With a couple of weeks to go now until Transit arrive on our shores for their eleven date tour on the back of their most recent release ‘Listen & Forgive‘, this week we catch up with Tim from the band to take on our Hotseat Questions. Expand this post to check out his answers and remind yourself of their tour dates which commence in Perth on August 15th.
THE BASICS
Name : Tim Landers
Band : Transit
Job In Band : Guitar & Vocals
Website Address : www.transitband.com
HOME
Hometown : Boston, MA.
Hometown is best known for : Being a small, historic city that’s pretty much a cultural melting pot- at least when it comes to food.
Best venue in your hometown : I’d have have to say the Paradise, nowadays.
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : Either the Lifetime and Suicide File reunion shows, or Piebald christmas gigs in their hometown of Andover.
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : The record release show for “Keep This To Yourself,” in Wakefield, MA at a small little church with Title Fight, Such Gold, Koji, A Loss For Words and Daylight. It was insane.
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? PJ and I met through playing in bands when we were both in High School. We wanted to start a band that sounded like Saves the Day and Lifetime – fast punky stuff. Daniel and I played in a band together before, so I asked him to join eventually. We later met Joe B, and somehow down the line found Torre. Now we are who we are.
How long has the band been going? It’s been close to six years at this pint.
Any particular story behind the name? I remember sitting in a Burger King with another kid I started the band with, just endlessly writing names down on the back of a placemat. When he wrote “Transit” we were both just like, “yeah that’s it.”
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? We’re doing a tour in Australia!
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? My dad bought me the Third Eye Blind S/T record when I was real young. I couldn’t stop listening to it. It really made me want to write songs.
Any particular band / album or song that you personally credit as a major influence? See above.
Your first band name, and what style did you play? Monotype Sorts. What a god awful band name. It was like…a…rock band? I don’t know, we covered Nirvana AND Jimmy Hendrix. We had like three of our own songs.
Most prized music related item you own? My Vox guitar. It was the first time anyone had ever really given us guitars, and it is just such a special thing to me now.
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? Doing band stuff.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… Cooking at home with my lady.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… The day before. I always stress out and loose it.
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? A bottle of Jameson, please.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? California…I don’t know…It’s California. Everyone is so happy and relaxed.
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? Every show, every night of our tour with Saves The Day, Bayside, and I Am The Avalanche. As I mentioned before, STD was one of the reasons PJ and I started our band, it was amazing to be a part of something with them.
Got a favourite song to play live? ‘Take What You Can’
Any embarrassing on stage moments come to mind? When I was really little, I was playing in an old band of mine and our drummer Daniel’s. I went to stand on and jump of his bass drum (like an idiot), and knocked the whole drumset over. It was quite obnoxious.
Any pre-show rituals? Jameson, please.
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? Being broke and touring non-stop.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? The Gaslight Anthem – 45
Last album you acquired? The Early November- In currents
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Dead Sara
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? Young Statues
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? We’re touring Australia!
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? Third Eye Blind- S/T. It’s my favorite record of all time, and literally perfect.
You can pick any one band / artist to cover one of your albums in full, what would it be, and why? Third Eye Blind. Full circle, baby.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? American Football. It’s never gonna happen, and I know that all too well.
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? House Of Blues in Boston.
The chance comes up to fill in for a member of a band for one tour, which band would it be, and why? Third Eye Blind. I don’t think I have to say it again.
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two bands you’d take along to support your band. Seahaven and Young Statues.
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TRANSIT – Listen & Forgive
Available now on Rise Records / Shock.
Buy online [Here].
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