Beginning as a band isn’t easy let alone a young band! These firecrackers have already begun to make a big name for themselves before even reaching college! From radio airplay to playing shows on Warped Tour, slowly but surely Tonight the Prom is creeping up in the ranks toward musical domination! With big plans for the future these bright eyed musicians are heading fast in the right direction, who knows what they’ll be up to next. Tours, labels, CD releases, to sum things up this won’t be the last time you hear of Tonight the Prom. I had the opportunity to interview bassist Jordan Dismuke and here’s what he had to say:
Popular Underground Magazine: Let’s start at the beginning, how did you originate as a band?
Jordan Dismuke: Andrew Saenz and I, Jordan Dismuke, started playing music in middle school. Through various musical projects we came to a point where we realized we wanted to be involved with other musicians as serious as pursuing a career in music as ourselves. We decided upon a talented young drummer (Jarad Kleinstein) and a witty, bearded young lad with the shred ability of the gods (Luke Harvey).
PUM: Where did the band name come from and what does it really mean?
Dismuke: We congregated at the local Mexican restaurant in spring of ’06. We wanted a name that was different and represented us as a young, high school band consisting of group of four 15 and 16 year olds. The name just came out and stuck with us, it was magic.
PUM: If you could describe “Tonight the Prom” in 3 words, what would they be?
Dismuke: Rock N’ Roll.
PUM: Who creates the lyrics to your songs or is it more of a collaboration?
Dismuke: I do most of the lyrical work, but on occasion we will all sit down and throw away certain ideas, play with some weird verb-age and make the words fit with the music.
PUM: Who do you think your fan base is?
Dismuke: Potentially, anyone, but mostly consisting of the younger crowd.
PUM: How do you appeal to them?
Dismuke: We essentially go out on the stage and have a good time and try to get the crowd pumping and moving to get them to have a good time. It’s like the domino theory.
PUM: Who are your musical inspirations?
Dismuke: Everyone and everything.
PUM: What was it like performing with all those tenured bands on Warped Tour?
Dismuke: It was an honor to perform along side with such great bands that have toured across the country and across the world.
PUM: What song of yours would you recommend to listeners?
Dismuke: All of them.
PUM: What is the #1 reason you are where you are today?
Dismuke: We work hard and love what we’re doing.
PUM: What is one word of advice would you tell aspiring musicians?
Dismuke: Don’t try to please anyone but yourselves because if you’re not happy with what you’re doing, than what’s the point in doing it?
PUM: Who or what would be the band’s biggest inspiration? Why?
Dismuke: Every fan that comes to our shows, or listens to our music or supports us in any way. Us knowing that they’re there for us means the world and makes us want to keep on going even when the chips are low.
PUM: So if you could paint your “ideal” 2008 for the band, what would it look like?
Dismuke: Putting out an album and touring as often as we can.
PUM: What are “Tonight the Prom’s” long-term goals?
Dismuke: Hookin’ up with a label and continue making music we love.
PUM: Last but not least, is there anything else you would like to add?
Dismuke: Come see us at House of Blues Chicago March 14th with American Taxi and Lovehammers! And check us out this summer coming to a city near you with our friends Weekend FM.
By: Kim Evans - Contributing Writer
