AFICIONADO
Interview with vocalist Nick Warchol
By Dylan Duffiney
It’s not very often that I find myself at a loss for words when asked to describe a band. In the past, bands like CRIME IN STEREO or END OF A YEAR SELF DEFENSE FAMILY have incorporated a myriad of elements to their music that have allowed them to transcend above being pigeonholed into one particular genre. I consider Albany’s AFICIONADO to be right up there with those types of bands, and they’re every bit as fantastic. The band released their self-titled full-length on the Huntington Beach- based No Sleep Records last year with some strong critical acclaim backing it. AFICIONADO is definitely a group that I would tell others to be on the lookout for in 2012, so check out this interview with vocalist Nick Warchol and get a head start. They’re going to be all over the place in the months to come.
What’s your writing process like? Have you taken a break from writing for a while or is new stuff already beginning to come together?
Our writing process is mostly collaborative. Given how many members are in our band, this may seem a little crazy, but it’s true. We all play off of each other really well and we have a really good group dynamic. It definitely is a process though. We layer things on, usually starting with one idea for a chord progression or melody, and then as a group we build upon that initial idea, experimenting until everyone is satisfied. Sometimes this requires a great deal of building up and tearing down, but in the end, it’s usually worth it. We’ve had such a busy tour schedule since the release of the record that we really haven’t had much time to work on new material. We’ve been doing a great deal on conceptualizing and discussing ideas for new music, so the gears are definitely turning and we’re really excited to write again, we just have to find the time. Every time you write and record something it’s a huge learning experience, and we can’t wait to use what we’ve taken away from this last album to keep moving forward with our songwriting.
I was listening to some of your stuff earlier today and it struck me that I wouldn’t be all that surprised if I heard some of your songs on the radio. They have that sort of appeal where although your songs have obviously had a little more thought put into them than most of the crap that the powers that be dictate should be popular, there are elements that anyone who calls themselves a fan of music could enjoy. Has anyone outside of the underground music scene ever expressed an interest in working with you? If the opportunity ever arose, what would you do?
I take that question as a compliment, so, thanks. If the opportunity arose where we could extend our reach beyond the underground world we currently live/play in, I think we would take it (as long as our musical integrity wouldn’t be compromised, of course). As artists, I think the goal is to reach the largest possible audience with the songs we write. Ultimately, I’d like to impact culture in the most significant way possible. If we felt that someone could help us do that, then I think we’d jump at such an opportunity. Hopefully we can meet someone that’ll help us license out our songs to be played during sporting events. I want to be just like Gary Glitter someday.
AFICIONADO’s touring schedule is looking pretty busy as of late with some tours with FAIR TO MIDLAND, THURSDAY, MEWITHOUTYOU and END OF A YEAR SELF DEFENSE FAMILY coming up. With those three tours come what I would expect to be three very different crowds coming out. Is there one of these that you are looking forward to in particular?
Honestly, we’re really looking forward to all of them. Obviously, those dates with THURSDAY/MEWITHOUTYOU are going to be big shows, and the THURSDAY holiday run has a certain legacy that we’re honored to be a part of. We’re a band that straddles the line between a few of different genres. We’re doing some pretty diverse tours, and that’s something we’re really happy about. We’re excited to reach out to new audiences. I’d like to think we’ve got a little something for everyone, so hopefully we can break through genre barriers and be a band that all different types of people can appreciate and enjoy. But perhaps that’s just wishful thinking…we shall see.
Your tour with END OF A YEAR SELF DEFENSE FAMILY is going down in Europe. Have you ever been there before? What’s your favorite part about being there, or what are you looking forward to the most?
A couple members of AFICIONADO have actually been to Europe before, filling in for various members of END OF A YEAR SELF DEFENSE FAMILY on past tours. EOAYSDF are good friends of ours and we’re glad that we get to share our first official international tour experience with them. I’ve actually never been overseas, so I’m really looking forward to everything about the trip…except for the flights. I’m a baby and I hate flying.
With 2011 coming to a close and 2012 and the impending apocalypse looming just around the corner, what were some of your favorite releases this year and what are you looking forward to hearing next year?
Some of our favorite 2011 releases include TIM KASHER – The Game of Monogamy, MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA– Simple Math, THE MOUNTAIN GOATS – All Eternals Deck, FUCKED UP – David Comes to Life, BRIGHT EYES – The People’s Key, LOU REED/METALLICA – Lulu, BALANCE AND COMPOSURE – Separation, FRANK TURNER – England Keep My Bones, SUMMER PEOPLE – Teamwork, DEFEATER – Empty Days & Sleepless Nights, TS & THE PAST HAUNTS – Gone and Goner. I know sometime in 2012 CURSIVE plans on releasing another record. I’m really excited for that. Whenever they put something new out it doesn’t leave my turntable for a while. I think the GASLIGHT ANTHEM is also planning on putting out another record this year (their major label debut, I believe). I’m looking forward to that as well. I also can’t wait to hear new material from HOSTAGE CALM. Their last LP was phenomenal and I’m really looking forward to hearing where they go from there.
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