Morning Metal – All Else Fails Interview
(L-R, Barrett, Seedy, Ryan, Mike – Photo credits to Barrett Klesko)
Who are the members of All Else Fails, and what is your respective position in the band?
Barrett Klesko – Vocals, Guitars, Programming.
Seedy Mitch – Bass, Vocals.
Mike Sands – Guitars.
Ryan Biggs – Drums.
Where did the name “All Else Fails” come from?
It doesn’t really matter. It probably means something different to each of us, and has no deeper meaning on the whole.
For newer fans, why should they check out the band?
Because hearing new music is always a good thing, and hopefully they will like it. Also, we are pretty proud of the album and love to share it.
 Tell us about your most recent release, Fucktropolis.
Where did you do the recording?
We recorded it at Signals Audio in Calgary with Alex Wilkinson.
 How was the song writing process?
Long! We had been working on the songs over the previous couple of years while we were in between tours. Our writing process is fairly chaotic, no real pattern to it in regards to who does what.
 I came across Fucktropolis when I was skimming through Asher Media Relations bands and absolutely LOVED the sound from the get go. After listening to your past releases, Fucktropolis has a very dark, angry tone to it compared to something like “This Burden of Life”.
What was the goal with Fucktropolis?
Honestly, the same goal we always have, just write what we feel. This one is definitely heavier, but it’s never really a conscious decision to write a specific style, just work on what we like, and discard the rest.
All Else Fails in endorsed by a variety of different companies, most notably – Indie Guitars. How did you get involved with them and what models are you guys sporting?
We picked up a pamphlet of theirs at Canadian Music week a couple years ago and I got in touch with them after checking out some of their models. Sweet guitars, I have a Shredder and an IPR.
 What about Evertune and EMG?
The Evertune one is my favorite, those bridges are straight up magic. I have them in all my guitars, they really do everything they advertise, plus it’s really cool to be up on their artist page with the likes of Joe Satriani, Scott Ian, and John 5. EMG has also been great to us, we aren’t on their official roster, but they have hooked us up in the past, so we post their logo as a thanks. I also just signed a new endorsement with Jericho guitars out of Texas, they make these really kickass long scale guitars that have this crazy heavy sound, but aren’t quite a baritone. Pretty cool shit.
 All Else Fails has shared the stage with very notable acts from Canada such as Protest The Hero, Threat Signal and Cancer Bats and even acts such as Five Finger Death Punch, A Perfect Circle and Suffocation – is there a specific show that has stuck with you?
 Last week at Tail Creek Mud and Music Fest in central Alberta was crazy, we played right in between Killswitch Engage and Korn, and the crowd was just absolutely batshit insane! Easily a career highlight.
 Worst tour/show story?
 We were playing at a little bar in a fairly small town in Saskatchewan and at one point the bartender went for a smoke and we were literally playing to no one. We packed up our shit and got drunk.
 When it comes to record deals and record labels – what are some factors that come into play when you’re looking for a good deal?Â
 I have no idea, we have been an indie band since the beginning. Enough money to feed and clothe ourselves would probably be nice…
 What is the metal scene in dire need of? Aside from all metal heads to stop trashing each other, of course.
 That thing you just said mostly, the people who aren’t into the whole elitist culture thing are awesome, so I guess more of those?
 What are you guys up to for the rest of the year?
 We have a couple more shows (Loud as Hell Festival in Drumheller, on August 3rd, and Dickens Pub in Calgary on Sept. 19th, and then it’s time to start writing a brand new disc!
 What would it take to get you guys to come to Ottawa? I’ll book the show!
 Probably just a handful of tour dates and the promise of a good party!
 Thanks again, guys!
 Our pleasure.
Stream Fucktropolis – http://allelsefails.ca/music/
Follow All Else Fails – https://www.facebook.com/AllElseFailsCanada
Indie Guitar Co –Â http://www.indieguitars.com/
James Rockso – Host of CKCU 93.1 FM’s Morning Metal & Engineer at Pebble Studios.
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Morning Metal 2014.