Ahead of their Soundwave Festival tour early next year, Larry caught up with Kelen Capener, bassist for The Story So Far to see what the band has been up to ahead of their massive northern hemisphere autumn and winter tour.
Where are you at the moment?
I am actually sitting in my car at the moment on the side of North Main Street in Walnut Creek, being safe, not talking on the phone and driving.
Looks like you have a bit of travelling overseas about to come up.
Yeah we are going to be spending plenty of time overseas this year so that’s all starting at the end of this month. We’re going to play Europe and then the states but then after that it’s all international.
There’s a rumor going around that you might even be playing a date in South Africa, is that right?
Ha ha, um no, I don’t think that is right. I haven’t seen anything about that, maybe I’m wrong though.
I think you’re right, the internet has you travelling from Austin to South Africa and back to New Mexico in the space of three days so that’s a little bit impossible. Unless you are all time travelers I suppose.
That would be really nice as a touring artist to be able to time travel. We’re not going to South Africa…not yet though anyway.
You are going around Europe next month and you have toured there previously, how have you found touring over there?
Yeah it’s cool. It will be our second time over there and we are going to a lot of new places. But it’s cool there – it’s different. A lot of the place we go don’t speak English so that’s a challenge but there’s a lot more history and culture and the food is different so yeah, it’s interesting. The UK is similar enough to the States to make touring there relatively easy. But in Europe, everything is so different, you have to adapt.
Where is your favorite place to travel to overseas?
Well Australia is very nice – and I’m not just saying that because I’m talking to an Australian, I’ve really enjoyed my time there. There are a lot of places to see but we’re really anxious to get back Down Under.
You were last here touring in January, and by the sounds of it you enjoyed yourself, do you have any particular highlights?
It was just lovely, it was so relaxed. Lots of beach time and lots of friendly people.
You’re coming back next year for the massive Soundwave festival, are you looking forward to being a part of that travelling circus?
Yeah, of course. We’ve heard a lot of great things about it. I think we’re going to have some time to check out some of the bands that we grew up listening to. I’m excited about the next announcement of bands. We’re really excited to be a part of it. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing AFI, Alkaline Trio and Green Day. And all the metal bands should be great to check out.
It must be hard to grow up in California and not end up listening to Green Day on the radio all the time.
It’s true, they still play Green Day often!
Since you were last here you’ve had a rather busy year and put out your second album, What You Don’t See, are you looking forward to playing that for the punters?
I don’t think we actually played any new songs last time we were over. It’ll be great to have more material to play for our crowd and we’re really glad that album has spread the word overseas. We’re really looking forward to come back. If it’s anything like the last tour it will be amazing, the atmosphere for touring is great over there. We get to hang out with all the Aussies and check out a lot of the beaches which again is great.
Have you guys had a chance to think about any new material for next year or has touring kind of taken over lately?
I think we have been touring so much that we will need to take some time off to start writing. I imagine it will be something we will sort out and plan to do at the end of this year. There’s nothing hard and fast yet, not studio or demoing time booked in. It’s something that’s been on our mind but nothing concrete yet.
Looking through your past touring schedule you guys have played quite a few Warped Tours in the USA and Europe, which a similar comparison to Soundwave. How does a big festival tour compare with your own tours?
It is so different. Warped Tour was great this year as we were able to afford a band wagon with bunks so we didn’t have to drive ourselves. There was also catering so we pretty much woke up, figured out what time we were playing, had something to eat, played our set and then went to bed and woke up in the next city. The thing with Warped Tour is that it is pretty much waking up in the new city every morning. You don’t even really see gas stations. You just see festival grounds.
A solo tour is incredibly different, we control where we book and where we go so we have a few more obligations and responsibilities but we get to see more cities. They’re so different but I think in some ways Warped Tour is an easier ride.
What are the best and worst things about being on the road?
It’s exhausting, your environment is constantly shifting. You’re constantly wondering where the next stop is and what is going to happen the next day. You don’t have the stability of home, and you’re out of the picture for so long that it’s hard to maintain relationships. But obviously the best part is the enjoyment of performing, travelling and experiencing things with your friends. It balances out really. Whenever you catch up with your friends you always have a lot of stories to share.
When you look at the bands you have played and toured with, who have inspired and influenced how you tour and perform?
Personally, there are a lot of bands that I grew up going to see and I always wanted to do what they do.
I remember going to see The Matches and their live show was always excellent, it was a like community really. I always wanted to do for others what that band did for me. You know when you’re young and you’re dealing with tumultuous personal situations growing up, there is nothing better than that one show that takes your mind off everything and you get to lose your head for that one moment. You get to just be a part of something and let go of everything and enjoy yourself. That really made me want to do that for others, no matter the scale.
I think that’s what makes us always push for a high energy show and go crazy. That’s fun you know? It’s great to see the kids go crazy and jump up and down, you just don’t get to do that in everyday life you know?
Well thanks Kelen for taking the time for talking to us today, we’re all looking forward to seeing you over here next year.
Thank you, I’m looking forward to it too. It should be a great couple of weeks.
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The Story So Far will be a part of the national run of Soundwave Festival shows. All the details here: http://www.soundwavefestival.com/ – Tickets go on sale 9am this Thursday, September 5th!
