Interview with Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade

Monday, 17 May 2010 11:27

Despite having been a band for only four years, Mayday Parade’s popish, punk-rock sound is incredibly refined. The band’s latest album, Anywhere But Here, experiments with new sounds, thanks to the whims of renowned producer David Bendeth, who has worked with multi-platinum bands like Breaking Benjamin. Tomorrow at 6pm, Mayday Parade will come to Gainesville to bring you this new sound at the Common Grounds.

By Cindy Taveras; Photos provided to INsite

But first, INsite asks lead singer Derek Sanders about breakups, groupies and on-stage mishaps.

So what inspired the heartbroken theme of the album?
Well, as for as that aspect, when we went up the to studio to record, my girlfriend of about two years and I broke up.

Who broke up with whom?
Well, its kind of more complicated than that. In a way, it was a mutual thing.

Were you devastated?
Any time you’re in a relationship for a long amount of time, it’s tough.

Tell me a little bit about the song Anywhere But Here. Seems like this song is about forbidden love, or, as you say, a secret love. Who is this secret love?
When I was writing the chorus to that song, I wasn’t necessarily thinking of a person. It can be like your own personal escape from everything, you know?

What was it like to work with renowned producer David Bendeth?
We were nervous working with him. You know, we’d worked with other producers before but never, like, a big-named producer. He’s kind of crazy but in a good way. He’s really nice. He was there throughout the entire recording process—definitely added a lot, I think.

As you were growing up, which bands inspired you?
A handful, but the most, probably Queen and Further Seems Forever.

So, is it tough spending just about every waking moment with four other guys in such cramped quarters when you’re touring together?
For me, it’s actually amazing. I love it. It’s the greatest job in the world. I actually get bored when I’m home because, you know, we get to travel around the world. We get to play music and get paid to do it. To be able to play music is the greatest job in the world, I think.

How did you guys come up with the name Mayday Parade?
Um...really, we just needed a name. And I think Jake and Alex came up with it. I wish there was a better story for it.

When did you guys get your big break?
It’s hard to say because I don’t know if there was one particular moment. It’s been a very gradual process. It was mind blowing to us that we were talking to some labels that were interested in us. So that was definitely a pretty defining moment.

Can you tell me what your very first performance—before Mayday Parade—was like?
We used to play shows at the school for talent shows. I think it was, like, a school talent show in the auditorium. I remember at the time, I was very nervous. I remember it being a really cool feeling, too. We all thought that it was pretty rad.

How do you maintain your humility?
I mean, for us, you know, we all realize that we’re very lucky to be where we are—to be in a position where we can tour. We did it for many years making no money, and we loved it back then. I think we all love it, and we realize it’s not going to last forever.

How do you handle groupies?
Well, for the most part, a lot of our fans are younger. Obviously, some people are that way. We just—it kind of just comes with the territory. We kind of try not to think about it too much.

What’s the most awkward thing that’s ever happened to you or a bandmate while on stage?
Um...it’s hard to say. We’ve been pretty lucky to never have anything too crazy awkward. We’ve all tripped and fallen on the stage. Alex has fallen off the stage once years ago. But nothing too crazy has happened.

Did he just get so lost in the moment?
We were in Pensacola. It was a pretty small stage. He fell hard. We were all pretty worried about him, too, but he ended up being alright.

OK, so I promised my friend and old roommate that I’d ask: Is Miserable At Best about Katey Smith? Not only is her name Katey, like the girl in the song, but she’s also from Ocala, and I guess she can entirely relate to the song.
(Laughs.) It’s actually about a girl in Tallahassee.