Interview: The Reasons Why

By Paul Johnson, Guitarist of The Reasons Why.

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

When I was 12 years old, I knew this guy next door who was into a lot of music. At the time I was listening to a lot of radio rock, mostly the 90s alternative wave. He gave me Master of Puppets on cassette and I instantly fell in love with the sound and speed I was hearing. I picked up my older brothers’ guitar and never looked back. If I hadn’t gotten into music? I honestly don’t know? I have spent most of my life with a stereo blaring in my ears or a guitar in my hand.

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love jumping on the boat and heading out into the ocean. I grab a couple beers, the fishing rods and a decent selection of tunes and just fucking disconnect from the world. I think the silence and the simplicity of it helps me hone in on the ideas and the riffs in my head. I then translate that to the guitar.

How long has your band been around?

The band has been going for about 10 years and I joined about 5 years ago.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I live up in hills in a quiet town. So, like the boat, it helps to keep me connected to the music in my head. Living in a quiet town is great if you want to turn the volume up on the amp and really let loose. I think being in that moment is the influence itself. 

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

I never came up with the name as I joined well after it had been established. But to me, it just means whatever it needs to mean. The reasons why I love guitar or the sounds I can make with it.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

The worst…We played a show in the city and right before we went on, the power cut out on the whole city block. We didn’t even get to play, we just packed up and headed home.

The Best…Our single launch for Ember was at the Stamford hotel. The whole venue was packed and we had a great night!

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?

The Stamford, just because I have some awesome memories there. Madison Square Gardens for sure! The place is fucken huge I would love to fill it out.

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

Metallica, Alice In Chains, Pantera and Guns and roses. The classics!!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Planning is a big one, trying to get 4 blokes to jam can be really hard at times. It’s expensive, so you’ll definitely notice your wallet get lighter and it can be time consuming. But the best advice is to have fun and enjoy it.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Practice. With. The. METRONOME!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

“Tyrants Rise!” for sure. I love how relevant the song is in this fucked up world.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

“Place I Rest” is one of my favourites. It has such a powerful chorus. Renegade always gets requested, It’s a song everyone can love.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Its always starts with a riff, from scotty or me or brodie before he left, and we just jam on it. You never know what comes next and I find that exciting. I love going along for the ride a song writing session can take you on. That’s what inspires me to keep writing.  

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I want the message to be to switch off and let the music we play take you. Let go of fucken work and stress and just have some fun!

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

We never really have any disagreements. We are all pretty diplomatic.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

Definitely, our album launch coming up on the 10th of November. Then some more albums and hopefully play some shoes overseas.