A Rocket to the Moon

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 11:42

Touring alongside Mayday Parade, the pop-rock band and opening act, A Rocket to the Moon, serves as a complement to the main performance. The quartet recently released its latest album, On Your Side. We got to talk about girls, regrets and childhood dreams with Justin Richards, guitarist and vocalist for A Rocket to the Moon.

By Cindy Taveras; Photos provided to INsite

First of all, what was it like performing on a field before a Chicago White Sox game?

It was awesome. That was an insane day. We never thought about doing anything like that. Everybody treated us so well. We got jerseys with our name on the back of them. I lost my wallet that night, but it was awesome. That tells you how awesome it was.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a musician?

Well, I wanted to do it my whole life. I started playing violin when I was about seven. Right after that I learned guitar in the sixth grade. Pretty much since the sixth grade, I really didn’t have any other dreams. Before that, I was like every other kid: I wanted to be a sports star.

What kind of songs do you like playing the most?

I’ve always been a sucker for love songs.

So you’re a hopeless romantic? Do you have a girlfriend?

No, it’s tough meeting real people on tour. You meet a lot of real people, but you meet a lot of fake people, too.

Is there a song on the latest album you relate to the most?

Like We Used To

What's performing like?

It’s amazing. The biggest thing is the humbling feeling of, you know, why me? This is my job, and I finally get to do it. It’s incredible to play music and to have people sing along. It’s the best feeling.

Do you remember your first performance? Can you tell me about it?

It was crazy because we were in, I think, the eight grade or seventh grade, and we were playing with all these 22-year-olds. A girl asked me for my autograph, and I told her no because I was so embarrassed. But I’ve never said no since. I was so nervous because I was the singer, and the guitar was like the size of my body. I broke a string, but it was a fun night.

If you weren't were you are today, what do you think you’d be doing now?

I would have graduated college. I don’t know. I could see myself being a cook or working in fashion. It’s kind of hard, though, because this is what I’ve always wanted to do, so I cant really see myself doing any other thing.

Have you ever used the fact that you’re in a band to pick up girls?

It does work. There’s always those little things where you’ll meet a girl in a show, and she’ll go, “Oh, what band are you in?” A lot of guys I know do, but we don’t tend to do that. I think we’re more classy than that.

If you were on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

Definitely a guitar. And a solar cellphone with an extra battery pack. And Keira Knightley. That would be perfect. I really wouldn’t have a problem with that, actually.

What kind of artists or bands inspired you as you were growing up?

It was weird. I was just strictly into rap, like Puff Daddy. So it’s weird coming from that. Then I started getting into Korn and Blink 182. I think I’ve slowly gone through every single genre in my life.

OK, so we’re going to play a little game. I’ll begin a sentence, and you finish it.

The best sex I’ve ever had was never. I’m waiting until marriage.

The worst part about touring is being away from your home and family and friends and your pillow. Your own bed is the best part about being home—aside from your family.

Lift off with A Rocket to the Moon's music on Myspace.