Written Interview Joe Taylor of Versus (Nu Metal-Prog Rock)

That Drummer Guy- Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. For those that may not be familiar, tell people a little bit about the band, Versus. 


Joe Taylor- Versus is a 5 piece “Nu-metal/Grunge Rock” group out of Seattle Washington. We are a solid group of guys coming together to make music, memories, friends, and most importantly; to spread a message of love and unity.


TDG- Your debut album, The Cardinal, is coming out March 3rd through Revival Recordings. How does it feel to finally have your debut album ready for the world to enjoy?


JT- It goes without saying that any writing artist is going to be proud of the work they release. But, to see all the work that our label as well as our management and entire team is doing to make this release possible, it is incredible. It is quite an amazing feeling, making us appreciate our product and also ourselves that much more.


TDG- In preparation for the album, you’ve released Stone Heart as a single with a video. What went into that being the first taste people got from The Cardinal?


JT- We actually released another video a few weeks prior to “Stone Heart” titled “No Safety”. The answer is still the same though. It was hard choosing a song to be first because we don’t think one song in its entirety can capture “The Cardinal” but at the same time each song has everything to do with the title itself. We have every intention of bringing each song to life visually in some manner, so we just picked one and went with it.   


TDG- What has been the reception for the Stone Heart so far?


JT- Having the opportunity to play Stone Heart during our set on this last tour with Alesana was great, it put us in front of a huge audience. The song has a lot of climactic sections so it kept the listeners on (and off) their toes. Verbal reviews off stage were amazing as well.


TDG- With the EP, The Black, being released last year, what would you say you’ve learned the most in this band in that amount of time.


JT- We’ve learned to just keep pushing the limits, to keep practicing, to keep being true to ourselves, because that's all we can do. The more we create as artists, the more opportunity we will have to change our lives and hopefully others lives as well.


TDG- One thing I truly appreciate, throughout the entire album, is the use of symphonic elements in all the right spots. Was that a conscious effort to have that from the beginning of the band to have that element, or did that come into play later?


JT- That is awesome to hear, thank you! It was totally from the beginning. A few of our members including myself were brought up through classical music/instruments (Stand-up Bass, Cello, Violin etc…).


TDG- You just got done completing a west cost run with Alesana. How did it feel to be a part of such a great tour?


JT- It was insane. Truly an inspiring tour. I think what made it such a successful tour was all of the genuinely great humans in the bands we toured with feeding, off each others positivity.


TDG- Any memorable stories from the tour?


JT- We blew a back tire in 2 feet of snow. Grey, Vocalist of Charlatan (not far behind us) hops out in American flag spandex and a crop top to check the damage. We knew we were in good hands. Made it to Denver on time as well.


TDG- After The Cardinal drops, what are the plans for the band for the rest of the year?


JT- Work, work, work… Work on the next record, try to give a helping hand to anyone who feels that they aren’t enough, tour, smile, be thankful for the opportunity that we have.


TDG- When you are not focused on the band, how do you like to spend your time?


JT- Having fun and making people/each other laugh. Usually sight seeing here in the northwest or hanging out with friends. Mainly binge watching shows on Netflix who are we kidding.


Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. I am digging what you guys do and I hope people will go and check out The Cardinal on March 3rd. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I have not brought up yet?


“Thank you as well! We have released another video “No Safety” as well and have a few great pre-order options for The Cardinal at versus.merchnow.com


Versus- The Cardinal, available March 3rd, through Revival Recordings