by Josh Seech
Thomas Erak is someone that makes me think about what the hell I have been doing with my life… We are the same age, and while I pride myself on having done a lot in the 26 years I have been alive, he has done so much more. He is the lead vocalist/guitarist for the band Just Like Vinyl, was named “Guitarist of the Year” in 2007 by Alternative Press and has been to countries I cannot properly pronounce. For some, his name may sound familiar; it may be the fact he was the front man for the band The Fall of Troy before their split in 2010. Just Like Vinyl is his new vehicle and it’s a pretty vehicle at that.
For people who were fans of Fall of Troy, they are going to be satisfied by the return of Erak’s signature guitar styles. The time signature changes, coupled with his furious fret-work are back and sound better than ever. His vocals have matured as well, while not changing who he is or what he wants to be. His clean vocals are stronger than before, carrying more of a rock vibe and they can turn on you in an instant with his guttural growl. This album sounds solid in its design; it has a very natural flow to it, while not being predictable. I had an opportunity to talk to Thomas as he walked around the zoo, to discuss everything from his new project to sandwiches.
Be sure you can catch Just Like Vinyl at the Doug Fir on Friday Sept 16th, it’s sure to be an awesome show.
Thank you for talking the time to chat with us. I am a pretty big fan and loving the new record. Tell us about Just Like Vinyl.
Thank you! And it’s more excitement on the stage, more mature. I actually think the band is heavier. Our new record is rock roll driven; anyone who liked The Fall of Troy will definitely like Just Like Vinyl.
I listened to your new record and one of the things I have always really like about your style, is the timing/ structure changes you incorporate, I am glad that wasn’t lost.
A lot of people don’t know this, but I wrote 90% of Fall of Troy’s stuff. Now having Jake with me on the other guitar it just adds to it. On our 1st album – it was an experiment; I played drums, Jake would play drums, and both do the guitars and bass. A month later we were on tour. With this album, it’s a lot more energy, with some Queens of the Stone Age mixed in. Having 2 guitarists this time really helped, I could totally go Smashing Pumpkins/Billy Corgan style if I wanted to.
I was totally thinking of Queens of the Stone Age when I listened! Now, I have seen you perform twice before, and the first time is when you were opening for the Deftones at the Roseland in 2007; I was blown away by what you were doing on your guitar, it seemed like a one man band the way you had your guitar looping and stringing riffs together.
The funny thing about that, I was the only guitarist for so long, a lot of people think it’s more loops than it is; I learned to play lead and rhythm. I was actually doing most at the same time, instead of looping the track. Now with Jake, we can come from different angles. We have taken each other’s style and meshed them together.
That’s awesome! It was an experience no doubt.
We’re definitely a live band. And how the industry is these days, with so many bands are doing so many different things in their live shows; records are just a billboard for the live show to us. We want make it feel like it is your night.
You have toured all over the country/world, what’s it like whenever you come back home to the NW?
I love coming home… I like to be domesticated, hang out with my girlfriend, my French bull dog. I have been touring since I was 16, I lived a crazy life over the last 10 years. So when I am home, it’s more watching movies, going to the zoo, drinking a bottle of wine. Partying 200 days a year, it makes coming home a time to relax… especially when it’s nice out like today.
I also love going and seeing friends and new bands – getting involved with the local music scene. A lot of bands are competitive, and can be snotty. Whereas I want to support the bands, go to shows and be a part of it all.
Right?! I brought that up not too long ago; about how not even 6 years ago, there was a brotherhood of sorts, of great bands who supported each other and now it is every band for themselves.
Yeah! There was a circle bands, Blood Brothers, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Minus the Bear… they played together and were friends. They would do side projects, Seattle was a breeding ground. Now in Seattle, its hipster hop… Scene music. I’m not talking about the underground Hip-hop movement; That’s my favorite scene right now! GreySkul, Sadistic and people like that. Funny enough, I know more rappers than I do guitarists [laughs].
People need to get off their high horse and support each other. There is always someone more talented, so stop making it a competition.
Sorry for going off there…
Honestly? This is my favorite type of interview. More discussing things opposed to just a Q & A with the musician. As a new writer, I find that these are the best
And keep doing what you’re doing. I have done a ton of interviews and it’s always the same boring questions… “why that name?” “Who plays what?”. This has been great! A journalist is supposed to do research on the story, YOU should know that stuff. Not have me just give them the answers. I don’t ask for help writing music… I don’t have some producer making it work for me. So, I’m glad you came prepared. Sorry again, I could go on and on about that.
No problem! I could as well, especially the producer thing.
The thing is: Economy. Everyone wants to sell out. Make it while they can, before they get too old. I feel older but I am not going to jeopardize my career with having someone else call the shots; we know what we want our music to sound like. This is why we’re going to produce our next record. We could record with a huge producer, but now no one cares.
No one pays attention to that kind of stuff anymore.
Especially since there has been a change in the way people experience music now; No opening the tape/CD and reading the insert… the credits and the thank you section. Now, you purchase from iTunes and carry on about your day.
Smelling the CD… You’re right though. Bands and record labels have to find new ways to get out there. I mean, the technology helps, but… To quote Chino (from the Deftones), “Tickets and shirts; if you wanna be successful, play live shows… play them well, sell tickets and sell shirts”
Which is why we are going to give you an amazing time at our shows.
Speaking of, you have been everywhere… the second time I watched you perform was on Warped tour 08’. Bands often say that they don’t get to explore a whole lot and find themselves just on the bus or stuck at the venue. So when you do get to explore, where are some of your favorite places?
It depends; it’s the whole Bus vs. Van thing. There are upswings to both.
Warped: you’re sharing a bus with other people. You’re 30 miles out of town, so Arby’s? The coolest thing about the Warped tour is the social experience. It’s like summer camp.
Van: it’s a whole other experience. You’re in control, you decide where and when you do something. I really love Austin, TX for that – Definitely my favorite place away from home. I also really dig Chicago, IL. I know a lot of people always say New York City, but I’d even say I like Philly more. NYC is just too big for me. It’s fun, but too big. Of course I like Seattle when it is nice out and oh Santa Cruz, CA.
In Europe, I love Rotterdam in the Netherlands, London and Glasgow.
That’s awesome that you have gone from a 16 year old kid with a guitar to a 26 year old who has gone all over.
The pleasure has definitely been mine!
So you guys are playing here at the Doug Fir on the 16th… do you frequent or visit Portland a lot?
I was there 2-3 months ago, and I love Portland. I have bunch of friends from there and even our manager Brooklyn lives there.
Can I give you a heads up on a good place to go to eat when you’re there?
YEAH!
Ok, so there are now hundreds of street carts serving food, and I recently hit one up and have been craving and thinking about it ever since then… It’s called Big Ass Sandwiches. It’s a sandwich, it’s amazing and they stuff it with homemade French fries.
I love street food! I am a total foodie when I can be, I will definitely go check that out… we can grab one after the show!
Dude, I’m telling you… let’s make this happen. Enough about that though. What’s in your future? What can we expect?
Wild shows. Loud, kickass records. Don’t be afraid to go and like new stuff, to get behind darker – scare your parents kind of stuff… something besides All Time Low. Get out and feel the punk rock, we’ll kick your ass and you’ll have a good time.
Thank you again to Thomas for taking the time to talk with us.
I’ve got to go work on being a cooler human, so until next time.
Stay free.
J. Seech