Interview

Pictures

EP: What is your name and what do you do in the band?

Chandler: My name is Chandler Martin and I'm the guitarist and singer for The Verdict.

EP: How long has The Verdict been a band and how did it originate?

Chandler: The Verdict originated three years ago as a side project from a band I was in. Kurt, our old bassist followed me into the group as well. It initially was a way for Jason (drums) and I to play music that we'd wanted to play. It wasn't really considered serious until we started putting songs together.

EP: What has been your goal with this band and how (if it has) has it changed over the years?

Chandler: My goal with this band since we started playing shows was to get in a position to tour on a regular basis. Over the years we've made adjustments stylistically but our main goal really is to get out on the road and see as many places as possible. This past summer’s tour was a great experience for us and we look forward to touring in the future.

EP: What happened this last summer?

Chandler: This past summer we did our first comprehensive tour. Prior to we'd only done minor touring...you know, one-offs where ever we could.

EP: And it went well? A lot of people are now hearing of you for the first time, how would you describe your sound to them?

Chandler: The tour was great...self booked tours obviously don't compare to those of regional and national acts, but we met a lot of people and it was incredible getting to play music on a regular basis. As for our sound I'd say that it's indie-pop with scatterings of jazz and country influences.

EP: As far as influences go, can you list off a few of the main ones?

Chandler: Certainly...I'd have to say Rufus Wainwright. He's got an exceptional voice and ability to create music. Also Thom Yorke, Django Reinhart, Dave Brubeck, also Ben Folds.

EP: Very eclectic, it appears you know music well. How long have you been playing?

Chandler: I've been playing guitar for the past ten years now actually which seems an incredibly long amount of time for such little progress (laughs).

EP: (laughs) too humble man! Ok, you put an album out about 2 years ago called "The Quick and The Dead" on a tiny local label (right?), do you feel it has done a good job of lasting for so long?

Chandler: I think that the record has done quite well considering how long it's been out. Certainly the times are a reflection of when they were written, but I am pleased with the songs and the performance on the record. That being said, the band is very enthusiastic to get our new material onto a full length. We recently recorded a few tracks in New Jersey which will be available online within the next week or so.

EP: Who did you record with? And speaking of, there was recently a leak on AbsolutePunk.net that says you have signed with Sweet Avenue Management; what can you tell us about that?

Chandler: We recorded at Gradwell Studios (www.gradwellhouse.com) and as for our management we've been working closely with Joe Marro. We've got some neat stuff in the works. He understands our passion for touring and playing music and I think we're collectively trying to facilitate that to the best of our abilities.

EP: Joe Marro, one of the members of Early November right?

Chandler: Yes sir...he's the guitarist...he's quite a hunk. Beautiful red hair.

EP: (laughs) Has he taken on anyone else that you know of yet that might be considered a label-mate?

Chandler: Well...this certainly isn't a label. But as far as I know we're the only band he's lending assistance to at the moment.

EP: Very cool. This brings up another point too; there was something else on the leak that mentioned you were to tour with Early November in the near future. Is there any validity to that?

Chandler: I know that they're going to be going out soon with New Found Glory...after that they'll be booking a headlining tour for the states...the line up hasn't been confirmed yet. I know that we are one of the names in the pile.

EP: Congratulations on that, but I know you have recently experienced the loss of a crucial member of the band (Emily-played guitar, piano and sang), how has this affected the group and is there a proactive search for replacing her before you tour?

Chandler: We are currently seeking to replace Emily...we have a lot of wonderful people who are willing to help so I've no worries that we'll be prepared to tour. that being said we're still searching to find a permanent line up.

EP: Did you all part on good terms, being how you are finally on the verge of breaking free of the title of a "local band"?

Chandler: Yeah, I'd say so...it's always tough to lose a member but you have to do the best you can and keep the momentum strong, that's what we're doing.

EP: Sounds like the right mentality. So what can we expect to see from The Verdict in the near future? An LP or EP perhaps?

Chandler: I'd say that right now an EP is more realistic for us at the moment. I'd also say to look out for us on the road. We love, love, love playing shows and meeting people!

EP: Looking forward to it, is there a particular time we can expect?

Chandler: I'd say that this upcoming spring and summer are when we hope to attack some pavement.

EP: Sounds great, and when do you think you might have some new material the public can purchase?

Chandler: Most likely this spring will be when material is available for purchase but our myspace page will have the majority of that material online for free.

EP: That is nice of you! Is there anything you would like to conclude with? Anything you want to say or question you wish I had asked?

Chandler: I'd say thank you to EmotionalPunk.com for supporting all kinds of music and thanks for having a chat...you guys are sweet.

EP: Thanks so much man and thanks for your time.