SHREDnews

Shred: Hey guys, could you start by stating your name and your role in the band?

JP - Bass & Vocals

Jake - Guitar & Backup Vocals

Joe - Drums & Comic Relief

Shred: How did you guys get started, I hear its something to do with a psychology class and a bleached-blonde mohawk?

JP: I met Joe at Hudson Valley Community College, or as we like to call it, Harvard on the Hudson, in a psychology class. He was so punk rock at that time and I was instantly drawn to him.  A few months later we both found ourselves in need of new jam partners so we started rockin’. We recorded the album just a few months later in December 2007. Soon after our guitar player quit and just before we put out a formal “tryout” MySpace post we stumbled across Sir Jake Mai. We were leaving for a self booked tour in 3 weeks and needed someone to man up and take the plunge. Luckily for us Jake was crazy enough to quit his job, break the lease on his apartment and fly up to New York to give it a shot. None of us have looked back since.

Shred: Is there a meaning behind the name Young and Divine?

JP: Young & Divine was the original name for the now-called “Kings.”  It’s the closing track on our full length that will be out later this year.

Shred: How would you describe your sound to our readers?

JP: We cross a lot of genres. Definitely a rock band at heart. There are no limits or boundaries to what we’ll try and I think that’s what sets us apart from so many of the bands out there these days.

Shred: What can we definitely expect at a Young and Divine show?

JP: Lights, noise, kick flips, spills, drum solos, fog. Awesomeness.

Shred: Speaking of shows, what do you think the best and worst things about touring are?

JP: Playing in front of new kids that have never seen us before is definitely the best part.  The worst part is when I get sick

Joe: The best thing is getting to see new places and revisiting the ones I’ve already been to.  I agree with JP that getting sick sucks

Jake: The best is that… well… you’re on tour .  The worst is not being able to be around your family and friends.

Shred: You’re about to start a tour with Secret Secret Dino Club, is there anything you guys to do prepare for heading out on the road?

JP: Practice, practice, practice.  Individually and collectively.  As well as attempt to eat healthy and exercise because it’s no myth that life on the road is tough on your body.

Shred: How was the experience of recording your upcoming debut release independently, is it something you guys would consider doing again?

JP: If we do it by ourselves again it means we’ve been dropped from our label. Haha. So hopefully we don’t record independently again, but the experience was incredible and one that we will never forget.

Shred: What can we expect from your up and coming album?

JP: A very wide range of tunes. As I said before, we really don’t set limits for ourselves and I can truly say there is something on this record for everybody.

Shred: When it comes to writing, is there a main songwriter or is it a group process?

JP: I’m the main songwriter. I’ll bring an idea or full song to the table and we’ll polish it into the final product that hits your ears.

Shred: If you could do a collaboration with anyone dead or alive who would it be?

JP: Whoever wrote Party in the USA

Joe: Jason DeRuloooooo *sung in auto tune robot voice*

Jake: The guy that wrote “Down Under” by Men at Work

Shred:
Three artists you’re really into right now?

JP: Sugarcult

Joe: Atreyu

Jake: Every Time I Die

Shred: Any advice for bands starting out?

Never stop writing. You never know when you’ll write “the song.” It’s also incredibly important to educate yourself and your band on the business and legal side of music. It should always remain to be about the music but you’re just hurting yourself if you’re uninformed. Read up!!!

Shred: Anything else you guys would like to add?

JP: I’m sorry to Joe’s face for DDT’ing it the other night.

Joe: Chicks love scars what can I say…

Jake: Joe B looks more homeless than ever now…

To learn more about Young & Divine please visit their:

Myspace : www.myspace.com/younganddivine
Official Page : www.younganddivine.com