Versus The World told us all about themselves and their music and we think it’s great! Let’s see what they have to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
I wish there was a rad story. It has an “us against them” kind of vibe. I feel like i would want to tell you all the band names on the list that didn’t make it! Some of them were terrible!!
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
Mike Daventport started this project after he’d walked away from the Ataris. We’ve been friends since i was 16 so most of my life we’ve been hanging out together. Chris Flippin came to us because he really liked the songs. Lagwagon is from Santa Barbara too so Chris and I were friends but this is our first project together. Its been years now so it worked out pretty well! Same thing with Sean. He’d been in Authority Zero and Good Riddance so we’ve all toured with him over the years. When he moved to Santa Barbara and we needed a drummer it was a pretty obvious move for us. Tony and Pat came from Murderland and Dead Country and have become some of my favorite writing partners.
How would you describe your sound?
Its obviously steeped in punk but all of us love metal so we all lean into the heavier side of things. Melody is the main focus of our music but its rad to have really great musicians to make the music behind the melody really well done.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
I feel like that question would be answered differently by which member you asked… You got the singer today so I really listen mainly to oldies. Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, Willie Nelson… but rock and punk bands I really love Bayside, Alkaline Trio ect… but my favorite bands are The Hold Steady and The Refreshments.
What’s the last song you listened to?
I just got the video edit for our new video Roadsick/Roadsick so that’s funny. But other than that i was listening to Drag the River.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I dont really find new bands that often. I always buy new records from the bands I love. But new artists I see when they’re opening for bands Im going to see.
Who is your dream producer?
Just wrapped up a record with Cameron Webb and that was an absolute blast. I look forward to working with him again. I like Mark Trambino’s work. That would be great.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I’d like to work with Craig Finn. I think he writes the most intelligent lyrics I’ve ever heard.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
My mother loved rock n roll. The Beatles, Tom Jones. She had me singing, playing the piano & guitar since i was a kid. I continue to make it because its my first love. Im addicted and it will be with me until i die.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
My favorite way is to get with Tony, open some wine and get our ideas out. I love writing music at home to get ideas down but when we get together that’s when it begins to feel real.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
I prefer to play shows but touring took a break for a while… I’m stoked to get back to it!
https://www.facebook.com/vstheworldmusic
https://www.instagram.com/versustheworldmusic
What’s next for you?
Heading to Europe to do some festivals and get some shows under our belt. We have some new songs to sing and some old friends to see.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
The Bastards Live forever is coming out in May!
