10 Questions with Within War

Trudi Goldsmith caught up with  Sam and Jack from four piece heavy Rock band Within War  to ask them a bit about the band ahead of  their Headline  gig this Saturday 7^th June  with Llanelli Music Scene at the Kazbar Rock Club.

Tell us about yourselves, ( Names and role in the band)

I’m Sam Blacksteen and I’m the guitarist, handsome one and the songwriter!

I’m  Jack deSchoolmeester. I am the band’s drummer (or the useless noise maker as the boys call me) I am also one of the original band members. Quite possibly I am the noisiest and best looking member of Within War

Rich Berry is on guitar and vocals and  William Hayman plays  bass guitar.

How long has the band been together?

Jack : The band was formed nearly a year ago now! We celebrate our first birthday in July! Sam joined in November and then Rich joined in March.

What are your musical influences?

Sam: My main influences are anything 80s and hard rock such as Dokken, Van Halen, Gary Moore etc. electronic pop like Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys but a massive influence on me has been music from movies and games.

Jack: I have a few musical influences, the first metal band I listened to and liked were Saxon.. but that was before I even played the drums. My favourite band and my biggest musical influence has to be Iron Maiden! Along with System Of a Down and Rammstein. I would say Nicko Mcbrain and John Dolmayan are the two drummers that have influenced my style the most.

What is it about your band that makes you different to others?

Sam: I think the diverse range of influences and our individual styles make us quite different to other bands. We all represent a different decade and spectrum.

Jack : We as a band like to run around and put on a show for the people watching us along with putting on a great musical performance. If you watch us, every one of us is doing something unique and different. Personally I think that is the main difference. No matter where we play we will give it our all

What plans have Within War got for the rest of 2014 ?

Sam: We have our first EP coming out to follow up on Shelter which will be like a prologue to our album and a bunch of other cool stuff which is under strict embargo at the moment so we can’t say much! —

Jack:  We have huge plans for the rest of 2014! Some of which I can reveal and some I can’t! The part I can reveal is that we are releasing our debut EP in the Summer. We will keep everyone updated via our website and Facebook/Twitter pages about any upcoming plans that do get announced.

Are there any funny stories behind why a particular song was written?

Jack : I wouldn’t say any funny stories as of yet, but we do have some cool stories behind lyrics and tunes. Our single Shelter takes the listener through the thoughts and experiences of someone living through the BLITZ in Swansea during the second world war. As a band called WITHIN WAR people tend to associate us as an Anti War band or as a band who promotes war. We are neither of them. We all have different views on war and different opinions, but we do all believe in the fight for freedom and goodness. We believe that listeners all around the world can unite through our music and onstage antics and that it will bring peace! Take time off from fighting and arguing and come see a show.

Are there any messages you are trying to get across in the music?

Sam: I’m trying to declare my eternal love to Taylor Swift.

What are the downsides / upsides of being in the band ?

Sam: One of the upsides is that the other guys are all ugly gremlins so I look pretty hot in contrast when I’m with them

Jack : There are plenty of upsides from being in the band. Personally I get such a rush from playing and being onstage that I don’t want to come off! We all bond really well together and spend a lot of time together on and off the stage, we are all really good mates as well as bandmates. The only downside I can think of is time. You need a lot of patience to be in a band. You need to wait for your music to be mixed, produced and for the right people to listen to it before you see any results, which can be a long time sometimes!

Within War photo by Trudi G

What can people who come out to watch one of your gigs expect ?

Sam: Expect to see lots of jumping around, air humping, hot songs and guitar solos! —

Jack : If you came to a Within War gig you would expect to see a lot of running around and enjoyment. We all love being onstage and performing and so we will always do our best to give you a good experience! You really have to come down and see us to answer that question fully for yourselves but we promise not to disappoint!

Where can people who want to know more about Within War find out about you?

Jack : For more information on the band, live gigs, biography, discography, pictures and much more visit our official website www.withinwar.com our facebook page www.facebook.com/withinwar and follow us on twitter @withinwar Our single Shelter is out now! It is available on our website also!

Catch Within War supported by Etherian at the Kazbar for Llanelli Music Scene Night on Saturday 7th June . Bands will play after 11pm on the night.