About this interview
In a 2008 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Andy Williams of Every Time I Die talks about the changing landscape of the music industry, the grind of being in a band for over a decade, and his frustrations with newer bands that seem to achieve instant success without putting in the same level of effort. Reflecting on the early days before the internet made networking easier, Andy describes how bands used to rely on personal connections and relentless work ethic to book shows and get their names out. He contrasts this with modern bands that, in his view, often lack the same dedication, achieving major label deals and bus tours within months of forming.
Andy shares his candid thoughts on the rise of MySpace-era bands, calling out certain acts for their rapid, seemingly undeserved success, while lamenting that truly talented bands like Cave In often go overlooked. He doesn’t hold back when discussing bands he isn’t fond of, particularly Chiodos, explaining his frustrations with their attitude and stage presence. At the same time, he praises bands like Trap Them, Saviours, and Torche, emphasizing how fresh and exciting their music feels. He predicts that Torche will be a game-changer in the same way Nirvana was, believing their unique blend of heavy, sludgy, yet melodic songwriting will shake up the industry.
The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding Every Time I Die’s association with Fall Out Boy, with Andy defending his longtime friendship with Pete Wentz against critics who questioned their collaboration. He dismisses the backlash as misguided, pointing out that fans often react negatively based on perceptions rather than the reality of personal relationships in the music scene. He also discusses recording ethics, explaining why the band avoids excessive digital editing and prefers a raw, natural sound in their recordings, striving for an energy and urgency that many modern bands lack.
In a lighter moment, Andy talks about his personal habits, including being straight edge for 16 years, and shares a bizarre but hilarious story about his past addiction to Skittles, admitting he once ate up to six or seven bags a day as a stress reliever. He describes the struggle of quitting cold turkey and jokes about how the pineapple Skittles from the tropical mix still haunt his cravings. The interview wraps up with Andy reflecting on Every Time I Die’s career, their approach to live shows, and the importance of staying true to their DIY roots despite the ever-changing music industry.