Four Year Strong is a pop-punk quartet from Massachusetts, they came together in 2001. On Nov. 8 the band will release their fourth full-length album In Some Way, Shape or Form which contains the single “Stuck in the Middle.” They are currently on the Alternative Press Tour and played at the Beaumont Club in Kansas City on Oct. 28. The tour also includes Gallows, Sharks, The Swellers, and Title Fight. Joe Weiss from Four Year Strong took some time while on tour to answer a few questions for Elicia Nichols.
PW: When did Four Year Strong form and what brought you guys together to form the band?
Joe Weiss (Four Year Strong): The band started in 2001 and as friends living only a few blocks away from each other, we would always jam out together. Music was always something that we enjoyed and we would spend a lot of timing playing music together.
PW: What is the meaning behind the band name?
JW: Our band name dates back to when we were around 14 years old, we changed the words to some lyrics from a song by The Get Up Kids to get the name Four Year Strong.
PW: What inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry?
JW: Playing music with your friends was more fun, inspiring and better than anything that we felt we were learning or doing in school.
PW: What message do you send to the listeners through your music?
JW: I would say that every song is different and has a different message. Some songs simply tell stories, while others are about family members who have passed away, but I would definitely say that every song has its own element and message.
PW: How would you describe your music for people who have never heard your name or sound before?
JW: Our music has a heavy rock sound, but with an element of party.
PW: With your fourth album In Some Way, Shape, Or Form due out November 8, how would you say that your sound has changed from your first album to now?
JW: I’d say it is a better sound. We are leaning more towards rock, and away from the punk feeling that others would say we first had.
PW: What has been the biggest highlight so far as you headline The AP Tour?
JW: The best experience so far has been actually a few nights ago in Chicago where we performed at a great venue called The Metro. It was a really fun show. We love Chicago. We love the people, we love the pizza and we love playing shows there.
PW: With Halloween approaching, what is your favorite horror film?
JW: I’d have to say my favorite horror film is Dead Alive by Peter Jackson. It’s a great movie that came out before he did all the “Lord of the Ring” stuff.
PW: If you were to be in a horror film how would you choose to die in your death scene?
JW: If I am to die in a horror film I’d want it to be in a sweet car crash. Maybe even throw in some cool zombies and stuff, you know?
Interview and photos by Elicia Nichols
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