Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, SINEMA is the next true Rock band to take over the world. They are an independent band in every sense of the phrase and seeing their work ethic is something that can make all of us strive to be better. Enjoy SINEMA.
Who are you and what is your role in the band?
I’m Nathan Howell and I play bass guitar.
I’m Andrew Bobulinski and I play the drums.
I’m Ryan Sayn and I sing and play guitar.
I’m Cody Miskelley and I play guitar and sing some.
How did the band get started?
RS: Right out of high school in the summer of 2011 I knew what I wanted to do and pieced a band together and came up with a name. We wrote a few songs and talked about doing things but never really pulled it together. People came and went for a little while, but things came together really nicely in what’s now a badass lineup of guys that couldn’t be more focused on our band.
What does the name mean?
NH: The name is a play on words. It’s the word “Cinema” but with an S. Making the first half of the word Sin. So essentially is just a combination of what rock n’ roll is all about. Playing “the devil’s music” and putting on a show while you do it.
AB: What he said.
RS: Nate Dogg’s got it.
Who are your influences and how do they play a role in your sound?
NH: We have a wide array of influences. I’m sure everyone has their own different answers but mine are Marilyn Manson, specifically because he’s my favorite and I learned how to play a lot of Twiggy’s bass parts when I started learning bass. There’s also Motley Crue, AFI, My Chemical Romance and so on.
AB: I have way too many musical influences. One of my all time favorite bands as well as one of the things that inspired me to want to be a musician is KISS so I feel like I have picked up things from all three of the drummers that have been in that band. I really love old jazz players like Buddy Rich and Elvin Jones. Lately, I’ve been studying more drummers from the 60’s like Ginger Baker from Cream, Mitch Mitchell from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Michael Shrieve from Santana: guys that could play really loud but at the same time have a lot of finesse. I feel like that’s something I always strive for in my playing. Some of my other favorite bands that I really admire are the Ramones, the Beatles, Queen, Motley Crue, Oasis, Third Eye Blind and many many more.
RS: The influences that play a role in my sound have to be KISS, Alice Cooper, Crue, Pantera, Black Label Society, and Ozzy. The first songs I ever learned were KISS songs like “She”, ”Love Gun” and “Shock Me” and that broke me into the world of stage, voice, and guitar. Lately BLS and Pantera are the dominant influences in my sound and the way I perform. Pure Power.
CM: I take influences from a variety of things: Kings Of Leon, Pantera, AFI, The Used, to name a few. I am always finding great inspirations.
Has being from Alabama influenced your sound or the way you play?
NH: I don’t think it really influenced the way I play but, sound definitely. Our album that’s coming out later this year has some southern influence in it.
AB: I think it’s influenced our work ethic more so than our playing. A lot of people underestimate and overlook our state and I feel like it’s made us try a little harder to stand out and make an effort to reach more people.
RS: Being from Alabama used to be kind of a burden because we were and still are going in the other direction from every other band here. Now I see it as my main motivation, I want to be so much better than what I see every day that I push myself a little harder every show to prove a point that we really don’t have to prove anymore.
What has been your most meaningful experience being in this band so far?
NH: I mean there’s a few. Since Cody and I, and eventually Andrew, joined the band we’ve played a good number of shows and everyone seems to get bigger and better. So overall, that’s the most meaningful. But aside from that, things like going to Ohio to record an album, playing with one of my favorite newer bands, Motionless in White, was also pretty meaningful for me.
AB: It’s really hard for me to say. When I was asked to join the band last year, it was one of the last things I was expecting. At the time, I had no aspirations of playing drums in a band, but I also love trying new challenges musically. I already loved the band so I was honored that they even considered me and I knew that it was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. And when I look back on the past year, sometimes I can’t believe how productive and eventful it has been. The whole experience I’ve had since I’ve joined the band has been extremely meaningful and I’m so grateful for all of it.
RS: The most meaningful experience being in this band I’ve had is being in this band. These guys are the absolute best guys to work with and have in my life as my real friends. If I need one of these guys they’re there and we all kind of lean on each other in different ways. It’s just amazing to be able to do this with people you genuinely want in your life.
CM: I’ve had a plethora of amazing experiences since joining the band, most recently the trip to Ohio. Lots of fun with the guys I wouldn’t trade for anything. Also working with Craig Mabbitt was incredible for me. I am a huge fan of his work.
Favorite memory from a show you’ve played or a place you’ve travelled?
NH: I’d say spending two weeks with the guys in Cleveland. We really got to know each other a lot better, Ryan and I quit soda (didn’t last too long after we got back haha), we all tried to workout in someway everyday. We would stay up late and watch movies, listen to music, a lot of Cher [laughs], and occasionally hang out with our good friend Jack Daniels. It was a really good and important experience for all of us.
AB: Being in Cleveland was an amazing experience. I remember being really nervous beforehand and not knowing what to expect, but recording the album couldn’t have gone smoother and it was a blast. I also really loved opening for Motionless in White, we were able to play in front of a lot of people that hadn’t heard of us before, and it felt really cool to get such positive feedback.
RS: It’s impossible for me to not mention Cleveland because it was an insanely awesome trip. We got a lot done and had more fun than I think we expected. When we shot our music video in Atlanta with Craig, we were all drinking Jack Fire, then Andrew’s dad shows up with a bottle of Old No. 7 and we ended up having a damn good time. My favorite memory from a show is the first time we spit blood at Zydeco. The front few rows didn’t know what hit them, everybody loved it, it was awesome.
CM: I have certain things I remember from each show, mostly the awesome people I meet. Oh and the one time I was playing in the crowd. Definitely gonna do that again!
What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
NH: Well I know we’d all like to get to the point where this is all we do, music related things that is. But aside from that I wanna tour the States and the world. I want to make music that people can listen to and feel something whether it’s joy, sadness, or the biggest one from our album (in my opinion) anger.
AB: In addition to everything he said, I think we’re trying to bring back a certain vibe and attitude that’s been missing from Rock music for a while.
RS: I think the guys pretty much got it. We want to make music that people aren’t making, put on a show like people don’t do anymore, and really connect with people for a living.
CM: I just want to make some cool jams to rock to, maybe spread some happiness across some people’s face
Something about you that no one knows?
RS: I really can’t stand avocados. I feel like they were created to make me hate green foods.
CM: Not many people know I struggle with Bipolar disorder, or that I’m actually really shy at first. [laughs]
What is next for the band?
NH: Well the sky’s the limit. The album is obviously gonna come out soonish, it’s only a matter of time. And hopefully we can take off and make our impression in this world.
RS: Whatever the fuck we want.
CM: We are constantly evolving and experimenting with our sound, so I think anything is possible with my brothers at my side!
Anything else you want to add?
RS: This record is going to kick everyone’s ass. In the words of a wise man, “I’ve been storing up the “fuck you’s” keeping them under my tongue.” but not anymore.
CM: I love all our Sinners, they aren’t fans they are family and mean the world to me. To anyone who has a problem, you can kiss my ass and I’ll catch you on down the road!
