Eric - Guitar
Matt - Drums
Sketch - Bass
Gary - Vocals

Together since: 2004
Type of music: Alternative Rock

From the West Coast to the East Coast and back to the Mid-South, music is a way of life. It’s not just the riffs that make up a song; it’s the feeling a person gets when they hear that first note come through the speakers. It’s the place a person’s mind is sent when they feel the boom from their radio. Music is emotion. Music is life.

The definition of the word “want” is “To desire greatly; wish for.”

Then there is the definition of “need…”

“A condition or situation in which something is required; Necessity; obligation.”

A Life Away needs to make music. The band wanted to make music at first, but now it is a necessity.

It takes a long time to find a perfect combination of musicians. Through several other bands, four friends have made something magical in the Mid-South. With members comprised of very diverse backgrounds (Sketch from Sacramento,CA, Matt from Newport News, VA, Gary and Eric from Memphis), the music ranges from the calmest of whispers to the harshest of screams; from the sounds of the beach to the smoky confines of an underground club.

Music is intended to be fun and emotional, but, somehow, money and trends got thrown into the mix and destroyed the way people view different bands and genres. A Life Away are here for the love of making music. We all have something to say, and there's no better way to say it than with a high energy performance, a catchy groove, and an extremely clear message.

Be prepared. We’re here to take over the world.

Interview

Where did you get the band's name and what does it mean?
We decided on "A Life Away" because it represented what we wanted out of our music. We want a life away from the normal everyday bullshit, and, no matter what happens, the name will never lose its meaning.

Favorite song to perform and why?
Cloud 8 would rank tops because it's the most energetic and it gives us a second wind, no matter when we play it.

Has your style changed any?
Not a chance.

Do you support downloading music on the Internet?
Yes and no. We believe in sites that DON'T allow downloading (like myspace), but allow people to preview the music before they buy it. This is our lifeblood and we've put everything into it.

Who's the bands musical influence?
We're culturally diverse. Our influences range from classical to blues to metal to r&b. Rest in Peace, Dimebag.

Who would you like to tour with?
Foo Fighters, Ozzy Osbourne, 311, Metallica, Sevendust, or, honestly, any intensely energetic band.

Most embarassing moment while performing?
Everything makes us smile onstage. :-)

How often does the band rehearse and play?
We practice twice a week, religiously, and generally play out once a month.

Favorite venue to play and why?
The New Daisy has always been great to us, and is really the elite venue in the city of Memphis. The Skatepark of Memphis also has great energy as well.

If you could perform in front of 3 really important people who would
it be and why?
Any three fans of A Life Away...

Special thanks or shout out?
Thanks to everyone that ever has or will support us, and all the bands that we've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with. Also, special thanks to Mike Glenn and Roach from the New Daisy for all of their help, support, and belief in this band.