How old are you all and what do you think you'd be doing with your lives if you weren't in FATS?
"We are all between the ages of 22-24. It's hard to say for everyone else but I'd be doing music of some sort, I couldn't picture doing anything else."

What bands do you draw inspiration from?
"That bands that influenced me the most growing up were AFI, Blink 182, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Underoath."

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You started off in the punk scene: how did you come about to make screamo music?
"When we were younger, Jerad, Ethan and I were in a shitty punk band but as we got older our tastes started to change and then when we added Mike that really helped us to start creating heavier music."

You generate a very original sound as a band, do you find that it's more than often too hard to swallow for the general public, or was there an instant natural liking to it?
"I think it all depends on the listener. Some people aren't into any music with screaming in it period, so we'll never win them over but we've had a good reception so far as a band."

As a genre how would you categorise yourself?
"I suck at answering this question because there are so many sub genres and kids who know way more about the scene then I do. I'd say melodic hardcore but I have no clue, ha."

How did you come about to create your original genre? Who in the band contributes to the pop side and who brings the Metal?
"We just played what we liked and that's what we'll continue to do. Well London delivers the poppy aspect well with his vocals and Mike brings the heavier side out with his vocals but Jerad and I write the music and we all give input so it's a joint effort."

For those who haven't yet heard FATS, what two tracks would you recommend them to listen to? What songs do you feel represent you best?
"Any two off our new album. But since you guys can't hear those yet I'd say 'Favourite Liar' and 'I'm Not Dead Yet'. Probably those two songs represent us best.

And what are your personal favourite tracks?
"Off our old album, I'd say 'Favourite Liar' and 'If I Wanted Your Two Cents I'd Rob You'. I just really enjoyed writing them and they mean a lot to me."

Your debut album 'Cross Your Fingers' was released in 2010. Did it come out as you'd hoped it would?
"At the time, yes, but looking back there are always things we wished we could have done better. We made sure to make our new record the way we wanted."

For your second album have you changed anything about the way you create and record?
"This second record we wrote a lot more songs and picked our favourites out of them, as opposed to 'Cross Your Fingers' where we wrote twelve songs and picked ten."

What type of album can your fans expect? Is there a lot of new ground being covered?
"They can expect a lot heavier of an album and a lot more honesty in our lyrics. It's definitely a huge step for us."

When is the album likely to be released? And when do you think it will be available in the UK?
"I wish I knew but I don't have a date for you guys at the moment."

When can the UK expect to be hit by FATS?
"Hopefully soon but no sooner than Fall. We really can't wait to come out to the UK, we have a lot of amazing fans out there!"

Where in the world have you toured and how did you find the responses you received?
"So far we've toured the US, Canada and Japan and they've all been amazing. We have the greatest fans out there!"

Where would you hit around the world in your dream tour?
"Everywhere, ha ha."

You're known for being extremely attentive to your fans, do you think you'll be able to keep this up as you grow to be bigger and even more successful?
"It gets harder and harder to do but we'll always try our best to communicate and talk to our fans and at shows we always will make ourselves available to take pics, sign stuff and hang out."

For unsigned bands worldwide, can you give any tips from your own experiences?
"Honestly, don't be in a band unless you're willing to give up everything for it. It's not an easy job but if you love music and that's all you want to do with your life than you've already got more than it takes than half of the other unsigned bands out there."

And finally, where do you see yourself as a band in the next ten years?
"Hopefully still touring, making music and doing what we love."

Photos © Leah's Ears Photography 2012.

29.3.12