The Devil Wears Prada comes to town for big gigs on July 21st & 26th

by | Jul 20, 2015 | Coming Up, Culture, Music

L-R:  Andy Trick, Mike Hranica, Jeremy Depoyster, Daniel Williams/Photo: Courtesy of Anthony Barlich

L-R: Andy Trick, Mike Hranica, Jeremy Depoyster, Daniel Williams/Photo: Courtesy of Anthony Barlich

A lot of bands have named themselves after a book or a movie, but few bands have found their name co-opted by a top-grossing movie. Although The Devil Wears Prada named themselves after a 2003 book, technically they did form prior to the release of the Oscar-winning, Downtown Manhattan-featuring film starring Meryl Streep. But as noted within my Q&A with frontman Mike Hranica, this is not something that the band spends time dwelling upon.

This summer, the Ohio-based metalcore band is out on the road for the Rockstar Mayhem Festival alongside Slayer, King Diamond, Hellyeah and others. They’ll be in the area on July 21st at the PNC Bank Arts Center and on July 26th at Jones Beach. The band – which also includes guitarist Jeremy DePoyster, bassist Andy Trick and drummer Daniel Williams – has more music in the works, following the release of its recent Space EP and does not anticipate slowing anytime soon.

TDWP_Space_Cover_lo_1

Your band formed long before the release of the movie The Devil Wears Prada. What was your reaction when you first found out about the movie?

The Devil Wears Prada’s Mike Hranica: I don’t entirely remember. Much like the band name, we probably thought it was funny.

Has your band ever heard from a representative of Prada?

M: Yeah, whenever they send us tons of swag.

When Alternative Press named The Devil Wears Prada “Band Of The Year” in 2009, did that change things for your band in any way?

M: It was definitely encouraging and an honor, but I’m not sure it changed things. I think we were just grateful for the recognition.

This is not your first Rockstar Mayhem Festival appearance. What do you like most about this tour?

M: There’s a lot to like about Mayhem. Two summers with Slayer is pretty great, but I can also say it’s run really well. There can be drama and bad vibes around these types of tours: although that has simply never happened while playing Mayhem.

How does one of your live shows compare to your studio output?

M: For us, the exactness of studio recordings isn’t something that translates to live. We are most certainly a band that still gives regard to “tightness” live, but I think following exact precision can pull away from the authentic kind of emotion a good live show should contain.

Earlier this year, the band signed to Rise Records. How does working with Rise compare to being on Roadrunner?

M: It’s different. I respect Roadrunner highly, although we know Rise well – from earlier in our career – and it seemed to be something interesting to revisit. From a band’s perspective, I think working with different labels is beneficial.

Your last full-length album came out two years ago. Is your recent “Space” EP a sign that a full-length album is coming soon? Or might the band considering releasing EPs instead of LPs as a sign of people’s shorter attention spans?

M: EPs are an excellent means of fulfilling a listener’s inevitable lack of attention, and we also enjoy the conceptual basis of five or six highly-specific songs. I don’t mean to sound insulting as far as a short of attention span, either. That’s how it goes for music fans with so much music to listen to. All the same, we will be writing again soon.

Is there something you wish more people knew about The Devil Wears Prada?

M: It sounds salty, but I instead wish people knew more about other bands. The bands seeking to be heroes.

Finally, any last words for the kids?

M: I hope folks enjoy our Space EP, we loved making it and are growing increasingly restless for fans to check it out. Thanks for having me.

 

-by Darren Paltrowitz

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