The Higher talks business.
Artist: The Higher
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Epitaph
Social Networking:
Myspace- www.myspace.com/thehigher
Suggested Audio Favorite-“Dare” (off of “On Fire”, 2007)
Review and interview by Ella Goldsmith (www.twitter.com/ella_goldsmith)
“The city of sin” isn’t just home to casinos and tons of tourists. Seth, Doug, Jason, and Reggie make up The Higher, a pop rock band that has helped put Las Vegas on the map, and with good reason. Blending pop into an array of sub-pop genres, while proving the pop punk does not need to be painfully corny, The Higher has created a very eclectic sound (and as a result, a very impressive discography filled with amazing, harmonies, and everything a pop fan could ask for).
The band released their newest album, entitled “It’s Only Natural” in June 2009, and the buzz has been inescapable. With international tours under their belts, including trips to the UK and Japan, The Higher has reached new heights. The band’s creative talent, alongside the ability to embrace multiple artists and craft lyrics that are more than just filler, has led the band to gain international attention, with adoring fans located around the world.
“It’s Only Natural” is one of the most enjoyable albums of this year, with songs such as “The Black Dress” and “It’s Only Natural”, that are almost impossible to get off of mental replay. But don’t let these songs keep you from taking a look into older Higher albums”Star Is Dead” (2003), “Histrionics” (2005) , and “On Fire” (2007), which have some incredible songs. You will be impressed with the band’s progression, but even more excited to see what The Higher will do next.
Be sure to check out big things from the band at myspace.com/thehigher and out on tour with Quietdrive!
Hey guys. So, you’re embarking on a tour with Quietdrive and Cory. What do you have to say about these guys?
So far, its been amazing. Quietdrive are an amazing band and an amazing bunch dudes. We couldn’t be happier to be sharing the stage with them every night. Great band. Unfortunately, Cory wasn’t able to do the tour. We’ve heard only good things about him. Hopefully well play some shows with him in the near future.
Do you feel that you can subjugate yourselves to a single genre?
I think we make it a point to try and combine a few different genres. We appreciate a very different variety of artists, and i really think it shows in the songs we write. Anything from The-Dream to Metallica to Maroon 5. We dig it all.
Give us your top three musical guilty pleasures.
We dont have any music guilty pleasures. We admit to liking Brittany Spears, Mariah Carey, and Taylor Swift.
Tell us something embarrassing about one of the band members.
I have the perfect story for this one. While we were in Japan on this last trip, we were asked to sign a poster for one of the largest clothing stores in Tokyo. Face had been the guy writing “The Higher ” out on all the posters wed be signing since he as the best hand writing. Right before he was about to write out “The Higher”, i made a comment about how he was the go to guy for writing out our band name. Needless to say, right then and there he misspelled it! “The Highr” is what we got. I still don’t
know how it happened and neither does he. I’d never seen him more red in my life. A classic in moment in our bands history that ill never forget.
What’s the best part of tour for you guys?
The playing part. Just to get that release out every night is amazing. We have some of the best fans, they make everything worth it.
What’s the inspiration behind “The Black Dress”? Any girl in particular?
Face wrote that song. He had been watching “The Wedding Crashers” alot and Will Ferrells character really inspired him i guess……that and his girlfriends black dress she worn on this past New Years.
How has Epitaph been treating you?
Great. They support everything we do as artists. We couldn’t be happier.
What’s on your ipod, stereo, or discman (if anyone besides me uses those anymore)?
I use my Iphone as my ipod. I’ve been jamming alot of random stuff. Alice in Chains, Death Cab for Cutie, Mariah Carey, Kascade, Sade. A girl from the Sacromento california area named Alexis Forchette sent me a song of hers thats really good. I’ve been rockin that.
“Its Only Natural” is a great album. What’s been the most positive response you’ve gotten so far?
Japan Japan Japan! Our first single “It’s Only Natural” got to #8 on the top 100 singles. In July, we played the Fuji Rock Festival to 5 thousand people, and just a week ago we returned from playing 2 sold out shows in Tokyo and Osaka. During our trip to Fuji rock, Doug and I were walking around downtown Tokyo and on one of the huge Megatron screens, they were playing a Sean Kingston video. I said something to Doug like, ” wouldn’t it be cool if they played our video up there”. Seconds later our video was up there being played! We were stunned. Only the best times in Japan.
Growing up, did you know you were destined to play music?
My dad knew before I did. He signed me up for piano lessons originally, then moved me to guitar. I dont know what he saw in me that made him think I would have any sort of talent, but whatever it was i guess he knew what he was doing. I know Seth from a young age was singing in church. His whole family is very musical. All his siblings have amazing voices.
What do you have to say about the new Cartel album? The new Paramore album?
I haven’t had a chance to listen to the new Cartel Record, but i love the previous 2. I love the new Paramore record. I think its their best one yet. The opening track “Careful” is amazing. The melody Hayley takes at the end of the chorus gives me chills. Great song.
Give us 8 adjectives to describe The Higher.
amiable
energetic
provocative
vibrant
spiffy
thirsty
intense
impatient
What’s one artist you think the world should be looking out for, other than yourselves?
The-Dream. That guy is insanely talented. I’m always on the look for anything hes apart of it. He’s written numerous hits for other artist, and both of his solo records are leaps and bounds better than anything coming out in that genre. We’d love to work with him. It would be a dream, no pun intended.
Thanks guys!
