First and Forever talk Craigslist, the emo scene, and ‘A Violet Ending’ -EXCLUSIVE

First and Forever are an emo-powerhouse rising from Scottsdale, Arizona. Their recent single, “A Violet Ending” has brought them to newer heights, not only satisfying their fans, but others as well being played on the radio. All Punked Up had a chance to talk to the trio about their recent success, as well as their origin story.

Q. You’re an emo band from Arizona. Not many emo bands have surfaced from that area, but it doesn’t mean there’s no absence of the scene there. With that said, what’s the scene like in Scottsdale, as well as Arizona overall?

A. The scene in Scottsdale has grown significantly over the past few years and the Arizona scene in general is AMAZING! The Maine and Jimmy Eat World are from the area and they are two of our favorite bands.  For new and upcoming bands, there are some great local venues with awesome people on the promotional/booking side.  Touring acts are constantly coming through with AZ locals getting the opportunity to open, which is always fun to see.

SPEAKING OF SHOWS. make sure you check out FAF’s debut show at Pub Rock Live in Scottsdale, AZ on June 1^st at 7pm.

Q. Is there a significance with the area and your music?

A. The driving force behind the music is definitely our love for the mid 2000’s emo scene. A lot of bands in the scene were shaped by the same sound, so it’s fun be the band that fills that niche in AZ.

Q. Who were your inspirations when the band first started?

A. We’re disciples of the mid 2000’s emo scene….Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, The Used, Senses Fail, and Jimmy Eat World are some of our favorites.

Q. Speaking of starting out, how did First and Forever start? When did the three of you decide to make this happen?

A. The band started in a hotel room in California where I (Alex) finally decided it was time to believe in myself. Being in a band had always been my dream but I just didn’t know how to start. So I grabbed a six pack of Bud Light and did what any sensible person would do to find bandmates…I went on CRAIGSLIST. The rest of the story can only be described as fate.

The first post I read was from a drummer named David Pratt who was looking for bandmates. That would be the only post I clicked on that night. I sent him an email after watching his videos and two weeks later we were in a music studio practicing vocal covers together.

When we decided it was time to look for a guitarist we went back to where it all started, CRAIGSLIST, and posted an awful (I’m serious it was so bad haha) cover of I’m Not Okay by My Chemical Romance. We received a demo from a guitarist named Marcus Leopard and we knew right away he was the one. He showed up to the practice studio and in the first 30 minutes of our time together we wrote our first song…that song was called “Chicago”.

Q. Some bands have a hard time either with confidence or the push to start a band, record, and get themselves out there. Have you faced any hardships in doing so?

A. This is the story of my life. I wanted to be in a band for my entire life, but I was always too afraid. Too afraid that I wasn’t good enough, too afraid that nobody would care, and too afraid that people would make fun of me. I struggle with confidence with every new step this band takes. I’m always afraid. But what I fear MORE THAN ANYTHING is regret. And when I think about my future, I know that if I didn’t give this band everything I had it would be my greatest regret of all.

One of the main goals of this band is to help build the confidence of those in our community. This scene is full of the most talented, creative, and loving individuals in the WORLD and if this band can influence just one person to go out and chase their dreams like we did…I will consider it a success.

Q. You recently revealed a single called, “A Violet Ending”. Is there a certain significance behind the song?

A. This song is about the emotions we feel when reflecting on the past. It’s about feeling trapped in a place, a relationship, a life that you can’t get out of.  But that’s just what the words mean to me. I’m more interested in hearing about what the lyrics mean to our friends.

Q. Recently, we found out that “Chicago” was played on 101WKQX. How awesome does that feel?

A. Being played on the radio is a surreal experience!  It’s something we used to joke about with each other saying things like “Wouldn’t it be sweet if we somehow got on the radio?  Probably won’t happen though”, so for us to be played on WKQX is a real honor. Also, we have to give a huge shout out to Alt AZ 93.3 who were the first radio station to give us airtime!

Q. What’s next after “A Violet Ending”?

A. During our last studio session we recorded TWO singles (including AVE). Be on the lookout for the next single in a couple months.

Q. If there’s anything you can do to change the scene, as it’s certainly in a revival state, what would you want to do?

A. One of my absolute favorite things about pop-punk is how supportive the people in the genre can be.  Our ultimate goal is to bring back the DRAMA and FLARE of the emo 2000’s, while pushing that positive attitude and support system that current pop-punk has built.  We see the scene not as a competition between bands, but rather a giant support system where everyone can truly win. “A high tide raises all ships” as they say. Each time a band gets recognized or has success it lifts EVERYONE up.  We think that bands should be embracing their fans as FRIENDS and supporting other bands around them.  We really believe in being a positive force in the music community, and just want to do our part in helping the scene grow to its full potential.  

Q. Last question. What can people expect from First and Forever? You have a great following and people truly do love your music. Where can they see you in a few years?

We are absolutely blessed by the F&F community and everything we do will be in service to them. We are going to continue releasing music and playing local shows with the goal of being a national, touring band sometime in the near future.

Make sure to check out First and Forever on Twitter, and check out their new single, “A Violet Ending”!

Twitter: @FirstforeverAZ