a lot. We like playing in Findlay, Ohio as well. We have played in Anderson and we are in the planning for a tour on the east coast.
Do you have a favorite venue to play?
I think if we had to choose just one, it would be Skips in Angola, Indiana. Skips has a great stage, awesome memorabilia on the walls, is very nostalgic, and a crowd that really knows how to party.
What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?
We play an annual festival in Anderson called Goenpalooza, we’ll actually be there on June 19th to release our debut album, Roll Down Easy. Usually Goenpalooza averages around 5,000 people. We have also played Verizon Wireless Music Center’s second stage with acts like Nickelback, Papa Roach, and Hinder.
The smallest?
I think we’ve all played to our girlfriends and mothers at one time or another.
What are you drinking on stage?
Usually our stage is littered with empty Coors Light bottles and shot glasses that once contained Jager or Jager bombs.
How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson?
Matt mourned for days, and still may just not be the same. It was a huge loss for the music industry, and he will be missed.
Where do you guys practice?
We have a rehearsal space in Fortville, Indiana.
Describe your genre in one word.
Rock.
How do you guys know Fred Shafer?
He is a good friend of our bass player, Myles. We recently shared the stage with Fred and he has now invited us to go out on the road with him. We will be playing with Fred at Birdy’s Bar & Grill on July 24th.
Do you guys still play all acoustic sets?
No, since 2008 we have been a full band, we have played full sets. However, we do play acoustic appearances every great once in a while.
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
A few weeks ago, we were at Skips Party Place in Angola and there was an older Asian lady who had it hot for our drummer. She chased him around all night and on the breaks, and toward the end of the night, she decided she would have him…on stage. After she was asked to leave the stage, she fell down the stairs, popped back up and pointed at our drummer and winked.
So tell me a little bit more about Goenpalooza?
Central Indiana’s largest charity festival, summed up simply. It is full of live music, vendors, poker runs (motorcycle rides), and is just one hell of a party that spans for two days. This year you can catch Goenpalooza on June 18th and 19th. We’ll be there on the 19th, for a show you won’t want to miss.
Do you guys have jobs outside of music?
Yes we all have day jobs, but music is our passion, and it’s what we all want to do with our lives.
Where can I get some Alter Ego merchandise?
Selection is limited right now, but this summer, we will be bolstering our merch with necklaces, shirts, shot glasses, stickers, and much more. Right now you can pre-order our debut release “Roll Down Easy” (release date 6/19/2010) by going to our online merch store.
Do you guys have thoughts on a full-length disc any time soon?
You bet man, Roll Down Easy is due out on 6/19/2010.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you go?
I think like most rock acts out there, we would probably head west to Los Angeles.
I hear you guys play some covers here and there. What is your favorite cover to play?
There are a couple of cover songs we all love to play. Ten Ton Brick by Hurt and Sober by Tool.
If you could only play one song for the rest of your career what song would you perform?
Saved, which is one of the songs on our upcoming album.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully making hit records and doing what we love for a living.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
Great original songs, by a great band, who puts on one hell of a show.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
We would love to thank all of our fans, old and new. We have the best fans in the world, and we would be nowhere without them.
