ROSALINE
>>Interview w/ Madison Stolzer (Guitar, Vocals) by Nathaniel Lay
Who did the artwork for your new album? Was the design/idea something created by the band?
MS: Portland over at Sons of Nero drew up the artwork for “The Vitality Theory”. Sons of Nero is a company that is very closely linked with Good Fight, our record label. Sons of Nero pretty much does all of the label’s artwork, which is fortunate for us, because Portland has a fucking visual gift when it comes to illustration. Portland and I came up with the concepts, ideas, and themes for the album. We brought conceptual ideas to the table, and Portland took them and ran with them, putting his own spin on it. I feel like it was a very healthy and pretty typical artistic partnership.
What’s the meaning behind the album title?
MS: “The Vitality Theory” doesn’t really have a loaded meaning; it’s a literal theory of vitality. The dictionary defines “Vitality” as “the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence, mental vigor, and the power to live and grow”. A theory is literally a specific claim that seeks to continuously explain something. You put the two together, and you have what Rosaline is all about. Explaining how to survive, live and grow, the best and most simple way possible.
How did you come to switching labels to Good Fight?
MS: I think a lot of it had to do with timing. We were in search of something new, and we caught Carl and the dudes at Good Fight right at their very beginning phases. We respected and admired the minds behind Good Fight, and they respected and admired our music and message. But there is always good timing involved.
What’s it like having two vocalists? How are lyrics and parts written as a result?
MS: It’s funny, I’m glad you guys asked this question; not many magazines or interviews know this or ask this. Technically, we have a lot more than two vocalists. On our new album, literally 5/6 of our band’s voices are used on the album. Cody sings and screams and yells, I scream and yell, Ricky screams, Nathan yells and sings, and Ryan sings. Like literally it’s all there, and if the stage can accommodate us, we try and get 4-5 microphones on stage for a set (you’d be surprised how many places cannot do this though…). However, as it stands, Cody and myself probably together do about 90% of the vocals on the album, so that’s where most people get the dual vocal thing. And as far as that goes, I mean it’s awesome. It adds a lot of depth and variance to songs. I’m not sure though that it’s the smartest marketing tool; the general public really only likes to hear one voice and consistency in music. Hence why most pop bands have only one singer, and most people consider that a staple. I don’t think the vocals are the end all be all of a band, and that’s part of the reason I insist on mixing them up so much. Lyrics are mostly written by me, and luckily the band has no problem sharing the messages. In turn, we all of course include lyrics that each other want too.
Are there any themes or stories carried throughout the new album?
MS: I think albums inherently carry stories; what the band stands for, what the band is going through, what the band has gone through. That all translates into an album. The album isn’t a concept album, we don’t really write those because we feel they are limiting. Each song has a different meaning, different imagery and different themes, yet somehow they are all completely connected.
How does it compare to your previous Eulogy release?
MS: White Sox baseball vs. Dad’s softball league.
How would you describe your sound? What are your major influences?
MS: I consistently think that genres are stupid, but unfortunately that’s now how other people think of it. According to anyone who matters, we “scream” in some of our songs and are therefore automatically either “screamo, post hardcore, or hardcore”. We have an extremely diverse sound, but unlike a lot of bands with that claim, we feel like we execute it so smoothly that the listener is hardly jarred at all. We’re majorly influenced by The Bled, La Dispute, PMtoday, Thursday, The Appleseed Cast, Sigur Ros, Death Cab For Cutie, Brand New, Poison The Well, Hopesfall, and really a slew of other bands, We’re mostly influenced by good songs.
What song(s) seem to be the favorite with fans? Which are your personal favorites and why?
MS: I think fans right now really like “The Messenger, Infinite” and “Model Ships.” They are very agreeable and congruent tracks. I like “Messenger” a lot; it’s a song based on a lucid dream. That’s cool. I really like “Face Like Thunder” because it’s a damn mean track. We also wrote a panty dropper called “Repeat After Me!”, which I think kind of sucks but I GUARANTEE your mother, sister, extended family and girlfriend will fucking dig it. Each song means a lot to me. Top three favorites go “The Disasterist”, “Face Like Thunder”, and “The Messenger, Infinite”.
What is the band’s current touring schedule and what do you have planned for the months to come?
MS: Well we just acquired a thirty foot RV with six beds, a kitchen, and a washing machine, so be on the lookout for that whale sliding all over a highway near you soon. We’re touring with Texas In July later this month and then going out West with The Mozart Season. After that we’re looking to do some dates with PMtoday. After that, I hope we find a way to get to Indonesia ’cause kids like us there for some reason.
Last words/announcements:
MS: Who was phone? Also, I really hope anyone reading this gives “The Vitality Theory” its full 51 minute spin, because I think if you listen front to back, you’ll find something new. Honestly. Are you sick of watered down music yet?
