The Hotseat: Nick Thompson of Hit The Lights
on February 26th, 2012Last Friday saw Hit The Lights latest album ‘Invicta‘ released locally via 3Wise / Sony, so we caught up with Nick Thompson, singer of the pop-punk outfit to take on our Hotseat questions this week. Expand this post to check out his answers, some tracks for the album and links to pick up a copy of your own.
THE BASICS
Name : Nick Thompson
Band : Hit The Mother Fucking Lights
Job In Band : Vocals
Website Address : www.hitthelightsmusic.com
HOME
Hometown : Sidney, Ohio
Hometown is best known for : Winger’s famous chicken wings
Best venue in your hometown : None
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : When Sparks Fly at the Hardin Grange Hall
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : See above
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? Dave, Omar, our original drummer Ryan and our original vocalist Colin started HTL in 2003. I joined as a guitarist in 2004. Our current drummer Nate joined in 2005 and our current guitarist Kevin joined in 2008 after I switched to vocals.
How long has the band been going? The band has been active since 2003 and has had this current lineup since 2008(and going strong)
Any particular story behind the name? We have about 6 or 7 different stories we tell people, but that’s no fun. We’ll keep it in the dark or you can Google it.
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it… Our most recent release is “Invicta” which came out in the states on January 31st 2012. It’s very different from our previous albums and was recorded in two segments with two different producers (Machine and Mike Sapone). It is definitely my favorite HTL record so far.
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? Full US headlining tours, Warped Tour, Europe, UK and Australia dates with a ton of our favorite bands. So many awesome fests and shows, I’m proud of it all, just happy to be here!
OFF THE STAGE
Any particular band / album or song that you personally credit as a major influence? My interest in music started with my father, who is a great vocalist. We would listen to 38 special and I learned how to harmonize from him. The first band that really made me want to learn music was Blink 182 when I picked up “Dude Ranch.” It will always be one of my favorite records. When NFG came around and they released self titled, it was ALL over for me. That was it.
Your first band name, and what style did you play? Blind Fly and we played pop-punk in the vein of Fenix TX, NOFX and Blink 182. We were amazing, OBVIOUSLY.
Most prized music related item you own? I have a tonne of NFG tour swag from when we toured with them. I also have an awesome collection of tour passes and posters from all of our previous ventures. I can’t wait to eventually display it all.
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? Hanging with my dog, going to the gym, fixing things and hanging with friends!
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… Hanging out with the guys in my band! I love them to death and I never get tired of being on the road with them.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… Getting ready to play hour + sets! Sometimes it’s exhausting, but absolutely worth it. Also, I fucking HATE packing. I always wait until the last minute.
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? Water and booze is ALWAYS nice! The rest is all perks.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? I love Japan and Australia! Such beautiful places and amazing cultures and the people are always so nice and excited for new music. Amazing stuff, always looking forward to going back!
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? Bamboozle 2008, we were just about to put out a new album, the first with me singing and we looked out and just saw a SEA of smiling people waiting for us to play. After all that we’d been through that previous year, what with not knowing if we were going to remain a band or not, it was so touching to know that all those kids still had our backs. That show will always hold a place in my heart.
Got a favourite song to play live? I like em’ all! I don’t play guitar anymore so all I get to do is sing. BORING.
Any embarrassing on stage moments come to mind? I fall all of the time on stage, that’s ALWAYS fun. I’m a clumsy fuck.
Any pre-show rituals? Warming up the voice, a little bit of whiskey, some pushups and hangin’ with mah DUDES!
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? Being away from people that you care about is never easy. That’s why it’s important that you surround yourself with good, positive people on the road that can keep you balanced and motivated.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out
Last album you acquired? Friendly Fires “Impala”
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Deftones “Diamond Eyes” has been playing on my ipod since 2010. I also dig the Letlive.
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? Really enjoying “Like Moths To Flames” right now. We’re on tour with those dudes and it’s just really great, fun mosh metal-core.
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? Tour, Tour, TOUR! We’ll have some cool stuff lined up in the near future as well as some overseas dates. Stoked on it.
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? Jimmy Eat World’s “Clarity.” It’s just a flawless, chill album that I would be curious to get a take on. In reality, it won’t happen because NO ONE SHOULD TOUCH IT.
You can pick any one band / artist to cover one of your albums in full, what would it be, and why? I think Cartel covering “Invicta” would sound pretty rad. Great vocals and they’ve already got the delay pedals DOWN.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? I would have loved to see Comeback Kid with Scott still on vocals. Still an amazing band and I love all of their releases.
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? I’d like to play some arena shows at some point. I think that would be pretty wild.
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two bands you’d take along to support your band. Valencia and Letlive.
PLUG TIME
Got any last words? Check out our new album “Invicta” and get your asses out to a show!
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HIT THE LIGHTS – Invicta
Available now on 3Wise / Sony
Buy a copy online [Here]
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