Aislin is the perfect dream, according to the band's MySpace profile. Even though the name, "Don't Wake Aislin" gently suggests not to wake her, the truth is, she can't be woken up. Although that dream may never see its perfect ending in this lifetime, it still continues, making the goal higher to reach, but still satisfying with every step toward success. We spoke with the Dallas-based band's guitarist Brandon Brown about the band's past, present and future.
Can you list off the other band members and their instruments?
Deena Henry - vocals Justin Keyes - drums Joey Ramirez - bass, backing vocals
What's your favorite lyric your band has written?
I'll pick a lyric from one of our brand new songs. It's short and sweet, and it really sums up the past year for us. We've faced a lot of adversity and tough decisions over the past year, but with our faith, our passion for what we do, and a lot of prayer, we've been able to persevere through all of it and come back stronger than ever... "We will not back down."
What lyric do you wish your band had written and what band wrote it?
mewithoutYou wrote one of my most favorite lines ever, talking about God's awesome love:
"Oh, but I'm so small, I can barely be seen... how can this great love be inside of me?"
Look at your eyes.... they're small in size, but they see enormous things.
Can you tell me anything interesting you know about Nebraska?
There's a fencing company from York, Neb. that named themselves by just spelling the town's name backwards: Kroy. ...Yes, that is the most interesting thing that any of us could come up with.
Any interesting stories about weather you've dealt with on tour?
We were camping out at the Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Ill., last summer, and after the first night (of five) our old drummer left the canopy off the top of our tent to let it air out. Later in the day, it started pouring rain while none of us were at the campsite.
Not only did our tent get completely flooded out, but his shampoo bottle opened up and gave everything a bit of the old "lather, rinse, repeat". Needless to say, we slept in the van for the rest of the festival.
What advice would you give venues in general in dealing with bands that haven't come through town before?
Promote the show!! Up-and-coming bands who are in a town for the first time probably don't have a huge fan base there yet. A good venue will help to promote and get a crowd there. It benefits the bands and also makes more money for the venue.
Any embarrassing performance mishaps?
Deena and I routinely run into each other onstage. She has a few scars on her arm from my guitar. One time, we were both running backwards while playing and ended up crossing paths, tripping head-over-heels over each other, and getting up without missing a beat.
Deena's been caught dancing with no music because she didn't realize I was tuning. She was really shakin' it and didn't realize everyone else was silent.
Oh, and Joey pooped his pants a little onstage one time.
What is something that can always be found backstage at one of your shows?
Tons of bottled water, Band-Aids, a change of clothes for me (sweatiest musician ever), and Pepto-Bismol for Deena. Haha, it's true!
Any favorite foods to keep on hand/restaurants to stop at while on tour?
Deena: french fries (Wendy's)
Justin: Cheez-Its
Joey: mint chewing gum and CornNuts
me: protein bars and fruit.
Our hometown tradition is to eat at Chicken Express (fried chicken and sweet tea) before shows.
A word to the wise: NEVER eat at Panchos (Mexican Buffet) before performing, or ever.
Have you ever experienced any travel-related crises (flat tire, ran out of gas, etc. ) while touring?
Joey once lost his gag bag with all of his pedals, cables, and tuners inside, but the biggest travel-related crisis is just having to fill up the gas tank! Hauling a 1000lb+ trailer behind a van full of people is not cheap.
Name some other bands/artists/types of music that you hate to admit liking.
Joey: Justin Timberlake and the Aquabats
Justin: Panic! At The Disco
Me: Chumbawamba
Deena: Hannah Montana and Manbeard
-Compiled by John Ray
