Interview with Mitch James of Crossfade
By Marc Halverson
South Carolina's own Crossfade took the hard rock scene by storm in 2004 and look to destroy all expectations in 2005 and beyond. Songs like 'Cold' and the recent radio release of 'So far away', have been dominating the airwaves nation wide. However, this quartet did not become a success over night. Crossfade began as a three piece during the late Nineties; Ed Sloan (lead vocals/guitar), Mitch James (bass, vocals), Brian Geiger (ex-Crossfade drummer); which formed
the band name “The Nothing”. Then, Tony Byroads, a vocalist and dj from New York, joined forces and they changed their name to “Sugardaddy Superstar”. From there, they experimented with several different sounds and after nine to ten months they recorded an album. Once they hit the airwaves their popularity began to grow and they were signed to Earshot Records A&R, and the rest is history. In 2004, James Branham took over drums and has been an intricate part in helping build the ongoing success of Crossfade. “The story of Crossfade is still unfolding,” says Mitch James. “But since some defining moments in our lives, we've all known that this is what we were destined to do.”
, I had the opportunity to speak with Mitch James (bass) during their current SnoCore 2005 Tour with Chevelle, Helmet, and Future Leaders of the World.
Crave: How has the reception for Crossfade been on the current SnoCore Tour? How
have all of the bands been getting along?
Mitch: Phenomenal. The crowds have been going nuts for us and they continue to get
bigger and bigger each night. Everyone is getting along great and it has been a
very successful tour so far.
Crave: Explain how you and the band feel about the exposure and success of your album
in '04 and how it has continued here in early '05?
Mitch: It has snowballed since last April. Everything has gone our way the last year or
so.
Crave: Describe the writing process as you enter the studio to record an album. Do the
lyrics or the music come first?
Mitch: Both. Ed Sloan wrote 75% - 80% of the lyrics and riffs because he was laid off
and he had plenty of time to focus on the music. Usually, the music starts with
the guitar riffs and then the rest of the music comes together.
Crave: You hear so many comparisons to bands such as Nickleback to Saliva to
Candlebox when describing Crossfade's sound. In a few words, describe your
sound without putting a label on it?
Mitch: We don't like labels or our sound to be pigeonholed. We think like a rock band.
First and first most, we are musicians. Second, we are trained musicians and
have been playing for a long time. We play what comes from our hearts but are
diverse as well.
Crave: I read that you became fixated on the bass after attending a David Lee Roth
concert when you were younger. Who are your biggest influences in music and
what bands influence Crossfade the most?
Mitch: I was in middle school and I was so impressed by watching Billy Sheenan tear up
the bass on stage; I knew that is what I wanted to play. I was destined to play
the bass. Bands who have influenced us are Faith No More, Metallica, and
Soundgarden. We all have diverse tastes on the music we listen to.
Crave: Growing up as a small band in South Carolina trying to make it as a three piece
band, playing more a heavy metal sound; how has the addition of Tony Byroads
help shape the sound and direction that Crossfade has chosen?
Mitch: We have seen how being a three piece limits your sound and being a four piece
has taken our sound to a new level. The addition of Tony Byroads, has made us
a much stronger and diverse band. His dj skills and strong vocals have helped
shape our sound and direction as a band.
Crave: Have you began or discussed your next record yet and what direction Crossfade
wants to go?
Mitch: We still have our metal side, but we still have our hip and catchy songs that will
appeal to all. But, of course it will be rock oriented.
Crave: Is Crossfade going to embark on a headlining tour here in 2005 and if so,
what bands would you like to bring on tour?
Mitch: Once we finish up the SnoCore tour we will take a week off and then
embark on a ten-week tour across the U.S. with Strata and possibly Trust Co.
Crave: What bands should we be aware of whom are up and coming in rock/metal now,
and to look forward to in the near future?
Mitch: Thornly. They kick ass and are an underrated band.
Crave: If you were not playing bass in Crossfade, what other passions or career paths
might you have taken?
Mitch: I was a long time maintenance supervisor and I did not want to do that the rest
of my life. Music, it is what I have always wanted to do. Anything with music
in general.
Crave: Besides back in South Carolina, where are your favorite cities to play in the
U.S.?
Mitch: New York City, the Midwest, Minnesota, little towns like Little Rock, Arkansas
who may not be exposed as much to our music.
Crave: What is your favorite song off your latest release and which song means the
most to you?
Mitch: 'Deep End'. It came together quickly. It has a very powerful message and
it is great song and a lot of fun to play live.
Crave: What goals do you have and Crossfade as a band in 2005 and in the future?
Mitch: To get our music out there. To keep selling records and see what the future has
in store for us.
Crave: Thank you very much for taking time out of your schedule to speak with me and
good luck with the remainder of your tour and much success in '05 and the
future ahead.
Mitch: No problem. Thank you and see you out on tour.
