LW: Last Winter was formed in November 2002. Drawing on influences from early 90's alternative and today's rock music, the band originated their own brand of rock with atmospheric ambience or as they like to call it "space rock!" Founding members Chris and Josh endured many lineup changes during the birth of Last Winter. They met Cameron searching the internet for a bassist, and Josh was introduced to Brian (Fro) through a mutual childhood friend. Originally a seven-piece band with 2 vocalists and a keyboardist with Cameron on bass, the band struggled to find an agreeable sound and parted ways with both vocalists and keyboardist and the search for a singer was on. Numerous auditions were held with no promising talent over a period of 3 months. Still, without a vocalist, the band agreed on Cameron taking over the vocalist position. After a year and a half of practicing, the band recorded a self-produced, full-length album and began to book shows. While happy with their accomplishments something was still missing. The band decided to add yet another member to free Cameron of his bass playing responsibilities so he could completely focus on vocals. John Powell was introduced to the band by a friend and after one audition was asked to join.

Q: When "Transmission: Skyline" was released the CD release party was held at Orlando's Hard Rock Live. Over 1300 Last Winter fans showed up. Were you surprised to see that many fans at your CD release party?

CM: Absolutely! Shoot, I'm the pessimist in the band... I expected 600 tops!

Q: What songs will be released as singles?

CM: I believe Chasing Lights and Standing Here are our singles on "Transmission: Skyline."

Q: Who decides which songs will be released as a single?

CM: I'd say its 50 percent Last Winter, and 50 percent Last Winter fans. Id like to say we all have a good ear for music, so we usually have an idea of what songs are going to do well... Then we put them to the test!

Q: Where can people go to sample then buy Transmission: Skyline?

CM: Anyone can listen to our tunes at myspace.com/lastwinter and purevolume.com/lastwinter.
As for purchasing the album, "Transmission: Skyline" is currently available at smartpunk.com, towerrecords.com, cdbaby.com, lastwinter.com and iluminatti.com.

Q: How many music videos does Last Winter have planned for this album and where can people go to watch those videos?

CM: We just recently finished our video for Standing Here. Big super thanks to Betterfly Films for doing such a kick ass job. Thanks guys! The video is posted at acidplanet.com and can also be viewed on our site and our myspace page. As for Chasing Lights… We're working with a few treatments and should be shooting soon!

Q: What was it like for you to hear one of the band's songs on the radio for the first time?

CM: Well, exciting of course! But I'm always thrilled just to know that people are listening to our music be it through radio or via the internet!

Q: Do you feel its better for a band to be self managed and go straight for the labels or find a good manager then have them lay out a good marketing strategy then attempt to get signed by the labels?

CM: Eeesh… There's a good one…. Hands down, go find a good manager. Keyword: GOOD. Self managing your band is fine to get your feet wet but when it comes down to it, you need help! In my opinion, you gotta have that middle man! You need to get your name out there, get your foot in the door… and flyer-ing local venues and spamming other band sites won't cut it! Take the energy you put into self managing your band, multiply it by three, add in the help of a good manager and you might see some success. Shoot, we've been rockin out and pushing hard for 3 years now, and things have just begun to happen for us! …. But honestly… What the hell do I know eh?

Q: The band was involved in an accident with a drunk driver. Could you tell us what happened?

CM: Yep. Fun fun. We were on our way to play in Jacksonville, and well, some guy was bombed behind the wheel. He hit our trailer, which pulled our vehicle perpendicular to the road sending us into a Matrix style flip down I-4. Long story short, our doors were pried open and we all went to the hospital. Luckily, no one was killed! Actually, Josh's lovely lady Michelle is back on her feet after having her floppy broken ankle stuffed with metal and pins! We're all just happy to be alive! As for the guy who hit us… Probably not a happy camper.

Q: How has the accident affected your thoughts on drinking and driving?

