[Audio] From Ashes To New Talk About The Business Of Being A Band

The guys with From Ashes To New really like the Quad Cities.  The Quad Cities really like From Ashes To New.  Over the past 18 months, the guys have been here three times at two venues as headliners, openers, and direct support.

When a band is in town that much it feels like you're just catching up with friends.  Which is a great thing.  But also can spin an interview into wild places.  Now you get to enjoy all those wild places we went with our latest I-Rock with Rock Stars below.

READ MORE:  LISTEN TO I-ROCK WITH ROCK STAR INTERVIEWS WITH SET IT OFF AND NEW YEARS DAY.

What Is The Hardest Part of the Job?

There were a couple of moments that I really wanted to highlight for you.  One was a question from listener Stephanie who asked,  "What is the hardest part of the job?"

Drummer Mat Madiro said it's "the mental game" for him.  Getting feelings of insecurity or depression.  But, he is rewarded by proving that he's capable every night.

Matt Brandberry took the literal approach to the question and said marketing.

"That band is really good why didn't they succeed?  That band is really bad why are they as good as they are.  And a lot of times it comes down to marketing".

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Which I see as well.  And I told them how I see bands that put out good music but I also see the business side of their head.  Then you see the other bands that are really good and talented but they are a bunch of f' ups.  So it's having that balance of being the rock star and being the businessman.

To which Matt said "You are dead on...I don't hear a lot of people hit it like you just did."  Boom...mic drop.

Tickets Are Expensive Because Tours Are Expensive

Tickets are expensive.  We understand that.  But tours are expensive.  At one point we got into the cost of going on tour.

Matt said the cost of a nine-week tour like they were on was about $300,000.  "And that's without having issues.  That's if it goes smoothly.   If you miss a show it's like not going to work for a week."

This is also why they are very appreciative of everyone who comes to the show.  "Everyone works really hard and money is really tight.  I know that people are like "Is it milk or is it a t-shirt?".  I appreciate that sometimes it's the t-shirt cause that's how I get my milk." said Matt.

They also brought up a story about how they had bus issues during the tour (a bus they rent by the way) which cost them an extra $31,500.

So Much More With From Ashes To New

We spent a good amount of time talking with From Ashes To New.  And it went all over the place.  Including topics of...

• The songwriting process.
• How they picked the Backstreet Boys as their intro song.
• What they do on their night off.
• The Pork Tornadoes.
• What they want to have done with their body when they die.
• And more about the Pork Tornadoes.

Enjoy the full interview below and check out more I-Rock with Rock Stars here.