About this interview
In a 2008 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Eyes Set to Kill members Alexia Rodriguez, Anissa Rodriguez, Caleb Clifton, and Greg Kerwin shared their journey from high school musicians to a touring, signed band, offering insight into the DIY grind, life on the road, and their experiences as one of the few female-fronted bands in post-hardcore.
The Arizona-based band recalled how they formed in high school. They talked about how they built their fanbase from the ground up, starting with small local gigs and booking their own first tour entirely through MySpace. They detailed how that independent hustle ultimately led them to their record deal with Suburban Noize Records.
Discussing the realities of the music industry, they debunked the myth that getting signed means instant success. The band admitted that they still rely heavily on merch and tour guarantees to stay afloat, with CD sales yet to generate income due to label recoupments. They also highlighted the harsh truths of touring, from the exhausting travel and financial struggles to the difficulty of being sick on the road without the comforts of home.
Eyes Set to Kill also touched on the unique challenges of being a female-fronted band in a male-dominated genre. While they acknowledged that some audiences doubted their abilities at first, they took pride in proving skeptics wrong night after night. They also shared stories of awkward fan interactions, including guys hitting on them and assuming they’d be easy to impress just because they were in a band.
Despite the hardships, they emphasized that the passion for music keeps them going. Hearing from fans who say their songs helped them through breakups, family struggles, or even suicidal thoughts reinforced why they do what they do. Their advice to up-and-coming musicians? Stay dedicated, keep practicing, book shows, save money, and never lose sight of why you started.