Hand To Hand Interview
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Band Name: Hand To Hand
Interviewed: Jay Vilardi
Interviewer: Erin Fox
Date: 2005-04-29
Previous Hand To Hand Interviews
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Hand To Hand's brand new Lifeforce Records disc, "A Perfect Way To Say Goodbye", is a diverse array of textured genre-merging, intense, dramatic songwriting and powerful performances resulting in one of the best records of 2005. Jay Vilardi takes some time out to speak with The Gauntlet about the bands fantastic new album and recent activities. This is a record that you certainly do not want to miss! Read on and you'll find out why…
The Gauntlet: "A Perfect Way To Say Goodbye" has finally been released, what went down at
the release party? Were you surprised at the turnout? How does it feel to have so much local support?
Jay Vilardi: It was a little surprising for me. We knew that there was a smaller demand for the new record here in Orlando at least. Locally, kids were pretty excited about it, so it made for a great show. All-ages shows are a little tough to book lately, so we wound up doing 2 shows that night. We did an early show for the younger kids, and played again later that night for everyone else. Even though we're looking forward to touring all year, having the support of the local scene is our main focus. We're very thankful to have it.
The Gauntlet: Why should fans check out the new album? What do you have to offer that fans can't find in other groups? Why do you feel that would Hand To Hand be a metal devotee's favorite band?
Jay Vilardi: I'm not sure that someone who's is totally into metal would appreciate our sound as much as someone who just likes different types of rock. While we're definitely into metal, it's only one aspect to what we're going for stylistically. A big part of what we do as a band is combining each genre that we each hold dear. We'll play anything from metal riffs to indie chunk, but we don't want to be limited to any one genre. We're not trying to break down any walls with our music, but we're having a good time mixing what we like most from each genre. People who like aspects of rock, hxc, indie, metal, and emo should give us a listen.
The Gauntlet: How do you describe your sound in five words or less?
Jay Vilardi: We like Megadeth! …. Er, sorry Erin??
The Gauntlet: Why did the band decide to sign with Lifeforce Records?
Jay Vilardi: Our friends in Trivium gave our demo to Lifeforce for us. That's what started it. From there, we continued talking to Lifeforce for a while, developing a relationship with them. It didn't take long at all to realize that they're genuine about what they do. There's passion at the label, and it showed to us. For me, I think it's the respect I have for the roster and the way they treat their bands. They're really into the sound of their bands – so the support is real.
The Gauntlet: In your opinion, which bands do you feel have made the largest impact on music in the past five years?
Jay Vilardi: Hmmm…. Here in Florida I would say bands like Poison The Well. While there are so many bands here that have helped the music and the scene, I would say that PTW opened the door for a lot of smaller hxc bands to be heard. Nationally, I would say At The Drive In, or even The Mars Volta. Also The Fire, Theft / Sunny Day. Each band takes what you think you know about rock, and reinvent it every time they write songs! It's ridiculous and I can't stop listening to it.
The Gauntlet: What bands would you be most interested in sharing a stage with?
Jay Vilardi: If time wasn't an issue I would love to play with At The Drive In. Bands that
still exist, it would have to be Bad Religion.
The Gauntlet: Entertainment aside, what do you think is the single most important issue that
faces Americans today?
Jay Vilardi: There's definitely a few major ones – too many to list. This is not to say that I think our domestic issues are less important, but I think that we need to improve our Foreign Policy. A new energy plan would be a good idea too. We depend too much on foreign oil, and these gas prices are killing my band…
The Gauntlet: Do you think that this is what you would like to be doing for the next 20 years? Can you see the band maintaining that type of longevity?
Jay Vilardi: For us, that's the name of the game. I mean, 20 years is a long time. But we would really love to continue making music together for as long as we can. This is mind, we've really been thinking about new ideas musically in order to keep things interesting for ourselves, and our fans.
The Gauntlet: What do you find to be entertaining on a personal level?
Jay Vilardi: I love smaller local shows. Not that I don't have a blast with H2H, but I think maybe it reminds me of how much fun music really is when it's new and exciting. Also, I'm really into to movies. I read a lot too, but only really late at night (don't worry, I'm not that book guy that always reads)
The Gauntlet: Who is the most accomplished musician in the band and why?
