Josh: Basically it started a couple of years ago, and like every band getting started we went through an extensive search for the right mix of people. The band name Sentenced 2 live was something that J came up with, and it describes us thought and through, We are ALL Sentenced 2 Live, its just what you make of (life) that counts.

Q: The band has a new CD that has just been released. Where can readers go to sample then purchase your CD?

Josh: You can go to our myspace page, now and listen to our demo THE INDECENCY OF DREAMS. You can purchase our demo at our shows and we are working on getting a link up on our myspace site so our fans can buy it online.

Q: Where did the band go to record the CD and how long did it take you to record it?

Josh: We went to Born Recording Studios here in Jacksonville and worked with Ryan Hodges and Kevin Renwick who both did a wonderful job and the whole process took about 16 hours.

Q: When you went into the studio how many songs did the band have written and how did the band decide which songs made it onto the CD?

Josh: We have been writing songs for the last couple of years, so we have quite a few. To pick the songs for the demo, we simply voted on it as a band.

Q: What are some of your favorite songs off the CD and why?

Josh: Quite honestly I like all of them but if I had to choose I guess it would be Indecency of Dreams, just because it’s a very powerful song.

Jason: I like Never meant and Indecency of Dreams, because of the feelings and concepts of the songs.

Jimmy: All of them. I can relate to the lyrics and the music. I dig them all.

Ed: I would have to say The Eneme. For me it’s the most fun, the lyrics hold meaning for me because its how I feel about myself sometimes.

Q: Where does Sentenced 2 Live draw inspiration for their songs?

Josh: Songs come from the heart but they are drawn from everything and everyone around.

Jason: Inspiration came from a lot of life issues, past relationship issues. Mainly issues that every person confronts at some point in their life.

Q: What is Sentenced 2 Live's over goal as a band?

Ed: The overall goal is to have our music touch people's lives and make a living doing it.

Jason: We just want to have a lasting impact on people

Jimmy: We want to take our music all the way, and have our fans feel it (music).

Josh: To make a difference in our music scene, and give people and fans something new and fresh to listen to.

Q: Why do you think radio stations here in Florida are so reluctant to play music by local bands?

Josh: Well it would seem that not all local bands can get a good recording, so maybe it’s because of the sound quality. It would be nice to see though.

Jason: There is a lot of commercialism in today's radio, and I think that a lot of commercially funded radio stations are reluctant to play indie or unsigned bands because it’s all about moving units and making money. Oh no wait, yeah what Josh said it’s the “sound quality” (laughs).

Ed: Maybe it’s because the stations prefer to stay in their comfort zones. It’s safer to stay in the broadly accepted “popular” music of today. People are creatures of habit; it’s no different in the business world however it’s the risk takers that are more profitable. If only the radio stations would realize the gold mine they have in the local music scene.

Jimmy: Honestly I don't know. I hear better bands on the local scene than I do on the radio.

Q: What is your favorite song to perform live and why?

Jimmy: Affliction and Smoke and Mirrors because its got this build up of energy, and it’s a great song to play.

Josh: Probably, Indecency of Dreams simply put the song kicks ass!

Ed: Affliction because the broad range of emotions and the intensity I feel on stage is the most enjoyable part for me.

Jason: The Eneme because it has a lot of high energy sick guitar work.

Q: How has Sentenced 2 Live changed from your first concert to say one of your more recent shows?

Josh: As a band we have come closer together and tighter as a whole unit instead of individuals.

Jason: There is a bit more fan interaction now simply because everybody is more comfortable in their skin.

Q: What was the first concert you ever went to?

Jimmy: I went to see Joe Cocker in Gainesville when I was about 8 or 9.

Jason: Areosmith when I was 10 at the Pensacola Civic Center.

Josh: Honestly I cant remember, I go to see a lot of local bands.

Ed: I haven't been to see any mainstream concerts, I tend to go to more local shows however, I cant remember what the first one was.

Q: The liberal media loves to bash what our military does, what are your thoughts on this issue? (Ed. Note: Ed, Josh and Jason served in our Armed Forces.)

Ed: Our Military is a tool of the government and if our “liberal media” doesn't agree with the actions taken by our military they need to focus their criticisms on those responsible for the orders given to our men and women in the armed services.

Josh: Every ass has a mouth and they all have opinions, not everybody knows what goes on behind the scenes so to bash what our military does is wrong.

Jason: In every tree there are at least a few bad apples but the majority of our people in the armed forces are doing their jobs. For anybody to criticize what somebody does in the military without actually serving (in the military) themselves is foolish.

Q: Do you think they will ever be fair when judging the men and women who serve in our armed forces?

Ed: Our military members are subject to a penal system called the UCMJ as well as our standard government laws, if someone does something wrong they will be judged fairly in a court of law military or civilian and as far as peoples opinions go well they are like assholes everyone has one and they all stink.

Jason: It depends on whom and what you are judging.

Josh: Whose to say what is fair anyway, if there is a God let him sort it out.

Q: Bands are embracing the Internet as a marketing tool, but venues down here in Florida for the most part are ignoring the Internet as a marketing tool. Why do you think bands have embraced the Internet, yet venues are ignoring it and what can be done to get venues to realize how valuable a marketing tool the Internet can be?

Jason: The Internet is a very good networking tool and bands that are unsigned have more at there disposal than ten years ago. I'm not sure how little the venues have tapped into it but they should!

Jimmy: Everyone uses the Internet, it may just be the Florida scene.

Josh: The Internet is a wonderful thing. Because of the fact that you can reach people halfway around the world for just $20-30 dollars a month, you really cant beat that kind of promotion!

Ed: Bands have embraced the Internet because it makes it easier to get out music out further and wet the appetite of the fans with less effort (i.e., the logistics involved in a tri-state tour versus a couple of hours spent on Myspace). If certain venues don't lend credit to the “pull” power of the Internet I guess the only thing we can do is keep proving them wrong with results over and over again by increasing our fan base and pulling larger crowds to shows.

Q: How helpful do you think online publications such as Florida Entertainment Scene are in getting the word out about bands such as Sentenced 2 Live?

Josh: They are wonderful, they give hope to musicians who want to branch out and reach more than just the local crowd.

Jason: I think that sites like these are a good opportunity for local bands such as ourselves, anything that brings publicity and helps get the word out there is great!

Ed: Any press is good press and the more our name gets out there the better. The opportunity for the band to put itself out there in a more dynamic way is fantastic.

Q: Do you have anything to say to people who read this interview?

Jason: I just want to say what's up to all our fans that are reading this and come check us out to those who don't know us yet!!

Jimmy: Don't forget the name SENTENCED 2 LIVE. Support local music no matter what. Go out and see locals because you never know they might be the next big thing.

Ed: Thank you for taking the time to read our ramblings; hope to see you all at the shows, peace!

Josh: Sentenced 2 Live is a change from the norm; it’s refreshing to the ears and adrenaline to the heart. Remember, nobody asked to be here, it’s how you live that makes the difference!

Sentenced 2 Live is from Jacksonville, FL and play shows on a regular basis. To learn more about Sentenced 2 Live or to sample music visit their page at Myspace.com.

Interview by Michael Montes - Copyright © 2005 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.

Florida Entertainment Scene Interviews nationally known bands. We also Interview select local and unsigned bands/musicians. Click here to learn how to get a Florida Entertainment Scene Musician Interview with your band.