Jacob's Ladder Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 14th 2010 10:35PM by Melissa Harrison
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When it comes to the power-pop landscape, Miami-based trio Jacob's Ladder -- Oren Maisner, Sammy Gonzales and Brian Hernandez -- have made a habit of surrounding themselves with solid company. Since forming in 2002, they've shared stages with Fall Out Boy, The Audition and Forever The Sickest Kids, and have nearly 500 live under their belts. New Found Glory drummer Cyrus Bolooki produced their latest album, 'Ours for the Taking,' because he was a fan. But 2010 might prove to be the band's biggest year yet, as Jacob's Ladder gears up for its debut SXSW performance, followed by two months of live shows and a possible slot on the Warped Tour. Spinner caught up with bassist Sammy Gonzales before the band hit the road.

Describe your sound.

Straightforward, catchy, lots of harmonies, mixed with spacey progressions and break downs. If I had to compare us to bands, I'd say we're a good mix of Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters and Coheed and Cambria.

How did Jacob's Ladder form?

We've all known each other since we were in elementary school. Brian and Oren jammed all through the early years into high school. In high school, we were all part of a group called the Rock Ensemble. We just decided to start working together, and it's worked out pretty well so far.
What's the story behind the name?

To us, Jacob's Ladder means constant evolution and growth. We all grow spiritually and mentally as songwriters, musicians and people. There's always change in life as we better ourselves and the way we treat the people and situations around us.

Biggest musical influences?

This is a hard one ... we all have our favorite bands. But I'd say Lagwagon, At the Drive-In, Incubus, 311, The Mars Volta, Bayside, New Found Glory, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones and Circa Survive.

Tell me about your latest album, 'Ours for the Taking.' What was the creative process like? How did New Found Glory's Cyrus Bolooki get involved?

This EP, everything from the artwork to the packaging, was extremely planned out. We started writing the songs while touring, which was different for us, and we based everything on personal experiences and relationships we had: from struggles with each other, to girlfriends, parents, to frustrations with politics and corruption. After recording the songs a few times, Cyrus came in the picture, and he made us really think about every part, and keeping the songs fluid. It was nice to be with someone that was so cool and nice, and had so much knowledge to offer us. It was great knowing that he genuinely worked with us because he was a fan of our music, and not for the money. The entire thing was about a six-week process.

What other bands are you most looking forward to seeing at SXSW?

We're looking forward to seeing our good friends in Torche, La Dispute, Circa Survive, Vega Under Fire and Every You. It's going to be a big family get-together.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

Cigarettes, beer, condoms, Alka-Seltzer, flyers, press kits, CDs and Red Bull.

After the festival, what's next for Jacob's Ladder?

More recording at home, then touring the Midwest in April and the East Coast in May. We're also trying to work out some dates or a tent for the Warped Tour.

Biggest musical guilty pleasure?

Dashboard Confessional's first album. Justin Timberlake's, too.

Drink of choice?

Dogfish Head. Best beer ever.

You guys have more than 400 live shows to your name -- any pre-show or post-show rituals?

Lots. Before every show, I always like to stretch it out, because we run around the stage like lunatics. People always look at me like I'm the asshole, especially when I'm doing squats behind the merch booth; but you've got to stretch. Besides that, Oren and I always warm up on vocals, and Brian usually burns in the van.

Craziest thing you've seen or experienced on tour?

On our first tour, we played in West Virginia, and this lady let us stay at her house that night. We later find out that her daughter's 17, and she's 30. The lady's tripping on mushrooms and trying to rub my legs and rape me in the middle of the night. Good old-fashioned country hospitality.

Melissa Harrison is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.