Promise The Ghost - 15 Rounds
by: Buzz Staff
As if you didn't know, Promise The Ghost has returned back to the Birmingham music scene. So we here at The Birmingham Buzz decided to see if they would go the 15 Rounds with us...so here we go...
1. Tell our readers who's in your band and what kind of sound to expect.
PtG is Joel Owen, Jimmy Clark, James Wahl, Mikal Thompson, and Tyler Franklin.
We are an aggressive rock band.
2. Let's get this out of the way, where did your band name originate?
Well we've all had our share of empty promises right? Thats kind of where the name comes from.
3. Give us a brief history of the band and any releases that are available.
Refer to the bio on our myspace page for this one.
[editor edit - bio taken from their myspace page] Promise the Ghost is a Rock experience. Made up of four longtime friends who set out to innovate Rock music with their passion to reach people with Rock n Roll. There are many genres of Rock music out there today, and you can probably classify PtG in a few of them, but where this band differs from many others is there passion to be nothing more than themselves and inspirational musicians. Promise the Ghost is not a TREND it is a rock experience from Birmingham, Alabama. With Joel Owen on Vocals/Guitar, Jimmy Clark on Guitar/Vocals, Mikal Thompson on Drums, and James Wahl on the Bass. These are the four gentlemen that make up this experience seeking out to deliver their interpretation of Rock music as it is heard through their ears. Forming in the fall of 2001 PtG has since been playing show after show throughout the southeast U.S. Writing an ongoing library of music and recording demos in hope that someone will pick them up and set them free. Sharing the stage with bands such as: The Used, Every Time I Die,From Autumn to Ashes, STUN, From First to Last, Haste, and Breaking Benjamin. Receiving air play from local radio stations Z100.5 and 107.7 the X and also playing festivals such as Birminghams City Stages 03 - 05 and the infamous Furnace Fest. Promise the Ghost has proven to many that they are ready to take on the world. With the recent set backs and regrouping to form a much stronger PtG, taking on an additional guitarist by the name of Tyler Franklin. The band has now become even more capable.
4. Does your band have a website? And where can we check out your music?
Our website is under construction right now [www.promisetheghost.com], but you can get any info you need about us on myspace.com/promisetheghost
5. Tell us what you like best about the Birmingham music scene and where you think it could use some improvement.
Birmingham is great because of the many different types of bands/musicians there are playing in this city, but the problem is that people are lazy and would rather sit at home, than go out and see some live music at a local venue.
If your a band in Birmingham you have to go out and make a name for yourself. Its up to you to get those people to your shows.
6. Where do you see the band 3 years from now?
Giving the same amount of passion to the music and the fans, but on a much larger scale.
7. Do you think your Birmingham connection shows in your music? If so, how?
Of course it does. The diversity in our musical influences from growing up in Birmingham, we think rubs off alot in our music.
8. How do you promote your music around Birmingham and beyond?
Promoting in Birimingham, like we said before is tough. You have to flyer like crazy, email, post bulletins, working myspace. As for getting our music beyond Birmingham. We have to tour and once again work the net. These are the only ways we have in getting our music out there without a label supporting us.
9. If you could rock the stage with any other two bands/musicians throughout history, who would it be and why?
Wow! Thats a good one. We all are influenced by so many different bands & musicians its really hard to pick, but Sunny Day Real Estate and Glassjaw would have to be on the top of the list.
10. What's the best show you feel you've played to date? Any distinct magical moments?
That would have to be December 10th 2002 at The Nick with The Used. This was our first really big show and probably the most memorable. Good times!
11. What are some of your favorite local venues, and why?
Well it just wouldn't be right if we didn't give props to The Highnote/Rockin' Horse. Sam has been there for us from the begining. Alot of people stray from this place for whatever reasons, but they have one of the best sound systems in town.
The Upsidedown Plaza is another one of our favorite places to play. The sound sucks, but its just a kick ass time every show we've played there. Everyone always comes out to a Plaza show.
12. Where do you like to drink or hang out in Birmingham? And what's the best night to go out?
The Plaza and the Garage are great places to go out and drink. You can go to these places any night of the week and its a good time.
13. Recommend some other local acts you think our readers should check out.
There are alot of bands in Birmingham, ALOT. We would have to recommend you check out Gainer first and foremost, they are hands down our favorite band in Birmingham. Other bands to see are Baak Gwai, The Bloodlet Signature, Dorean Lives, The Ackleys, and Stoned Cobra!
14. That about wraps it up. Is there anything else you want our readers to know?
We need a van, Can anyone help us?
Support local music for crying out loud!
15. One last question: After a show, do you prefer: Waffle House or IHOP?
Niether we like to go to the Cafe Risque
-Check out Promise The Ghost at soon to come website [www.promisetheghost.com] or their myspace [www.myspace.com/promisetheghost]
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