CM: Just don't do it. Or at least don't be a moron! There are a lot of people out there who are guilty of having a few drinks and hopping behind the wheel (that'll just get you a night in jail and a lawyers fee of about $5,000) … But it takes an idiot to get wastey faced and drive… That's how you kill people. Since the accident, all the guys refuse to drive anywhere if they know they're going to drink. And if they do drink while out somewhere or at practice, someone else is driving, period. Just don't drink and drive! You might end up hitting four people in a car pulling $40,000 in equipment!

Q: What do you think are the biggest factors in Last Winter going from just another Orlando band to one of the most popular bands in the state of Florida to now gaining national recognition?

CM: 1. We love each other to death! Don't even try to make music if you don't like each other!
2. We approach being in a band like we would having a girlfriend. When there's a problem, we talk about it. No secrets. No cheating! Last Winter for life! Haha.
3. We don't rush things. You can't jump on every opportunity that comes your way. We try to do things the smart way… Whatever that means.
4. WE WORK OUR ASSES OFF!

Q: Last Winter is now starting a tour of the Northeast. How important are sponsorships in helping the band go from touring statewide to touring on a national level?

CM: Wholly molly. Money, money, money. Geeze, gas alone costs a fortune, then living expenses, equipment repair... It would be impossible to tour nation wide without sponsors!

Q: Who are some of Last Winter's sponsors and how can a company become a Last Winter sponsor?

CM: We are currently sponsored by Rane Clothing and PRS. How can a company become a Last Winter sponsor? Hah. We greatly appreciate ANY help we can get! Send us an Email at LastWinter@LastWinter.com or on Myspace, let us know what you think and we'll be proud to have your logo, stickers, shirts, hats, flags, coasters, pens everywhere!! Seriously though, we're grateful for any help we can get!

Q: Flash back to the first show Last Winter ever did now jump forward to the present and tell us how the band has changed from that first show?

CM: Haha. Well for one, I started out playing bass. Now I sing and John plays the "big guitar". We're a lot more confident about our music these days. That's for sure. I think that really shows through on stage. But there's always room for improvement!

Q: We always hear these horror stories from bands about the deal they got from their record label. How do you think a band can avoid this kind of pitfall?

CM: This is a question that I'm really not qualified to answer… But I'm gonna try anyway! You could always do what we've done for a while… not sign anything! Haha… I digress… In my opinion, unless a major label offers an AMAZING deal, go with an indie label! That's pretty much the direction we're heading. Unless of course that AMAZING major label deal came our way! JT from Hawthorne Heights offered us some words of wisdom… "Great bands can die on a major label" "Would you rather be signed to a label who just gives you lots of money, or be signed to a label who believes in making the project work, and gives you enough money?"

Q: People talk about this city or that city having a great local scene. What can be done to improve the local scene here in Orlando so people nationally will realize we have a pretty good local scene down here?

CM: Well, I think many people nationally do know that Orlando has a great local scene. Bands get signed out of Orlando left and right… but that's the problem. There's so much competition in central FL. I know of bands that move to Orlando just to be in the spotlight. Just to try and get noticed amongst all the other great bands in Orlando.

Q: How important do you think online publications such as Florida Entertainment Scene are in helping to promote bands such as Last Winter?

CM: Much like sponsorships, ANYTHING helps. As far as I'm concerned, online publications like Florida Entertainment Scene provide one more way for people to find out about bands… And that's awesome!

Q: Where do you think Last Winter will be in say five years from now?

CM: Who knows… I don't. Hopefully pumping out the hits, and having fun.

Q: How does the band plan on achieving these goals?

CM: Well, having fun shouldn't be a problem.

Q: Do you have anything to say to your fans who read this Interview?

CM: Thanks for all your love and support!!! To infinity and beyond!

Last Winter Is:
Brian Effron - Guitar
Cameron Mizell - Vocals
Chris Pock - Drums
John Powell - Bass
Josh Calapa - Guitar

Last Winter is from Orlando, FL and tour on a regular basis. To learn more about Last winter visit the official Last Winter website. To sample music by Last Winter visit the Last Winter page at Myspace.com.

Interview by Michael Montes - Copyright © 2006 Michael Montes - Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.