Alex Garcia – Mayday Parade Interview

Florida pop rockers Mayday Parade are currently in the UK, with their tour kicking off in Cardiff tonight.
We had a catch up with guitarist Alex Garcia.

Hello, how are you?
Doing well! Just enjoying some mucg deserved off time after Warped Tour.

For people who may have not heard of you, how would you describe your music in one sentence?
I would describe our music as pop rock, melodic guitar driven pop with an emo twist.

Are you excited about your UK tour?
Absolutely! The UK is always a great place to come and everybody treats us real well there. I definitely am excited to be there!

Is there a noticeable difference between UK and US fans?
A little. I honestly feel that our UK fans are a little bit more appreciative of us. It’s been said before but American bands don’t go to the UK as often as they do the US, so when they do make the trip kids get excited about it.

What do you like the most about touring in the UK?
Just the fact that you’re in a different country. It’s exciting to get to travel.

And the least?
Not being able to use your phone. It’s hard enough staying in touch with the ones you care about at home but even harder when you’re over seas and can’t call them.

How was the Vans Warped Tour?
It was good. It’s definitely an experience like no other. It’s hot and tiring but a lot of fun!

Who were your favourite bands to watch on that tour?
Pierce the Veil, Four Year Strong, Terrible Things, We the Kings, Every Time I Die, BMTH, Anarbor, Hey Monday, so many more. [laughs]

How do you cope with being away from home for so long on tour?
It’s not too hard ’cause you are always busy, but generally I try and make touring as much like being at home as possible. In many ways it is my home.

What are your top tour survival tips?
Always bring a jacket even if you think it will be hot. Have books and an iPod to keep you entertained and just have fun!

Do you have any crazy fan stories?
Nothing too crazy. Our fans are always pretty cool! I guess just when someone will skip out on work or school for a long time to follow a tour. It’s flattering but you don’t want to be the cause of something bad in someone’s life. [laughs]

Which of your fellow band mates…
Spends the longest on their hair?
Jake.

Gets the most female attention?
Derek or Brooks.

Gets the most male attention?
Jake.

Is the smelliest?
We are all very smelly. [laughs]

Is the most stylish?
Jake.

Is the coolest?
Me of course!

Is the biggest geek?
Derek or Cabbage.

Tell us a random fact about one of your fellow band mates.
Derek has never been stung by a bee.

After the UK tour, what is next for the band?
We will be doing a fall headline tour in the US with Breath Carolina, Every Avenue, Artist vs Poet and Go Radio. Should be amazing!

People should listen to your music because…
It’s heartfelt and meaningful – at least to us. It’s also catchy and rockin’!

Describe the band in three words.
Energetic, catchy, meaningful.

And finally, sex, drugs or rock ‘n’ roll?
All of em’ [laughs]. Probably just good ole rock ‘n’ roll.

You can catch Mayday Parade in Cardiff, Nottingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, London, Yoevil and Brighton.
Click here for more info.