Posted on May 23, 2005 by Skies To Dust

There is a reason why this band called there latest album The Curse and that’s because of the bad luck they had to deal with. But we on the other hand at Europunk we’re lucky to do an interview with them! Atreyu is not your average emocore or metalcore band, no they’re a variety of things, they deliver a show, are always nicely dressed up and the best part is that they kick ass on stage! I had a little chat with Marc and here is the result of it!

Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Marc McKnight and I play bass in Atreyu.

Atreyu started out as a straight punkrock band, how did you guys evolve to the music you’re playing right now?

Well I wasn’t in the band for the next few questions, but I’ll do by best to answer these, based on the facts I already know… They started out as a band called Retribution, which was more punk than anything, and then decided to change their name to Atreyu and become a bit heavier. The band evolved as the member grew older and more experienced musicians.

What where your intentions when you started the band?

Just to play music. They loved (and love) to just play shows and write music they love.

How does Atreyu start writing an album and in what way was writing the new album, The Curse, different from writing the previous albums.

Basically, Dan and Brandon begin with the basics for the songs, they bring it together at practice and work the structure out with Travis and then Alex comes in with the lyrics and him and Brandon figure out melodies. Writing the two albums was basically the same I think.

What did producer GGarth contribute to your album and sound?

Honestly, no idea. I know he was very happen with the demos they had recorded, and didn’t change many things.

What are for you the biggest differences between "Suicides Notes & Butterfly Kisses" And "The Curse"?

I’d say maturity in Alex’s lyrics. He is an amazing writer, but definitely stepped it up for the curse.

I was told that you decided to call the album "The Curse" because you guys have had lots of bad luck?

And you are correct. They have had so many terrible things happen to them, bands break up when they tour with us; we just have bad luck.

You made a Bon Jovi cover for the limited edition of "The Curse", why Bon Jovi?

Well, we wanted to do a cover song, and Alex really likes Bon Jovi, so we decided to do you give love a bad name.

What are Atreyu’s biggest influences for writing music? And for you?

Well, it completely varies. They all love a variety of music, but mostly: Dan loves the 80’s, Travis loves more mellow pretty stuff, Brandon likes more structured songs, and they bring all of those together in their music.

How does it feel to constantly be related to Orange County, especially after that TV show? Any chance of covering the theme tune?

We don’t mind being related to Orange County, we love it there. As for the TV show, it’s a great show, but totally inaccurate for 95% of life in the OC. And nah, I don’t think we’re gonna cover that Phantom Planet song anytime soon..

What is your opinion on fashion in music today? And what do you think about people categorizing Atreyu as a fashion core-band?

Well, I highly doubt we’re a fashion core band, right now, I’m just wearing jeans and a t-shirt, so is Brandon and Travis. Fashion core isn’t even real. Fashion has nothing to do with our musical styles, we just wear what we like.

Some people describe Atreyu as "Making extreme music more accessible", what’s your vision on this?

Well, being a fan of the band before I had the opportunity to be a part of it, I saw there were load and loads of kids who liked Atreyu as their first hardcore band, we’re a “gateway” band, if you will.

When you’re on tour, do you have day jobs back home to be concerned about? Who has/had the shittiest day job?

Well, we tour so much now that we don’t have much time for day jobs. We’re only home for a few weeks at a time. This is our day job, haha. I’m the only person who has another profession, and its not even really considered a job, I’m just a graphic designer for bands. I wouldn’t consider making t-shirts for your friends band a job.

What sacrifices did you have to make to become The Atreyu you are right now?

Leaving our friends and family behind, being on the road for 9 months out of the year, and all of us losing our sanity at some point or another.

What’s your ultimate aim for the band?

Just to play shows for as many people as we can. We love what we do, and as long as the kids show up to see us play, we’ll be there.

Do you find touring in Europe any different to the US?

Well, Language barriers are a big deal for us, its hard not being able to communicate with your fans. The kids also seem to go a bit more nuts for us over there, cause they don’t get to see us as often.

How are you getting on with the other bands on the tour?

Very, very well. Norma Jean have become our best friends, they are some of the nicest people ever. Unearth are great dudes, we’ve all been friends for a while. He is Legend were only on the Europe portion, but they are an amazing band and good people.

What band would you say you’ve had the most fun touring with?

For me it’d be Norma Jean. I’ve loved that band since before their first cd was released. Seeing them live 4years ago (before I even knew Atreyu) made we want to go more nuts on stage, and their music has inspired me to be more artistic. Plus they’re just great to hangout with, always happy, positive guys.

Whose music have you been listening to on the bus?

I’m a huge fan of Tooth & Nail and Solid State Records for some reason, even though I’m not religious whatsoever. My top ten right now would have to be: He Is Legend, Norma Jean, Johnny Cash, Nine Inch Nails, Hot Water Music, Underoath, Refused, Me Without You, Beloved and Willie Nelson.

Do you get homesick when you are on tour?

Sometimes yeah, I miss my friends a lot. But usually I just go numb for however long I’m gone.

How did you manage to find so many nice ladies for the Right Side of the Bed video?

The director knew a bunch of them, and Crystal Steele (sp?) is an adult film actress Alex liked.

Wearing make-up is cool. Discuss!

I’ve never worn make up besides the 2 video shoots we’ve done, but it was only to make myself look paler than I already am. Some of the other guys wear makeup, but just sometimes on stage. That’s about it.

Taken On:

May 23rd, 2005

Interviewees:

Marc Mcnight - Bass

Related Links:

• www.atreyurock.com

Album Reviews

	A Death Grip On Yesterday Mar 28, 2006
	The Curse Jun 29, 2004

Gig Reviews

Sep 12, 2006 Effenaar

Interviews

	Nov 19, 2007 London Astoria
	May 23, 2005