Interview With Eric Victorino of Strata
Posted: 4 March 2007
Contributed By: Nick
 |
Strata
is Eric Victorino (Vocals) Ryan Hernandez (Guitar) Hrag Chanchanian (Bass) Adrian Robinson (Drums) MySpace |
TuneLab Music: It has
been almost three years since Strata released
their debut. How does it feel to be hitting
the scene again with your second album, 'Strata
Presents the End of the World'?
Eric Victorino: Technically it's out third
full record and it's one of the proudest moments
of our lives to get this thing out there.
We really poured our souls into this album
more than anything we've done in the past.
TL: Strata will begin their touring cycle
for the new album with Kill Hannah. What other
touring plans have you guys been working on
for the remainder of the year?
EV: We'll be touring like crazy for
the rest of 07 - after kill hannah we're hoping
to do a run with our friends in Chevelle,
some stuff with 30 Seconds to Mars, our label
mates in Finger Eleven might take us running
and frolicking through Canada. That could
be fun.
TL: The band's newest single "Cocaine" showcases
a completely different sound for Strata. What
prompted you guys to evolve so much musically
on "Cocaine" and is the track a good representation
of the material from the new album?
EV: To me, the song isn't a "different
sound for Strata" - because when I think
of the band I picture the old record - I just
think about who we are now and in that context
it makes perfect sense. I wouldn't say the
song represents the sound of the new album
any more than another song from the album
would - they're all very different from each
other.
TL: Strata toured extensively on two consecutive
Snocore Tours. What doors did these tours
open for the band?
EV: That tour is like some twisted 21st
century survivor game show, it's rough like
that Arnold movie "Running Man"- so naturally
we take the slot whenever we can.
TL: Strata recently unveiled all of the lyrics
to 'Strata Presents the End of the World'
through MySpace, and many of the songs are
very intriguing. What inspirations and factors
contributed to Strata's songwriting for 'Strata
Presents the End of the World'?
EV: The lyrics are all stories in themselves
and are pretty clearly marked as to their
subject matter... to explain the inspiration
for the lyrics I'd probably just type them
all out for you and I've already done that,
so the next step would be to read them for
yourself.
TL: The title to the new album, 'Strata
Presents the End of the World', is pretty
gutsy. What is the meaning behind the album's
title and do you feel this album is stronger
than your first?
EV: Our country and our culture centers
around all of these massive problems, global
catastrophes, our politicians talk about the
struggle of our time: Good Vs. Evil! It's
just insane - if this isn't the beginning
of the end, then tell me what it would look
like... this album is about our lives right
now, no naturally a title that sums it all
up would fit perfectly with the material.
TL: Strata is currently signed to Wind-Up
Records, which has given the band the opportunity
to work with famed A&R agent Diana Meltzer.
How has she helped Strata reach the band's
goals?
EV: She signed us and she's given us the
opportunity to explore and try new things
without being afraid of getting dropped from
our contract - she's like another mother to
us and I think I would kill for her.
TL: What are some of the strangest and most
off-the-wall things Strata has ever been asked
or told by fans?
EV: No comment. I don't want to give any
crazy asses out there inspiration or something
to one-up.
TL: What are you most hoping people take from
'Strata Presents the End of the World'
and what is one thing about the album you
are most satisfied with?
EV: I hope people get from this record
what I've gotten from my favorite records
- hope, inspiration, entertainment and a friend
really, a great record is like a good friend
you spend time with - long drives, walks alone,
etc...
TL: What was the most strenuous part of tracking
the new album and would you change anything
about the record now that it's complete?
EV: Nope, the whole point of it being
complete is that we changed everything we
wanted to change. Strata presents the end
of the world was recorded in England, New
York, San Francisco, it was a rough period
for all four of us and we're excited to finally
have something to show for it that we're very
proud of.
TL: What are some short-term and long-term
goals for Strata in 2007 and hopefully in
years down the road?
EV: We're going to go play new songs for
our friends all over the world and have a
great time doing it. We're really grateful
for everything we've got. Life is good.