Driving choruses with an edgy yet emotional delivery are what keep me coming back to “Dead End” from Trespassers’ latest EP, Rival Glass. The hardcore scene in Syracuse, NY, definitely has deep roots, but Trespassers bring tangible aggression with their own melodic twist. You can stream “Dead End” below and purchase Rival Glass through Spartan Records.
For Fans Of: Foo Fighters, Balance & Composure, Daisyhead
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by Ashley Aron

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Matt Wojtanik - vocals
Matt Travers - guitar and vocals
Alec LaBounty - drums
Nick Hotaling - bass
Ryan Dugan - guitar

What’s your hometown (or what are your hometowns)?
Syracuse/Buffalo, NY.

How did the band come together? How long has it been?
I originally started this as a solo project back in 2012.  Some friends of mine became very interested in the music I had been writing and convinced me to make it full band. Through multiple member changes, we pulled through with a solid lineup in 2014 and have been kicking it ever since.

How have you grown since you started:
In the beginning, we were uncertain of the direction we wanted to go in, but after releasing our first EP, No Turning Back, the pieces started coming together. Through trial and error, our sound has matured and is quite noticeable in our new EP, Rival Glass. But with any band, there’s always room for improvement… Which is why our main intention is to make every release of ours “the best.”

What sets you apart from other bands?
I really believe that our live performance sets us apart from many bands. Not often will you see musicians move much on stage, but with Trespassers you can see and feel our aggression. You know you’re doing something right when an entire room can feel a similar vibe. This relation brings our audience to more of a personable level with the band. Which is more than we can ever ask for.

What’s the best part about being in your band?
Being able to interact with your audience is pretty hard to top, but there is nothing better than being in a band with your best friends. We see each other on a weekly basis (sometimes daily) and have practically become family. 

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Foo Fighters, Brand New, Thrice, Basement, Citizen, Balance & Composure, Rise Against, and many more.

What would you say the band has already accomplished and what do you have your eyes set on next?
We have accomplished writing and releasing two EPs that led us to where we are today. Our eyes are set on recording our first full-length that will be out by the end of this year or early 2016. 

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)? 
We hit a deer on I-90 heading home from a show we played in Boston. Though we were upset with accidentally killing an innocent creature, we made the best of it while waiting in the van for the police to arrive. I can’t remember exactly what happened, but I do recall all of us being extremely tired and cracking up to stupid jokes. I’m pretty sure at one point I almost wet my pants. After leaving the scene, Matt W. complained for hours about losing a shoe on I-90 while he went searching for the deer. 

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?
A lot of people battle depression, stress, or other hardships that will affect their lives.  If we can help be an escape or help people relieve some of that pain through our music, that’s what we want to do.  Our escape just happens to be writing Trespassers tunes.

If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
Buy a record rather than pirating.  It’s that easy and it supports your favorite bands!

How did your band’s name come about?
We originally named ourselves after a Deftones song titled “Passenger.“ After realizing the name had already been taken by an artist who hit it big with the single "Let Her Go,” we changed the name to Trespassers - which has a similar ring to the original idea.
 
What’s the biggest mistake someone’s made while playing? 
Matt W. tends to break every mic stand he touches. This goes for practices and live performances. 

Any pre-performance rituals?
We’re a “go with the flow” kind of band. No rituals, just hanging out and goofing off.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
2015 is a busy year for Trespassers between touring and writing. If you like what you hear, please consider checking out our live performance near you. Our new EP, Rival Glass, can be found on iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify, and all other digital retailers.   Be sure to keep an eye out for what our future holds!