The Nevada Sagebrush

Story of The Year’s lead singer Dan Marsala took the time to speak with Arts & Entertainment Editor Tara Verderosa about the band’s upcoming show in Reno and new album The Constant.

Have you guys played here in Reno before, and if so, what was that like?

Marsala: Yes. We’ve been to Reno a few times before, and we always play at the same club – the New Oasis. It’s always a good time. We love the casinos, cold weather and music here in Reno.

What do you remember distinctly from your last shows here in Reno?

Marsala: Well, the last time we played New Oasis, someone had a pepper spray can. And it was really weird because all of a sudden everyone stopped and started coughing in the crowd, and I couldn’t figure out what happened, and then I started coughing. So I hope that doesn’t happen again, but it was crazy!

Your music has changed a lot since you released Page Avenue in 2002. Was it intentional, or did the band grow as you guys continued to play?

Marsala: A little bit of both actually. All bands progress over the years. We went in a more heavy direction after our first record. Our producer on Page Avenue was very pop and about polishing our music. That was never what we had in mind. Our stuff now is very heavy but still melodic.
Every one of our records represents a different moment. Page Avenue was us as a young band trying to get somewhere. The second album was exactly what we wanted with our new producer. We kicked everyone’s ass. The third album is a balance of both the heavy and lighter side. And now we have The Constant coming out, which will hopefully be a better version of the last.

What’s your favorite part about playing a live show?
Marsala: We love feeding off the energy of the crowd; when the fans sing every word. Our number one goal is to put out the best show possible. That’s through interaction. Shows I loved to go to when I was a kid had that. So the audience and the band are both feeding off each other.

Do you prefer performing in a large arena or a smaller club or venue?
Marsala: We all always go back and forth on this. The band is split. I really like the small shows. It’s more intimate and personal and when you’re in a small room you can have fun. I mean, we’ve done our share of both. We did the big arena touring with Linkin Park and our small clubs.

What’s next for Story of the Year?
Marsala: Well, we just finished recording The Constant, and we are expecting a February release. Until then we are touring with The Devil Wears Prada and All That Remains while all the final album stuff gets done.

What should fans expect to hear different on the new album?
Marsala: Well, it’s very similar to our previous album, but I think it turned out better. We have some really heavy songs but also some different stuff. We have a song with a choir of kids singing about the future. Its definitely a different vibe for us. We have one piano song and a lot that fall in the middle. It’s a really good, balanced rock album.

What are the band’s goals for the future?
Marsala: Our only goals nowadays are to continue touring and be successful. This is an exclusive job for the past eight years, which is more than I ever expected of something I would have done anyway for fun. Our goal isn’t really to sell albums, because a lot of people get them online and stuff. Our aspirations are to be happy.

Tara Verderosa can be reached at tverderosa@nevadasagebrush.com.

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