Still September is a young band just starting their musical career. The band recently competed against five other bands – and won – the Battle of the Bands competition at Northwestern College in Roseville, MN. By far, Still September had the most professional and tightest sound. Their prize was a feature article in Rift Magazine.
Still September consists of Ryan Zimmer (main songwriter, lead vocalist and rhythm guitar), Dan West (drums), Paul Schoolmeesters (lead guitar) and Christian Ankrum (bass).
Zimmer answered Rift’s questions about the band and their future plans.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Always pushing to become better and not letting yourself level off. Also, just the whole music scene – there are so many amazing Minneapolis bands, trying to find your niche here can be tough.
What’s been the best thing that’s happened to Still September so far?
Becoming part of the Minneapolis music scene. It’s cool when you get to know the other musicians, hang out with them and learn from them. It’s like a big family. And it’s really exciting to see a band you know become successful.
How do you write and arrange songs?
I write them and then take them to the band. Everyone contributes their own thing; we usually change some arrangements, tweak a melody or a riff ... and after a few hours, we’ve put a song together.
Are there any venues in town you’d like to play, but haven’t yet?
The Fine Line is a must for any Twin Cities band and the Varsity is another club with a cool atmosphere that’d be fun to play at.
It says on your Myspace page you have too many influences to mention. Name a few of your influences.
Coldplay, Maroon 5, Keane and U2 would be the major ones. A lot of local artists have influenced and/or mentored us, such as Grayshot, Rollan, Moxie Bliss, Mainstay and Elizibeth Hunnicutt.
What are the band’s short term goals?
To keep doing what we’re doing. We’re also heading into the studio in August to start tracking on our next EP.
What are the band’s long-term goals?
It’s good to make goals, but there’s also reality to consider. It’d be nice to have the band thing as a career ... so we’ll just leave it at that.
www.myspace.com/stillseptember |
