Interview with Brandon Thomas of Bleed The Dream

Q: How did the Band come up with the name Bleed The Dream?

Brandon: We're all kind of last chance kids. We've all been in other bands before. This is kinda the last hurrah. That dream we all had for so long. It's about putting the pedal to the metal and not asking any questions at all and just going for it. Bleed the Dream, it's pretty literal.

Q: How long has the band been around?

Brandon: February 23, 2004 will be one year.

Q: Your debut EP 'Awake' is being released on March 30, 2004, on Noize Pollution Records. What is your favorite song off the album and why it's your favorite?

Brandon: Solace is my favorite song. It was the last song we wrote for the record. It was right when we really started to mesh as far as music goes and we started really connecting with each other and understanding where everybody wanted to go. It's the most mature song, I think. It's also the heaviest, the most fun to play live. It's the most intense song we have.

Q: Who decided which songs would go onto the record?

Brandon: All the decisions go through all four of us. If someone is not happy with one thing we either tweak it until they're happy with it or if it comes down to it we'll compromise. But we all know where that line is where you have to be three hands up and like okay whatever.

Q: How can Bleed The Dream fans get the EP?

Brandon: You can get it at stores but the best way to get it is at one of our shows. You can also get it online at NoizePollution.com or Bleedthedream.com.

Q: How hard was it for the band to get signed to a record deal?

Brandon: We kinda cheated. One of the guys that started Noize Pollution is also one of the guys that owns Mafia clothing with our Guitar player (Dave Aguilera), so it's kinda a bro thing. They were like we're trying to start a label and we're like were trying to put out a record. So we got lucky with that whole thing.

Q: How were you able to get on the tour with Pennywise?

Brandon: Our manager Stewart Taggert is basically a kick ass guy and he's been in the scene forever. He managed Pennywise and Bad Religion and he's in tight with all the Epitaph (records) people. Even though we're not the most punk rock band the way we've done things is pretty punk rock. Just kinda say it with a big middle finger to the record labels and do it ourselves. So even though Pennywise had never heard us play, I think they thought that was kinda cool and their bass player was like sure as long as they drink some beers with me they can come. So that's how we got on the tour (laughs).

Q: If you weren't a musician what would you be?

Brandon: I'd like to think if I wasn't a musician I could find something else to pull me away from the shit I was doing as a kid. Maybe an artist or a painter because I still do all that or possibly a writer. But there is a very good chance I could have been a screw up for the rest of my life. So music is pretty much the lifestyle, not the music itself; obviously the music is first. The lifestyle really pulled me off the street. Made me want to do something organized and positive.

Q: How difficult was it for the band to be added to this year's Warped Tour lineup?

Brandon: In a way it was kinda hard. Because last year we just showed up at the Warped Tour and we ended up playing twelve dates and we weren't pushy but we were there everyday with friends and they were hanging out with a couple of bands we knew so we just kinda snuck on. So this year Kevin was like I remember you guys and we got a really good manager too who knows Kevin well and he's in with a lot of the punk scene. That's how we got this year's Warped Tour.

Q: Did you play any Florida dates last year?

Brandon: Yes, we played the Kevin stage in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and St. Petersburg.

Q: It's your dream concert. You can play anywhere in the world with any artist or band past or present, alive or dead. Where would you perform and with whom?

Brandon: I'd have to say the Rose Bowl with Depeche Mode. I started getting into them a couple of years ago. They are one of my favorite bands and The Rose Bowl with all the people with their hands in the air. That would probably be my dream concert.

Q: What CD's have you been listening to this week?

Brandon: Right now I'm listening to a band called Avenged Sevenfold, because they're bringing back the 80's metal thing and mixing it with hardcore and punk. I really like Pao Alto - They're from Los Angeles and The Hours. Keith our Bass player and I listen to Bjork too. As for music like ours we like Thrice.

Q: What video games do you play when your on the road?

Brandon: We each have a Game Boy Advance. So we play Zelda a lot and Grand Theft Auto, of course. Everybody likes that game and Tony Hawk Pro Skater. (Editor's note: For all you video game fans check out our Video Game News Page.)

Q: How does a Bleed The Dream fan go about joining your Street Team?

Brandon: Just email us. Most of the time, we reply personally.

Q: What's your email address?

Brandon: just go to bleedthedream.com, you can email us individually or email a contact address which is the main one. It's that easy if you want to be a part of it. Noize Pollution takes care of all of that stuff.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans of Bleed The Dream?

Brandon: Yes. So far Florida has been really cool to us. This is our first big club tour and Pennywise has been really nice. All the bands get along really well. That's one of the biggest things on a tour. It's great to get all these cool bands together but if they don't get along it sucks. Pennywise had never even heard us and were cool with us doing on the tour. So just stay real and stay a real person.

Q: Thank you for your time I wish you much success.