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By: Julio D. Anta
"We feel like we’re finally winning with this record, like we’re the champions," said Audition’s bassist Joe Lussa in an interview with OUTLOUD. "We’ve never felt as confident as we do with these songs." Approaching their fourth year signed to Chicago-based independent label Victory Records, The Audition released their highly anticipated second full-length album in January, Champion.
It’s a Tuesday night and the band is getting ready to embark on their Pac Sun sponsored headlining tour with Envy On the Coast, Danger Radio and Another Day Late. While speaking to the band’s bassist over the phone, I get a sense of confidence and excitement. We speak of the new Apple computers, the state of the music industry, and Radiohead.
When asked about the tour dates, Lussa quickly responds, "We’re definitely excited about the dates and venues, especially since we’ve been to all of them countless times opening for other bands. We’re excited to finally headline a major tour."
The band has traveled a long road to get where they’re at. Between a revolving door of band members and the years of playing locally in hopes of getting signed, The Audition is finally in a position they find comfortable - comfortable in themselves that is.
Joe Lussa
At times like these, it’s tough on any musician, indie or major, to feel at peace with the music industry. "I mean, Radiohead just put their new album online basically for free. You got to pay whatever you wanted for it, but it’s a tricky deal because not all bands can do that," Lussa said. "Radiohead’s at a point in their careers where they’re one of the biggest bands in the world and have that sort of control."
Lussa elaborated on how unpredictable the music industry can be and how important a band’s performance in the live setting is now-a-days.
"CD sales are down all across the board, illegal downloads seem to be on the rise, and the new Apple computer doesn’t even come with a CD drive on it. With Apple’s rise in popularity and their market control over legal downloads, this can easily signal the end of the CD" he continued.
It’s no wonder then, why the band focuses so much on their live shows. Last time the band was in South Florida they were opening for TRL hopefuls Boys Like Girls on "Tourzilla" with We the Kings and Valencia. As always their live show can only be challenged by a few bands in the indie pop scene. Infused with energy and enthusiasm, The Audition not only brings the sing-a-longs, but the pits as well to their live performances that shouldn’t be missed.
See The Audition live at the Warped Tour (Miami) on July 12th
Let us know what you think, email us at: outloud@outloud.com.
The Audition: Danny Stevens, Seth Johnson, Timmy Klepek, Joe Lussa and Ryan O'Connor