Syracuse, New York band One Last Shot is no stranger to the concept of hard work. Their continuous goal as musicians is to help change and encourage lives just like their favorite bands have done for them. Since forming in 2009, they have released numerous EPs, a full length album, and are gearing up for another full length later this year. The band has even shared the stage with Beartooth, Marmozets, Aiden, Silverstein, and The Bunny The Bear and has done a few stints on the Vans Warped Tour. So here is this week’s Indie Band of the Week, One Last Shot!
Who are you and what is your role in the band?
My name is Jeremy Romance and I am the singer and “caretaker” of One Last Shot.
How did the band get started?
Growing up can be difficult if you don’t fit in with the norm. Since as far back as I can remember I was always looked at as the outsider. I was bullied to the point of depression and the only way I found salvation was through music. I found bands and artists that spoke to me and made me feel less alone & less of a loser. When I was 17 I got really sick and hospitalized. I was told I had a disease which still has no cure and I’d have to be on medication the rest of my life to keep my insides from rotting away. It really opened my eyes and showed me how quick life could be taken away and that any day could be our last. I remembered being that kid who was isolated and anxious with the world and my outlet was the music I listened to. Because I love music so much, I decided my goal in this life was to be in a band that made others feel less alone. Just like the bands I listen to did for me when I was young. You never know when your last day in this life is, so why not make the most of it you can in a positive way.
Who are your influences and how do they play a role in your sound?
This isn’t the same for the rest of the members, but for me personally I actually have a pop/ hardcore rap background from age 7-14. I love boy bands like N’Sync and rap like 2pac & Eminem. I also love Elvis, Bowie, Misfits, My Chemical Romance, AFI, Aiden, From First To Last & The Used. When I sing I think the later bands come out most.
What has been your most meaningful experience being in this band so far?
We’ve been getting a lot of messages in regards to stories about mental and/ or physical health issues. We’ve even had people come up to us at shows and tell us their issues with those topics. But all their stories end well and are how they’ve overcome the problems. It’s inspiring and means more to me than I can say, that usually people tell us our message really made a positive impact on them and all I can do is want to give them all hugs and say thank you. It shows me the goal I set out when I was 17 to do is coming true & people may be feeling less alone or isolated due to our messages we share.
Favorite memory from a show you’ve played or a place you’ve traveled?
Cleveland, OH on this past tour we played a few stops with Aiden and it was amazing. It honestly has to be my favorite show we’ve played as a band. The people there were amazing. It was Aiden’s last ever Halloween show. I got to do guest vocals for the band Ashestoangels (live) singing Misfits covers. I got to see some friends from the area and met a lot of awesome people. I can’t wait to go back.
What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
Like I said before, I just want to get the message out that it’s okay to feel alone because the truth is, you’re not. There’s someone out there that feels just like you & if you come out to a show we promise you’ll be welcomed to our group of misfits with open arms.
Something about you that no one knows?
I’m pretty much an open book. Personally? I doubt people know this unless they’re my friends. But, I own a sick pair of pink tweed pumps. They haven’t been worn in 9 years or so but, I did drag a few times singing My Chem and Prince songs and I wish I knew were they were. I think they are at my parents house, or the trash unfortunately.
What is next for the band?
Fuck if I know. Unfortunately I could give you a great PR response and say ‘new music coming soon’ which is totally true, but honestly I never know. I try to plan things out and hustle my ass off but usually it’s things we don’t plan for that happen. I’m trying to put a music video out for one of our new singles soon, so I’m sure that’ll be it. Also some shows, but not until the snow melts.
Anything else you want to add?
Kinsey, you rock & thank you for chatting with me. I really appreciate it. Keep making dreams happen!
Connect with One Last Shot (click icons):
If you would like to be considered for our Indie Band of the Week, click here!
