Interviews

Boy Sets Fire

Interview with Josh Latshaw on Jun 2, 2005 by Archive Bot

Punkbands.com’s Kyle Haines had a chance to pose a few questions to guitarist Josh Latshaw about influences, member changes, and dropping labels.
 
I always felt like music meant something to Boysetsfire. When I’d go to their shows they would include us, throw the microphone in our faces, and then come out in the audience and talk to us afterwards. There was no rockstar bullshit involved, no pretensions.  I will always appreciate the time they have given me as a fan, especially in my younger days just getting into the scene. After two LPs and a slew of EPs and split appearances, they signed to Creed’s Wind Up records a couple years ago and produced their latest album Tomorrow Come Today, which surprisingly came out stronger politically than any other release. But was haunted by fan backlash and an impeccable production which took the grit out of their sound and honestly came off flat. Recently they have split with Wind Up and have again started to write music and prepare to tour. Josh responds honestly and candidly to some heavy questions that I sent as a fan that felt distanced by the last release, and re-excites me about their new effort.
 
 
PB: Would you mind introducing yourself and what you do in the band?
 
Josh: My name is Josh and I play guitar and try to scream backup
 
PB: How long has Boysetsfire been together?  How many members are originals from that beginning lineup?
 
Josh: We have been together for ten years and all are original except for Robert who plays bass and has been in the band for a couple of years.
 
PB: How does the departure of a member, as recently happened, affect the creative process and playing shows? 
 
Josh: I am sure for some bands it can be very difficult but for us with Robert  He wrote a large part of the next record and the live shows are more explosive than they have every been
 
PB: Can you recall the first show you attended?  The first one you played?
 
Josh: The first show that I remember is one that Nathan and I attended was a band called servant, their laser light show was incredible! My first show was at a church in a band called RSVP. I got in trouble with my dad because the stage light I was using burned a hole in the carpet. He was the pastor of the church.
 
PB: When did you realize that this was what you wanted to do with your life?  Was there a moment where you made a conscious choice between the everyday world and pursuing music?
 
Josh: To be honest, there was never an epiphany or a defining moment in life. I knew I wanted to play music since I was six years old. I know that I am very fortunate to somewhat make a living at this and that many people would love to do what I do
 
PB: Who were your big influences growing up?  Who do you go out of your way to see today?
 
Josh: hmmm....lemme see. I loved the bad brains, circle jerks, shutter to think, mostly east coat hardcore, especially DC hardcore. Dag Nasty, bands like this. Today I really enjoy My Chemical Romance, Rise Against, NOFX and I love a lot of hiphop.
 
PB: Much of the lyrics have changed in content from early releases to the latest release, Tomorrow Come Today.  Have political ideas become more important to convey than personal themes?  What is the importance of having a distinct political message for Boysetsfire?  Do you feel it is important for all bands?
 
Josh: Good lord, I would hate it if all bands were political. No offense, but not a lot of musicians can be accused of over-thinking issues. I think with tct we knew that the potentiality for a larger stage existed so we wanted to use that larger stage to espouse our beliefs. The new record is more of a blending of both.
 
PB: Your band, especially after the release of inchrysalis, was pegged by some as an ‘emo-core’ band for blending emotional and melodic elements with traditional hardcore. Do you feel you may have had a defining role in the movement towards emotionally motivated hardcore?  Is there any importance in labels or genres of this type?
 
Josh: We don’t really like to talk about our role in defining emotional hardcore because it makes us sound like complaining old men. That being said, yes. We had a defining role in the emergence emotionally motivated hardcore. But I don’t think labels are very important.
 
PB: Is there hope in a democratic system?  How do you think positive change can be made by everyday people?
 
Josh: My hope for change within the American democratic system grows dimmer every day. How can change occur when the rich control the very voting booths that we cast our votes on? There were so many problems with out last couple of elections and no one really cares. But positive change can be made by ordinary people, just not be voting.
 
PB: I remember reading somewhere that Boysetsfire had an avowed socialist stance.  Was communism discredited by the Soviet example, and if not, is there an example which better describes the political ideology you subscribe to?
 
Josh: Our politics definitely lean to the left and are absolutely blushing red but we are not a socialist band. Everyone has their own opinions and likes to discuss them loudly, especially on long trips. Personally, I don’t think the perfect ideology has been invented yet, but I know it aint capitalism, I can tell you that.
 
PB: Many bands with political beliefs run into a rough decision at a certain stage in their development where they have to choose between staying with a smaller label, and staying ‘true’ to the scene and their message, and signing to a major label and having the chance to reach a much larger number of people with said message while maybe sacrificing a certain amount of credibility or ideological purity.  What considerations went into the decision to sign to a major label?  Is there any irony to be found in a communist band signing to a major capitalist label run by prominent members of a band with an outspoken Christian message?
 
Josh: There was certainly much discussion within the band before we signed a major deal, and now that we are in the same situation as before, still more discussion. I will repeat just for posterity that wind-up is not a major, but of course Sony is, who we were with in Europe. Of course there is irony there.
 
PB: There has been a lot of chatter about the circumstances surrounding your split with said major label. Your official statement mentioned that freedom of creativity was among the issues which led to the departure.  Was an attempt made to limit the content of the next record?  If so, was this a situation which you as a band had thought about upon joining a major label?  Was there a plan of action for such a case?
 
Josh: We cant really talk about this. Soon we will let everyone know exactly what happened because it is a good story and it deserves to be told. Hint: we were told to "tone it down"
 
PB: Is there any advice you would give, in retrospect, based on what seems to have been turbulent relations with both indie-giants Victory Records and with Creed’s label?
 
Josh: Advice? Nah, nothing beyond fuck'em both and all labels suck.
 
PB: Is there a timetable slated for the new album?  Is there a label in mind?
 
Josh: We hope the record is out in the fall, and yes there are a few labels in mind, some may be surprising!
 
PB: What can we expect from new Boysetsfire material?
 
Josh: Emotional, faster, more intense. More like after the eulogy than TCT. Lyrics are a little more personal. Production wise it will be rougher and more aggressive. I am stoked on this record,
 
PB: On the last album and in recent shows the vocals are using a new, throaty, and more abrasive scream.  Is there a return to more hardcore roots in the mix?  Is this something permanent?
 
Josh: believe it not, we are still fucking with the screams. They will be as unique and cool as we know how to be.
 
PB: Where can Boysetsfire be seen in the near future?  Is there anybody you are particularly looking forward to touring with, or new places you are excited about visiting?
 
Josh: we are just looking forward to touring as much as possible after the year of hell we just went through.
 
PB: Thank you for taking the time, I appreciate it a lot, and, as a fan, I look forward eagerly to see what’s new in the works for you guys.  Again, thanks and godspeed.