Jay Vilardi: Without trying to bullshit you, I think the playing field is open on this one. Each of us is more accomplished then the other guy in certain areas. I don't think there's one of us who supercedes the other in every aspect of musicianship. I will say that our drummer Zach has been signed the most times, so he definitely wins the business part of it. As far as skill goes, it's a pretty level environment in my opinion.
The Gauntlet: Tell us about the recording of the new album. Was it a learning experience for the group? What was the most crucial aspect of the recording?
Jay Vilardi: There was a few of us that had recorded albums before. Being one of them, I can say that this time around was pretty standard. I biggest lesson learned here is preparedness. We were pretty good about knowing the songs before we went in, so we were able to really get a lot more done in the short time we were given. So it seems like we appreciated it more.
The Gauntlet: What do you feel is the greatest benefit that one can attain from being a professional musician?
Jay Vilardi: There aren't many people in the world that can wake up in the morning and go do what they love best. Too many people hate their jobs – so they hate their lives for it. Being a professional musician isn't always very comfortable, but the thrill is there. A huge benefit would be the fulfillment you get from doing what you really want to do. Money would be nice too, but we all know that there are plenty of unhappy wealthy people.
The Gauntlet: Do you feel any pressure to go out and nail these songs live now that the record
has seen the light of day?
Jay Vilardi: Yeah but the pressure comes from within the band itself. We want the shows to go
smooth, and we want the songs to be flawless live. If we go out and give 60%, we're showing these kids a different band then we are when we're at a home show. The idea is that we represent ourselves like it's the most important thing in the world - because it is!! Obviously the idea is to put n a good show, and sell some records, but we do it for ourselves. We get bummed when we have a bad night.
The Gauntlet: Tell us about the Florida metal scene. Is there a great deal of cooperation amongst the groups? Do you feel a sense of camaraderie with the other bands?
Jay Vilardi: Totally. With some bands it's very different. Some bands play their set and leave, so it's hard to get to know them. Usually though, we're all about bonding with other groups, and cooperating to make shows bigger and more successful. We've been told we're a really easy band to get along with, so we're proud of that.
The Gauntlet: What has been the most difficult aspect thus far in regards to the group?
Jay Vilardi: The pains of changing and becoming a little bigger as a band. We have a long way to go still, but to get to where we are now was tough. Things change and people do as well. So dealing with the different demands this band is meant to endure is trying – especially when the personal lives of each member were in turmoil as a result.
The Gauntlet: What kinds of external factors influence the band's music?
Jay Vilardi: Lyrically, it's anything from having positive personal experiences to having to deal with the different haters in the scene or online. We're not a political band, so we stick to what means the most to us. Musically, we do the best when we're all in a creative mood. Our song writing is definitely collaborative, so external factors play a key role. If someone has a bad day because of something non band related, it can throw things off a bit.
The Gauntlet: What one person musical or otherwise has inspired you the most?
Jay Vilardi: For me, it was my brothers I think. I grew up playing music with them. We never started bands together or anything, but having people to play music with growing up was a major plus for me. Also, they're pretty supportive even though I don't think they're into what I do these days.
The Gauntlet: Tell us about your upcoming touring plans, in which cities would you most like to perform?
Jay Vilardi: We're about to leave for something like 6 or 7 weeks of Euro dates. We're looking forward to getting out there, and doing our thing. After that we have a 30 stint up the east coast of the US in July / August. The main cities I want to play are New York City (CBGB's), and maybe LA since I was born and raised out there.
The Gauntlet: Would you please explain the track at the end of the album for those who haven't yet heard it?
Jay Vilardi: The rumor is that it's a live feed from someone who is actually singing at a church or something. Steve from Further Seems Forever owned the tape. According to the story, this mystery singer thinks he's really good. Anyway, while we were recording, James Paul Wisner called the band into the control room late one night. Little did we know it would be one of the funniest things ever! I remember hearing this for the first time, and completely loosing my mind. All of us thought it was hilarious, so we knew we had to stick it on the album.
The Gauntlet: I appreciate that you have taken the time to do this interview. I really enjoy the record and look forward to seeing you guys on tour soon!
Jay Vilardi: Awesome. It was my pleasure. Thanks very much for the encouragement! You guys are a site that I have been interested in for years now. Thanks again
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