Backstage Pass - Prezzence - Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview?

PREZZENCE

Todd Stowers

ATP

What is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

PREZZENCE

Prezzence. Actually, I got the name from a friend who said the muscic had a unique presence. I kind of added the play on spelling.

ATP

So who's in the band and what instruments do you each play?

PREZZENCE

Todd Stowers: lead vocal and bass, Taylor Freeman: guitar and vocals, Steve DiVirgilio: drums and vocals

ATP

How would you describe your sound. What makes you unique?

PREZZENCE

Our music does not really fit in a box. We include many genres in our sound. You may here punk, metal, and blues in one song. The only way to describe our music is Straight up, Full speed ahead, in your face rock.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

PREZZENCE

To fully answer this question would take up several pages and several hours. The three of us come from such versatile backgrounds. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Bob Marley, Skindred, Megadeth, Metalica, A7X, Pantera, Saliva, 10 Years, POD, Triumph, Kiss, and All That Remains are a fraction of our influences. Then there are some of the Independent bands we have performed with that have had a major influence on our performance. This list includes Waking Tera, Harvest Mill, Artifas, and Seasons Of Me, to name a few.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

PREZZENCE

Tricky question. Taylor was pretty much a vigin at the start, but has become rather much the whore. Steve and I are definitely whores. Our stage show is getting better all the time as we work together to bring our indidual experiences together to create a stage PREZZENCE.

ATP

How would you describe your shows?

PREZZENCE

We work very hard to give 100% at every show. I must say though, the most amazing thing about our shows is the fans. Whether we play for 20 or 500, the crowd response is ALWAYS awesome. I believe this is because we work hard to make each show a unique experience and because I truly believe that our fans are the greatest fans in the world.

ATP

Tell us about your favorite show and why?

PREZZENCE

It's really hard to choose, but I guess I would have to say that it would have to be the first road show we did. It was in Memphis this past June. It stands out, because the fans there, not really knowing us, pretty much went crazy over our set. It was a great feeling knowing that our time, effort and hard work were paying off.

ATP

Tell us about your worst show and why?

PREZZENCE

Funny, the worst show was just three days before our best show. The promoter booked the show, didn't notify the venue of the booking and didn't even list the show. It was a three band show that ended up with only band members in attendance. Wasn't all bad though, because we had a blast.

ATP

Tell Us About Your Dream Show, who you'd like to play with and where?

PREZZENCE

Definitely a large festival show, most likely in the UK. It would include all the afore mentioned independent bands as well as some of the independents from the UK I have recently had the pleasure to meet and here. To me, the independent artists are where the great music is coming from today and they are creating an industry within the industry.

ATP

Do you have a street team and how can you join?

PREZZENCE

We are actually in the process of building a street team as we speak. To get involved, just message us on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/prezzence .

ATP

Do you have a record label and if not are you looking for one?

PREZZENCE

While we do not have a record label, we do have the backing of a state of the art recording studio and are sponsored for distribution. This affords us a leg up that many independent artists do not have. That being said, if the right deal presents itself, we would definitely consider signing with a label.

ATP

What are your plans for the future, in a year, 5 years?

PREZZENCE

In the upcoming year, we plan to release our new record (January 31, 2015) and do a national tour to support it, as well as a few shows in the UK in the fall. Within 5 years we hope release at least 2 more records and get on some major tours and festivals internationally. To reach high achievements, one must set high goals and put in the work to make it happen.

ATP

Finally, do have any words on what Arm The Pit means to you?

PREZZENCE

Arm The Pit represents what I call the NEW INDUSTRY. It helps all the independent and local music scenes to become one world wide music scene. We are proud to be affiliated with ATP and look forward to a long lasting friendship and working relationship with them as well as the great bands we meet through them.