An Interview with Aaron Gillespie
of The Almost and Underoath

by Kenneth Morton

The Almost, featuring Aaron Gillespie of Underoath, performed their first show ever at The Chain Reaction in Orange County on December 17th. Prior to the show, we spoke with a very anxious Aaron about the new band, the forthcoming tour, the Warped Tour, dinosaurs, and more…

What do you find in The Almost that you don’t find with Underoath?
It’s a different world. I love both equally.

Is there any story behind the band name The Almost?
I couldn’t figure out what to call it. I wanted call it The Almost Home or The Almost This – I even though about the worst name ever – The Almost Aaron. So I was like, I’ll just call it The Almost. There’s really no story.

Is this your first show…
Ever!

Really? So tell me, are you nervous at all?
Hella nervous! Look at me, I’m a wreck! But it’s okay.

What can people expect from the show tonight?
I’m gonna do it or die trying, man. We’ll find out here in a little bit.

Is there any screaming in the new songs at all?
No, I can’t scream.

Is the album completed and who produced it?
Yeah, it comes out on April 3rd. It took six weeks and Aaron Sprinkle did it.

You guys left the Warped Tour…
I’m not answering that question. That’t the only one I won’t answer.

Really? I’m just tired of it.

What do you think of Fat Mike? Do you still keep in touch with him?
I think he’s a cool guy. I’m not really personal friends with him, but I think he’s a cool guy. Sorry about that question – it’s been answered a whole lot.

Do you think this whole situation between Underoath and NOFX has been misunderstood by people?
That is a good question. It really had nothing to do with Fat Mike or anyone else on the Warped Tour. We just needed to go home and regroup.

How did you feel about all these things going on with Myspace where all of your friends were on the NOFX page taking crap and visa versa?
That stuff always happens.

Did you read any of it at all?
No, but that stuff always happens. That stuff always goes on, and I feel that it always will. You know how it is, man. This is your business and this is what you do. People are always going to talk about something that makes no sense. But any kind of press is good press.

That is true!
You have to look at it that way. You know what I’m saying?

How do you respond to those fans who kept it up for so long on Myspace? Do you have anything to say to them at all?
No. Not interested.

Would The Almost or Underoath ever consider going back on Warped Tour again?
Oh yeah. There’s nothing against The Warped Tour. It had nothing to do with The Warped Tour. If it was any tour, we would have went.

Will your band The Almost be concentrating on Christian themes at all?
We’re all Christians and that’s what I believe. Like if you’re a painter, you’re gonna look at your life like a painter. But that’s what I believe and that’s who I am – and that’s what I’ll do – always.

When you wrote the lyrics for The Almost, what inspired you?
The lyrics are varied – just about episodes I’ve had in my own life personally and mentally. It’s very well and it’s very vague at times – you could kind of condition it to whatever you want.

You’ve been asked to death the Warped Tour questions, haven’t you? How annoying is that?
It sucks, man. Sorry I was kinda… That was a good question, but it sucks though. I tell magazines and TV and radio shows that it’s bad for you to ask about it, because it’s been done so much.

I’ve been reading rumors online that you guys are homophobic. How do you respond to that?
I have two cousins that are gay. I’m not homophobic at all. I also believe in dinosaurs. I didn’t vote for George Bush. All those stereotypes you hear are not true. There you go. I love the environment. I love my friends. I love Jesus, my wife, and rock and roll. And that’s who I am.

How long have you been married?
Three weeks.

Whoa! Do you have any kids?
Oh no, no. We’ve been together for two and a half years.

So you just get married and you’re about to go on the road. How does your wife feel about that?
She goes with me, man. She sells the t-shirts. She’s right over there!

How do the girlfriends and wives of Underoath feel when you guys go on tour so much?
They hate it. It sucks. It’s hard. They come out and see us, and they support us.

Are there going to be any videos for The Almost?
Yes, we’ll be doing that it a couple of months.

You’re about to go on tour with The Almost. Where are you going and who are you taking with you?
We’re taking this band called Classic Case, who has the old guitar player from Beloved. And this band called Forgive Durden, that I know nothing about. We’re taking them on tour – both of them are very established bands, and I’m kind of embarrassed actually to be taking anybody on tour at this point. But we’re playing the Southeast and Texas, and it ends in Salt Lake City – that’s where I live now.

What made you decide to move there?
It’s beautiful, and my church is there and my wife’s family is there.

There’s a lot of Mormons there. Have you converted to Mormonism?
Yeah, but I’m not Mormon and neither is anybody I know.

Are you traveling by tour bus or are you taking a van this time?
I’m taking a van, dude.

Back to the van! How does it feel to go back to the van after taking tour buses for so long?
Yeah, we’re not a big band. It feels good! Jay drives the thing and we get it done. It’s alright.

Would The Almost and Underoath ever want to go on the road together and play?
In the summer, we might be doing a few dates together. But as for any extended touring – no, I wouldn’t do it. It’s too much.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if both bands wound up on the Warped Tour together?
Something like that may happen. (Editor's Note: It was recently announced that Underoath and The Almost will both be appearing on the Warped Tour this summer.)

Do you have any messages for your fans in the Los Angeles/Orange County area?
Have a good time. Be true to yourself. Party! Right on.

Southern Weather by The Almost will be out April 3rd on Tooth & Nail/Virgin Records!

The Almost Links

The Almost on Myspace: Their Official Myspace Page!
The Highwire Daze Home Page: Return to the Main Page!

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