Seth of Arms Aloft talks about their Fest “beverage” pyramid, going to jail in Chattanooga, and bands from the UK and Japan

Photo by Adam Degross

ARMS ALOFT
Interview with Seth (vocals/ guitar)
By Scooter

2011 is coming to an end. How was the year in general for the band?

2011 absolutely ruled. We were way busier than we’ve been in the past, which was nice. Kiss of Death released a split 7″ with our buddies The Manix early in the year. Then we wrote and recorded a full-length that will hopefully exist soon. Toured the UK and Europe this spring with our bruv’s from the Queen mum, Calvinball and then did a little touring this fall here at home with The Slow Death. We were also able to be a part of a really great benefit comp that Eager Beaver Records out of Japan did for animal rescue organizations in the areas hit by the tsunami and quakes. One of the coolest projects we’ve ever been a part of. Well, and we only had half of our band go to jail one time on tour (Hi, Chattanooga! Eat shit!) so I guess you gotta call that a win, too.

Saw the “beverage” pyramid you built at The Fest this year. How was the Fest in general for you?
Oof. Don’t remind me. Fest just can’t be overrated. On top of getting to see so many fucking awesome bands, you also get to see the guys and gals who play in all those bands, who are all dear friends that you rarely get a chance to spend any time with. So yeah, as much as it’s an awesome time to be in a band, and always one of the most fun shows you get to play in a year, I think bands carry on about it way more because it’s such a cool hangout. Friends you’ve made in punk rock from all around the world, just hanging out and partying in one place for a weekend? Unfuckwithable.

What was the best moment of the year for you guys?
That’s tough. Any time we’re on tour is a highlight for us for sure. And the tours we did this year were incredible. Seeing and playing in Europe with some of our best friends is pretty hard to beat. We also got to play a show with Dillinger Four and Paint It Black, which was fucking stupid fun. Our bass player, Isaiah says that now that we’ve played with D4, if he could just go back in time and get laid on prom night, all of his high school dreams would be reality. He’s not wrong.

What new bands did you discover and fall in love with this year?

Shit. We met so many bands this year that we thought were awesome people first and great bands second. The UK is fucking slaying right now. Calvinball, Bangers, Caves, Leagues Apart, ONSIND, The Arteries, Ssssnakes… that list goes on for days. Those kids are all winning at punk right now. Maladroit, from France, helped us out on tour, and they’re incredible. And then (even if we technically met them last year at Fest) anyone who’s seen or met Worthwhile Way, from Japan, will tell you that they might be the best band in the world.

What are the bands plans for 2012?

Well, we just finally finished recording our first full length. I can tell you that it’s called Sawdust City, and that we think it’s a pretty cool record. But beyond that, I don’t really know what our plans for it are. Basically, we want to get that out and then go play it for people all over the place.

Photo by Adam Degross

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