INDIE BAND OF THE WEEK – NEXT TO NONE

Next To None is a Metal band from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Featuring Max Portnoy on drums, Derrick Schneider on guitar, Kris Rank on bass, and Thomas Cuce on keyboards and lead vocals,  the band formed in 2013 and spent several years performing and writing music. In 2015, they released their first album “A Light In The Dark” through Inside Out Music. They are about to release their album “Phases” which is being anticipated by critics and will be released on July 7th. Be sure to read on, to learn more about Next to None!

Who are you and what is your role in the band?

I am Max Portnoy and I play drums in Next To None.

How did the band get started?

I’ve been playing drums my whole life and I always jammed with others that played music. About 7 years ago I joined a school of rock thing and started playing cover shows with different people. When I finally met Thomas Cuce, I decided to form an original band. We began writing songs in my basement and as the years went on we got more and more serious about our music

Who are your influences and how do they play a role in your sound?

My biggest influences when it comes to drumming would be Chris Adler, Joey Jordison, and Mike Portnoy. I grew up watching all three of these drummers and over the years they really made an impact on how I play the drums and even how I perform on stage. When it comes to music as a whole, I would say Slipknot is my biggest influence, they were the first band that I ever became obsessed with.

What has been your most meaningful experience being in this band so far?

Winning Rhythm Magazine’s best new drummer of 2015 award was one of the craziest and coolest things that has ever happened to me!

Favorite memory from a show you’ve played or a place you’ve travelled?

I would say playing Europe for the first time was incredible! Not only did we get to explore the different countries but we met some great friends on that tour as well. One of the shows that stuck out for me on that tour was Italy. The crowd was absolutely crazy and cheered anytime I walked by haha, I was surprised they were able to recognize us since it was our first time there!

What do you hope to accomplish with your music?

I don’t really intend to accomplish anything with my music. When I’m writing music with Thomas, its because it is what I enjoy doing. Just the fact that we get to share our music with the world is a good enough accomplishment for me!

Something about you that no one knows?

If you follow my personal twitter, you’ll most likely know everything about. For example, I’m currently obsessed with Rick and Morty.

What is next for the band?

The next big plans for Next To None are going back to Europe this summer opening for Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. After that, our album is released on July 7th and we plan on touring and playing shows promoting our new album!

Anything else you want to add?

Wubba lubba dub dub!!!!

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