Interview With SafetySuit

1) How did you come up with the name SafetySuit?

The name process was a long and frustrating one... good in the end, but definitely long and frustrating. We started as CREW and when you first start out you can name yourself just about anything and be happy, but being a band for over 6 years we now needed something that meant something to us. We loved the word safe; and I think it’s because we want our listeners to feel that way. It’s easy sometimes to take for granted the fact that you have great friends or a great family; a place where you always feel safe, but that’s not the case for everyone. If we can do that for someone through music we’ve done something special… hence the name Safeysuit.

2) When you guys chose Nashville to further pursue and concentrate on your music, what was your reasoning to go there as opposed to NY or LA, since you do not have a "country" sound?

Nashville gets pigeon-holed a lot into being a strictly country town, but its far from it.  There is so much talent Nashville.  There were a couple factors in getting us there, but the thing that sealed the deal for us was the budding rock scene that we found when we visited.  There were a group of local rock bands that were fighting to get the scene recognized on a national level and the attitude was “if you are in for that, you are in with us.”  We were really attracted to being a part of that and it is really cool to see people finally recognizing the talent there.

3) Do you prefer playing in a small cozy club or in front of a large audience?

I don’t think we necessarily prefer either.  Obviously it’s exciting to play in front of a massive crowd, but there’s something about playing in a small club for a small audience that is so refreshing.  There’s a connection there that you can’t always achieve in a large venue. We just love playing for people period.

4) Another name origin question - what is the meaning begin the title to your new album "Life Left To Go?

Life Left To Go is actually the name of the last track on the record. It’s a song that speaks to someone who is contemplating ending their life and basically says, “I see you, hold on, there’s more life left to go.”  Don’t give up… it’s a good message; why not name the record after it?

5) If not a musician, what are some of the alternate career paths some of you guys would have taken?

Doug: Advertising

Dave: Author

J: Director

Tate: Born to play music

6) If you had the chance to record a song with any artist or band (living or dead), who would you choose and why?

I would probably say U2.  If we recorded a song with them they would probably have to take us on tour with them… that wouldn’t suck at all.

7) If you were banished to a deserted island, what three albums would you take with you?

The answer to that question will change depending on the day and mood, but today I will say Continuum by John Mayer (one of the best records in a long time… he got screwed on that Grammy) Joshua Tree by U2 (one of the best ever) and Meteora by Linkin Park (simply awesome).

8) What was the hardest thing about recording the album?

Knowing it is finished.  You could change things until you die if you let yourself.

9) What is the favorite song you guys like to play together?

I would say Apology.  It’s very interactive so the crowd is always hyped and it’s just a roller coaster of a song.  Down at times, up at times, really up at times…very fun song to play.

10) What is next for SafetySuit?

Meet and play for everyone on the planet. J