4 Questions with Ascending to Avalon

Ascending to Avalon was started in March 2008, when Ryen Gerson (vocals, guitar) started jamming with Lance Miller (drums) and Eric Bourne (guitar) on some material that sat around in the depths of his mind. The trio quickly formed a bond which led them to record over 20 original songs and put forth a rough demo recorded in Ryen’s basement. Ascending to Avalon has spent the last 3 months hard at work perfecting songs out of their catalog of originals with the intent of putting forth an EP slated for release late May/early June. Ryen took out some time to discuss their song “Salvation” and when we can expect their first official release.

1) Tell us a bit about your song on the No Lip Vol. 2 compilation.
“Salvation” is a song about finding confidence in yourself no matter what, hard as it is and tough as it can get, I believe people should always rely on themselves and their loved ones to help them through turbulent times. The song was no more than the main riff you hear in the beginning. Over a year ago I had fumbled around with some arrangements and guitar parts for the choruses and verses, one day I just put up some mics and thought “I won’t over think it!” and that’s how the version of “Salvation” came to be. Then as a band we jammed on it for several months feeling out the song. When we felt like we had reached a good place with it we holed up in studio and put it tape! The track was produced by Ivan Pena  of Mohawk Bomb Records.

2) How is the music scene doing in your town? What can be done to improve it?
The music scene in Tampa isn’t dying, but it could sure use a blood transfusion. Metal bands have always been the popular around here for as long as i can remember. The Tampa Bay music scene is in need of band/fan interaction, that’s what’s missing from live shows. People need to connect with the bands they see on stage in order for it to create a bigger buzz. Bands need to be aggressive about their music, sell their music. Bands, your music IS your soul. It is your passion! so use that and bring those emotions onto the stage and into every interaction with a club owner or a fan or anyone who is interested in you!

3) Why did you decide to go with Mohawk Bomb Records on this comp?
Mohawk’s motto is something we as band agree with. They have the desire to put forth new music in new and creative ways. They care about their artists and they care about their product. This isn’t just a business for them, it’s a way of life. It’s a passion. That was the most appealing factor.

4) What are your plans for 2009?
Come the summer time, Mohawk Bomb will put forth our first release, which will be a 7-song EP called “Quiet Before The Storm” Look for that in the coming months as well as touring Florida and writing new material for our first full length sometime late this year.

Learn more about Ascending to Avalon on their MySpace page

Comments

Copyright © 2008 Mohawk Bomb Records