KTM Podcast: Travis Richter

Travis Richter  is an American musician, music producer, dubstep producer and vocalist. He is known for being the original vocalist and guitarist of From First to Last, and the current guitarist and lead vocalist of The Color of Violence and the lead vocalist for The Human Abstract. He is also a music producer and produces dubstep with ModifiedNoise.

Past episodes can be found here. If you like the podcast, I would be deeply grateful if you would write a 5-star review for the podcast in iTunes. For you, the listeners of the podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

The All-American Rejects Announce Flatline EP Details

The All-American Rejects have announced the details of their upcoming Flatline EP, which will feature remixes by Skrillex, Jeff Bhasker v. Tyler Johnson, and “Heartbeat Slowing Down (Flatline Version).” The release (artwork above) will see daylight on November 13th, and a preview of the Flatline Version of “Heartbeat” is streaming now on SoundCloud.

Flatline EP Track Listing:
“Heartbeat Slowing Down” (Flatline Version)
“Walk Over Me”( Jeff Bhasker vs. Tyler Johnson Remix)
“The Wind Blows” (Skrillex Remix)

The Rejects are currently touring the US, and full schedule and ticket information can be found on their official site  Their latest full length, Kids in the Street, is available now on iTunes.

Ellie Goulding to release "Halcyon"

UK sensation Ellie Goulding has announced that she will release a brand-new album, entitled Halcyon, on October 9th on Cherrytree/ Interscope Records. All the tracks on the album were written and co-produced by Ellie Goulding and the majority were recorded in a converted barn in Ellie’s hometown in the Hay Valley, West England with producer Jim Elliot (Kylie / Ladyhawke).

“This album for me is a journey from dark into light from confusion to understanding,” Goulding says. “I didn’t set out to write a break-up record but I think it became one.” A lyric video for the first single from the album, “Anything Could Happen,” will premiere on VEVO on August 13th, followed by the release of the single via all digital retailers on August 21st.

Fans got a taste of the new album earlier this month when Goulding posted a free download of a new track “Hanging On” featuring Tinie Tempah. The volume of fans rushing to hear the track caused Soundcloud to crash. “Hanging On” was the number one most blogged and played track on Hypemachine that week and has racked up one million total plays/views on YouTube and Soundcloud. Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap-A0RKhi2s

“Anything Could Happen” is the first new original music from the British singer-songwriter since she burst onto the scene with the catchy folk-pop electro songs on her debut album Lights, which was the best-selling debut album of 2010 in the UK and has spawned several singles that have sold five million copies worldwide. She has also earned a legion of fans in the U.S. thanks to radio airplay and relentless touring that has seen her play to over 30,000 fans Stateside as well as festival appearances and a sold-out Katy Perry tour . Certified double-platinum in the U.S, the single “Lights” has sold more than 2.5 million copies, and is currently Top 5 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Top 40 charts.

Interview: Andy Williams of Every Time I Die

Every Time I Die are keeping busy these days; they put out a new record, Ex-Lives (which sold nearly 14,300 copies in its first week, landing them at #20 on the Billboard 200) finished up a headliner with Stray From The Path, and now are direct support for The Devil Wears Prada. I had the chance to chat with Andy about their new video, Revival Mode, Warped Tour and his opinion on the current music scene.

You just put out a video for Revival Mode; was the guy in the wheelchair inspired by Breaking Bad or is there another story behind the video?

To be honest, I have no idea. This dude hit us up and wanted to do a video where Keith, Jordan and legs were killers and Steve and I were victims. That’s pretty much all I got from it.

I saw your recent interview where you defended Sonny Moore (aka Skrillex); any chance you’d ever collaborate with him?

I’m not sure. Dudes voice is cool, but I’m not a big fan of dusted. So I’d rather him sing on something, and then cut it up. He’s a good dude though

When I interviewed Tom from Stray From The Path; he told me he saw you guys playing a garage when he was growing up and now you’re touring together. It’s crazy how things come full circle.

Yeah, he was kind of blowing my mind on that tour. He’s been around a long time to. I had no clue they liked the band, I was really into Stray and then we played a fest in Michigan together and kind of jerked each other off there!

How does feel to be playing Warped Tour again this year? Are you gonna write a blog about generic, autotuned bands like Keith did in 2010?

I don’t think I really have to with how saturated the world is with dog shit. I’m more concerned with slaying mother fuckers sonically. I’ll probably talk shit here and there though.

Speaking of, what is your opinion on the current state of the music scene?

To be honest, there are REAL bands on the rise. letlive, Stray From The Path, The Ghost Inside, Balance and Composure, Title Fight and then the current hardcore scene is stronger than ever with bands like Cruel Hand, Bitter End, Terror, Trapped Under Ice, Alpha and Omega and such. Then metal has Black Breath, which are making metal real again, cause that scene is about as watered down as ever, but Black Breath are the real fucking deal.

What do you feel has contributed to your long career as a band? Bands like Haste The Day, Thrice, and Thursday have recently broken up, bands that had been at it for a while.

I think it’s because we never let the major label world get involved. We never gave a fuck about anything but slaying, dicing, pulverizing, and decimating ear drums. A lot of bands get caught up in bullshit business and forget about being a band of dudes.

When appealing to different sets of fan bases, new and old, young and old, what is the thought process when trying to write something that has an appeal to both, but also embodies what ETID is?

We just play. Honestly, we get up and play. No thought goes into who is coming to see us.

You’ve been in this band since 1998 — there have definitely been some hard times along the way; have you ever considered quitting the band, and if so, what things encouraged you to stick with it?

There’s been a lot of hard times, but I’m no quitter and when I have thought it might be time to hang it up, I have a great band of guys that make it easy not to. I surround myself with the best band on the planet.

The music industry has changed significantly since you guys started out. What advice would you give upcoming bands— musically and business-wise?

Just remember why you started riffing. It wasn’t to open for Metallica or make a million dollars and if it is what you’re in it for, then I hope you get electrocuted plugging your laptop and Pro-Tools rig in on stage.

Musically and lyrically, what are some of the personal things that had an effect on the outcome of this new record? How does Ex-Lives reflect the sound or message?

Coffee, I drank coffee for the first time ever while writing and recording this record.

What are some of the particular messages you tried to get across in the lyrical content of this record?

Riffer madness

Last question: What are one book and one band that you’d recommend to anyone that listens to your band?

Spray Paint The Walls. It’s a book about Black Flag that’s done by every person involved, not just Henry Rollins. Balance and Composure; they’re the best band out now.

The All-American Rejects post info on deluxe edition of Kids In The Street

The All-American Rejects' deluxe edition for their new album, Kids In The Street will include a few bonus tracks, as well as a Skrillex remix.