Kristen May – lead vocals : Sameer Bhattacharya – lead guitar/backing vocals : Jared Hartmann – rhythm guitar/backing vocals : Pat Seals – bass/backing vocals : James Culpepper – drums/percussionIt’s tough for most bands to lose a lead singelullr and not lose any momentum that they had going. Fans seem to be as protective of their lead singers as a lioness is of her cubs. There are some bands that seem to handle that transition much easier than others. Now, I’m not saying that it’s been all sunshine and unicorns since Kristen May took over the mic duties when Lacey Sturm exited, but their latest album Between the Stars debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Current Alternative Albums, #3 on the Billboard Current Contemporary Christian Albums and made similar strong debuts on many other charts. The band’s headlining the 2015 Snocore Tour with direct support from Adelita’s Way and openers Framing Hanley and Fit for Rivals. Kristen May took time out from tour preparations to talk to us about the tour and wintertime touring.
Hi Kristen! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us today. You guys are getting ready to kick-off the 2015 Snocore Tour on February 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Flyleaf has played before, but this will be your first time playing it with them. Tell us your thoughts on the upcoming tour.
Kristen May: I’m pumped to go back out on the road. We had a nice break over the holidays, so it will be a good time to get out and reconnect with our fans. I’m pumped to meet the other bands on the tour as well; it’s going to be a blast!
The tour is roughly two months long. Will you be hitting familiar places or venturing into new territory?
We have played most of these markets before, but there may be a couple of venues we haven’t hit. That’s what happens when you have been touring as long as we have; you usually end up going back to places you’ve been. It’s nice though because I like seeing familiar faces.
The Snocore Tour was created to help fill a void of fewer bands touring in the winter time. With the cold temps and things like the flu running rampant, what precautions do you take to help protect your voice?
Rest and drinking lots of water is very important as well as always wearing a scarf to cover my neck when I’m outside. I also love Throat Coat Tea by Traditional Medicinals; that stuff saves me. Also, ginger teas and just eating as healthy as I can like fruits and veggies and stuff. I like to exercise a bit and do yoga for relaxation as well and ALWAYS wash your hands!
How do you pick a set-list for this tour? Do you totally revamp the set-list used from the last tour with Lullwater or tweak it a bit?
We will revisit some songs from the new album, since we are promoting Between the Stars and have only had one tour supporting it so far. We will also add in some different selections we haven’t tried from past albums and possibly a cover song.
It’s always an interesting transition for a band from one lead singer to another. I know how protective some fans are of their lead singers. Do you feel you’ve come into your own with the latest album Between the Stars and the tour for it? For me, I don’t think you filled anyone’s
shoes because you wore your own when you joined the band.
I think I’ve just learned to be confident in who I am and do my thing, you know? Writing and recording Between the Stars definitely helped me feel proud of my work and like I had something to share. It allowed all of us in the band to have a sense of creating something new that we can use to show who we are in the here and now.
FLYLEAF – Thread (Official Lyric Video)
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So, I know you’re getting your bags all packed to head back out on this tour. What are your three essential tour items when you are packing your personal bag?
My phone, coconut oil and throat coat tea.
Who is the biggest practical jokester in the band when you’re out in the road?
Probably Kirby, our tour manager’s son or his Mom, Katy.
What’s the coolest thing about being in this band?
I’d say being able to travel and see the world and do what I love for a living. Also, the fans are pretty special; they’re so interested and engaged and they make this job that much more meaningful.
Do you have any closing words for the readers?
Thank you for reading and enjoy the music. Namaste!
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