interview with new Chiodos frontman Brandon Bolmer


When did you first meet the guys in Chiodos?
We met in 2005; Yesterdays Rising toured with them for a couple weeks.


So how did you come to be in Chiodos?
I met [new Chiodos drummer Tanner Wayne] when he joined Underminded, and we ended up hanging out again [last summer] when I filled in for Scary Kids Scaring Kids during Warped Tour. Tanner was drumming for [SKSK] at the time. A month after Warped, he mentioned to me that he was jamming with Chiodos, and I asked him if they had found a vocalist yet. He said there were some possibilities, but nothing was set in stone. I was really curious to hear what the band were writing and if my voice would fit with the music. Tanner sent me some demos and I was really into it, so I recorded my ideas and sent them back. After a few weeks, the band got a hold of me and asked me to fly out. So I quit my job and flew to Michigan a week later.

Are you still in Yesterdays Rising?
I am no longer in Yesterdays Rising, and the band have come to an end. We're all still good friends, and I love and support them with anything they do. It came to a point where it was very hard to continue and we all grew very frustrated with the situation. Financially, it was very difficult to get what we needed to make a comeback, plus a lot of us were working jobs to make a living, which took time away from the band. In our last days, we wrote some amazing music and our final meeting was positive. We all agreed that it was time to move on, dive into new things and start fresh. To the fans of Yesterdays Rising, on behalf of the band, I'd like to say that we appreciate the support throughout the years. Thanks to all the fans for coming out to the shows, thanks for listening and thanks for taking time to appreciate our music. I'm thankful to have jammed with such great musicians, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

At what point in the album-writing process were you brought in?
Chiodos started writing in January of 2009, so there were already a lot of ideas and songs recorded. We've also written some songs since I've joined the band. I write most of the lyrics and melodies. At times, I collaborate with Brad [Bell, keyboardist]. He's got great ideas.

How does the new material sound?
Progressive and aggressive. It has a lot of the same elements and characteristics that [the band’s music has] always had. It's still the same guys writing the music. There's screaming; there's a variety of range; and the energy is definitely there. Live shows will be a good time.

Will you be relocating to join Chiodos in Michigan?
So far I have no plans to move to Michigan. If I moved there, it would be for Big John’s Steak & Onion, Mojo's Wings and to be closer to the guys. But for now, I’ll consider it my home away from home.

Will older Chiodos material be altered to fit your vocals?
They'll be performed just like the recordings. My style and voice sounds a little different than [former vocalist Craig Owens], but the melodies will be the same.

Have you met Craig Owens?
I don't know him personally. I met him on the tour we did together in 2005, but I haven't talked to him since.

How do you plan to follow in his footsteps?
Craig is great at what he does, and I have respect for any musician or band who can develop a fanbase. I’m my own person. I'm just here to be myself and create a musical work of art. I can only hope that people will listen to the new material with an open mind and a fresh ear.

How do you think you’re different from Craig Owens as a writer and performer?
I think it's up to other people to decide that. I just know who I am and what I do. I don’t know him well enough to say, and even if I did, I wouldn't. Listening to the new [Chiodos music] and watching our live show will allow people to decide what they feel on that subject. In my eyes, any two people are going to have differences and similarities. I can only hope that people will embrace this change and see it for what it is now. We’ve been working hard on this album for a long time to give the fans something they can continue to enjoy. The guys cherish their fanbase, and we're all very excited about the future