Amanda Gilman

Vans Warped Tour 2013: Interview with Emily's Army

• Report rights infringement
• published: 01 Jul 2013
• views: 2777

Vans Warped Tour 2013: Interview with Emily's Army Amanda Hernandez got a chance to talk with the guys from Emily's Army at the Vans Warped Tour stop at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, CA. The band is made up of Cole Becker, Max Becker, Travis Neumann and Joey Armstrong. Influenced by the rich East Bay music scene, Gilman Street, classic power pop, and garage rock, Emily's Army craft heartfelt teenage anthems dealing in cautionary tales, politics, and the pressures of adolescence. The band members have known each other for most of their lives and discovered their passion for music together. From four-year olds hitting piñatas to little league baseball to surfing to collecting punk rock records; Max, Cole, and Joey formed the band in 2004 as Raining Souls. The name didn't stick but it wasn't long before inspiration arrived for one that would. Brothers Max and Cole's 15-year-old cousin Emily was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 1998 and has suffered from the disease her entire life. In tribute, the band adopted the name Emily's Army, which also happens to be the moniker for a fundraising organization in their cousin's honor. The prolific song-writing brothers Max and Cole Becker write songs and play guitar as if it was attached to them at birth. Travis, who joined the band in 2009, brings forth a guitar swagger that compliments the Becker boys and can serve as an anchor to the tumultuous brotherhood of the band. Joey hammers the drums with such energy; you'll rarely find him sitting on his drum stool. Teenage anger bleeds through the album in songs like "Broadcast This" and "Gutter". Injustice is tackled in the track "Bad Cop" which sheds light on corrupt BART police. Max wears his heart on his sleeve with songs like "Strictly For The Birds" (an ode to Catcher in the Rye), "I Wanna Be Remembered" (dedicated to his cousin Emily) and "Burn Apollo" which resonates with pure honesty. The songs overflow with angst and sincerity, but they're also catchy -- sure to leave a memorable impact on any listener. The dynamics of the brother's songwriting allow them to distinguish themselves -- but this also compliments and adds to the chemistry of their sound. The band has been playing clubs and all ages shows up and down the California coast for 2 years—even getting a chance to open a gig at the infamous Bowery Electric in New York City. The bands latest album, "Lost at 17" is available now. To Purchase Emily's Army Lost at 17: http://emilysarmy.merchnow.com/ Emily's Army Website: http://www.emilysarmyband.com Host: Amanda Hernandez Edited by: Michael Sandoval Filmed By: Michael Sandoval Follow M.U.S.E. - Music Unity Sports Entertainment at: Website - http://www.whosurmuse.com Facebook - http://www.Facebook.com/whosurmuse Twitter - @whosurmuse Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/whosurmuse Music by Apple Computer, Inc. iMovie © 2013 M.U.S.E. - Music Unity Sports Entertainment