Music Making A Difference:
The Take Action Tour
It's a tough time in the music industry: music sales are dwindling, and record labels are fighting to keep their artists on the shelves at mega-stores like Wal-Mart. While most labels are scrambling to find methods to maximize profits, Sub City Records, the sister label of Hopeless Records, is continually donating money to charity.In a telephone interview, Louis Posen, the founder of Hopeless/Sub City Records, explains, "In 1999, we [at Hopeless Records] launched Sub City, with a mission to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations through the various releases we put out through Sub City. But we also wanted to take that same concept to the road, and so that year we started the Take Action Tour."
The Take Action Tour allows musicians and their fans alike to make the world a better place, one concert at a time. Its purpose is simple: to donate to Do Something, a non-profit organization that aids young people with finances, knowledge, and materials with which they can improve their communities. "We believe that we don't need to be Bill Gates or Apple computer to donate money or to donate time or to do something to make a difference," states Posen.
Posen's message—that there is "always a way to give back"—can apply to everybody. "Look inside of you and find what you're passionate about, because, no matter how you decide to go about it, if you don't believe in it in your heart, you're not going to work hard towards it," he urges. "It's all a matter of being able to fit it in with what your talents are and what you do on a day-to-day basis."
The Take Action Tour incites beneficial change by combining music with charity. The tour encourages all people to reach out to their own communities in any way they can. Look out for the Take Action Tour next year as a whole new round of bands roll into town.
Here is a closer look at three of the Take Action Tour bands of 2008 and their perspectives on some of the same subjects:
FROM FIRST TO LAST
Matt Good, the lead vocalist and guitarist of From First to Last, took a moment on the road during the Take Action Tour to answer a few questions about the band:
What is your greatest tour moment, ever? "When we got to play Bamboozle, everyone was going crazy for this song we were playing, and they started turning trash in the air. The sky turned black!"
When you write songs, do you try to appeal to an audience or just write what you want? "We generally write what we want. It's good to appease your fans, but at the same time, if you're not writing things that make you happy, then you won't come across as genuine."
Do you listen to the same type of music you play? "No not really. I go through spurts. When I'm at home, I listen to chill stuff like Radiohead and Death Cab for Cutie."
What would you like to see change in the music industry over the next few years? "Quality over quantity. It's gotten to the point where it's so easy to become a band, because the internet makes it easy for you to feel like you're a legitimate thing. Without the internet, we wouldn't be anywhere near where we're at—so I'm not against the internet. All that stuff that used to be incredibly difficult just isn't anymore. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but at the same time, there's a lot that you learn by being in a band. It's a really huge test of character and it teaches you how to make compromises and get along with the people in your band and become like a family unit. I feel like it's important stuff to get to know. It'd be cool if there was just more legitimate stuff going on."
Do you ever get tired of playing shows day after day? "No. Honestly, the tour can get really monotonous and boring sometimes, but the thing that keeps it always fun is the fact that we get to play a show everyday."
What is one message you would give to teenagers? "Know who you are as a person. If you want something, go for it, even if everyone says it's a stupid idea—unless it is a stupid idea, like drugs or something. I don't know. Just don't ever feel like you can't do something just because people tell you that you can't."
AUGUST BURNS RED
Brent Rambler, the guitarist of August Burns Red, answered the following questions over email:
What's your favorite part of the Take Action Tour? "My favorite part of the Take Action Tour is getting to watch Every Time I Die's overly entertaining set every night. It's so good."
When you write songs, do you try to appeal to an audience or just write what you want? "We have always written what we as a band would like to hear. If you can't enjoy your own music, then you can't expect other people to like it."
What's your greatest tour memory? "We had a huge food fight while driving 70 mph on the highway with the band My Bitter End. They, at one point, bought the entire family dinner at KFC just to throw on our van. It was hilarious and I will never forget that."
Do you ever get tired of playing shows day after day? "Playing shows is tiring and sometimes I may not be in the mood to perform, but as soon as I get on stage and see the crowd or hear people cheer, I'm good to go."
What would you like to see change in the music industry over the next few years? "I would like to see people get back into the pride of owning a record. People used to be way more excited about having the artwork and lyrics in front of their faces, but with downloading that has really been put on the back burner. Downloading an album to check out a new band is fine in my opinion, but I think a true fan should be stoked to actually own the record."
Do you listen to the same type of music you play? "I do listen to a select few metal bands, but after hearing loud music all night long, I usually just want to listen to something a little more relaxing. Right now my favorite bands are Explosions in the Sky, Against Me!, and Circa Survive."
What is one message you would give to teenagers? "Dustin says, 'keep it up.'" Note: Dustin is the bassist of August Burns Red.
EVERY TIME I DIE
An unspecified member of Every Time I Die answered the following questions over email:
What's your favorite part of the Take Action Tour? "The kids that are coming out night after night. These shows are some of the biggest we've played in certain cities."
When you write songs, do you try to appeal to an audience or just write what you want? "A little of both I think. I mean obviously you want to make a connection but when you do it on your own terms you feel so much better about it and you can do it for far longer than if you were constantly trying to assume what the kids need to hear."
What's your greatest tour memory? "Oh man. Probably the second we landed in Japan. I really felt proud that my life landed me there."
Do you ever get tired of playing shows day after day? "I don't get SICK AND TIRED, but obviously it takes a toll on my body. Take Action is working us like 3rd world children. No days off that we aren't driving through. Thanks guys..."
What would you like to see change in the music industry over the next few years? "Bands with singers that sound like a computer program selling millions of records. Remember when you could tell bands apart because their vocalists were unique? I'd like that again."
Do you listen to the same type of music you play? "It all depends on what I'm doing at the time. Usually I'm actively pursuing leisure so I listen to relaxing stuff."
What is one message you would give to teenagers? "Shut up and be a man about it."
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