Interview: Senses Fail

Senses Fail have been rocking for a decade with no sign of slowing down soon. The band have been all over the place this year touring with acts such as Man Overboard, Stick To Your Guns and Hostage Calm. The NJ group will perform at Starland Ballroom on Friday along with Saves The Day. Below, vocalist Buddy Nielsen discusses seminars, thoughts on the current NJ music scene and plans for next year.

1) The band is currently writing their new album. How is that going?

We actually haven't fully started writing. We have done a writing session and got a couple demos together. We will be demoing some new material in February with Brian McTernan but there are no plans right now to record a new record.

2) You recently hosted seminars to help those wanting to make it in the music industry. How did those turn out?

I think they went awesome. It was my first time trying to put in to words the things I have learned from the past ten years of being in the music business. At first it was a little overwhelming to try and figure out the topics I should touch on but it ended up feeling very natural. A bunch of people came out and everyone had great questions that were focused and were on a wide range of topics. I enjoyed it very much and would love to do it again.

3) Over the summer, Senses Fail hit up small venues with Hostage Calm. What was it like playing in an intimate setting?

Great. I always love playing smaller venues. Particularly Maxwells in Hoboken. Early on we played there a lot and had some pretty memorable shows. It's great to be able to go back and play old material for people that have been fans for a long time.

4) What are your thoughts on the current NJ music scene as opposed to the scene when Senses Fail started?

I think the South Jersey scene is really strong right now. Basically the whole tri-state area scene is really killing it right now in all aspects of music. It's interesting to see how much music comes out of the NJ, PA, NY, CT and MA area. It's not just hardcore and punk. It's metal, hip hop and indie music. I think there is some really good music coming out of this area again. It hit a little bit of a lull in the mid 00's but it's back strong now.

5) What are you looking forward to about the Starland Ballroom show?          

Playing with Saves They Day. They are one of the reasons I wanted to be in a band and are an inspiration to me in many ways. Their new record is incredible and I can't wait to finally hear them play some of the new material. Of course I also love to play a home town show. It's the best of both worlds. Oh, also I cant forget, I love Balance And Composure. Every time I see them play it gets better and better.

6) What's next for Senses Fail in 2012?

We have some touring plans for the US and are working on some international stuff. In the spring we are going to get into the writing of the new record and have a couple other cool things planned as well. This Feb will be our ten year anniversary so I am very excited about that.

Catch Senses Fail at Starland Ballroom this Friday w/ Saves The Day, Balance and Composure and Banquets. $1 from each ticket sold will go towards helping longtime NJ venue The Court Tavern. Tickets are on sale right now via Ticketmaster.