A New Way to Live Forever (ANWTLF)

               

The Civil Defense Interview

Russ Rogers is the front man and principle songwriter of the five-member musical force, A New Way to Live Forever.  Recently, Civil Defense sat down with Russ to talk about, among other things, the history of A New Way to Live Forever; his past and present musical projects; and using the power of songwriting to escape all that rumoura floating around.

CD: How did A New Way To Live Forever (hereafter, ANWTLF) first become involved with Civil Defense?

RR: I met Ed [Goodreau] from Civil Defense in Jacksonville at the last Kill Miss Prettyshow in March 2011 and we talked for a while. I really dug his take on the music industry, the artist, and as a person in general. When I mentioned that I do a lot of writing and am planning a solo-ish venture, he encouraged me to send him demos, which I did through the summer of 2011. Eventually he brought ANWTLF on board via a re-release of our first 2008 EP Avalanche, and had me come out to LA to finish and mix with him what has now become Rumoura.

CD: Give the people a history lesson: when and how did ANWTLF get together?

RR: In early 2008 on a break from Kill Miss Pretty, Todd and I got together and started writing songs. We rehearsed a bit and eventually came up with and recorded what is now the Avalanche EP. Our first of only 2 shows was interesting as it also featured TV Club opening (now known as Surfer Blood). My obligations to KMP and Todd’s opportunities to pursue his career as an architect, led to the hiatus of ANWTLF.

Anyway, after some personal drama and so forth, in early 2011, I started a sort of writing renaissance. After leaving KMP, I contacted Todd (then in DC) and asked if I could use the ANWTLF moniker since I truly thought it fit where I was at the time and what I wanted to do artistically – plus, I wanted him involved in the songwriting and any live shows he could possibly perform at. I assembled a cast of friends and musicians including Phil and James who I was with for 10 years prior in the Numb Ones, to come aboard, and asked original ANWTLF bassist Steve Velez to join in on bass. Basically, this band is a hybrid of the best friends and players I’ve encountered over the last 15 or so years. We feed off each other and anticipate and complement each other in a way not often found in a group of guys. Add Todd into the mix and it’s really undeniable what we can bring to an audience.

CD:  We have to ask, where did that band name come from?

RR: Todd asked me what I thought would be cool, and I had seen a recent news report on TV during which the phrase “A New Way to Live Forever” was mentioned, so I suggested it. He immediately agreed and that was it. It was definitely the easiest band name decision I’ve ever been involved with.

CD: What is the songwriting process like for the band?

RR: The first chapter of ANWTLF was a mesh of Todd and myself. His style is more akin to the newer indie alt vibe, whereas I am coming from more of a primal and soulful true rock thing. Rumoura is mostly my stuff, aside from the collaboration on “Balloon,” which is a latter first phase ANWTLF tune that did not evolve in time for the first EP. This new collection of tunes is my soul spread wide open musically and lyrically.

CD: The new EP, Rumoura, is due out this May.  What’s do you guys hope to achieve with that release?  And what’s coming next?

RR: We’re looking to get this collection out in hopes of possible licensing and radio opportunities. My focus is inherently hooks and groove, and there’s plenty of that on Rumoura. Hopefully people can connect with the feeling behind the songs and pull something from them. As for what’s next, it’s already written…just need to stamp it in time and put it out there.

CD: I understand that the title Rumoura is more than just a pretty title.  Can you tell us a little about what it means?

RR: To say the least, I’ve been dealt my fair share of drama and misconception. I’ve lived in a place where rumor and reality have blurred on a daily basis, as I’m sure many people have. I wanted to create a word that captured that space, hence Rumoura. Not to say that the songs on the EP are all about that, but it’s the freedom from that world that enabled me to come up with the music that fills the EP.

CD: You are also involved with two other groups – Kill Miss Pretty and DRTY LVRS – how does your role in ANWTLF differ from that of those groups?

RR: Our keyboardist, and good friend Daniel Dyer and I created DRTY LVRS as an electro outlet. I’m always writing and in different genres, particularly dance. It seemed fitting to create a dark dance entity to take in that excess, and to our surprise it’s been somewhat successful. Cleopatra Records just remixed our debut song “R3D”, and we’re still finishing up new tracks to release this year.

As for Kill Miss Pretty, my ultimate takeaway from that band is the kinship and love for the craft of song that I realized with Scott Putesky (formerly Daisy Berkowitz of Marilyn Manson). We both left in early 2011, and have a few projects in the works that we’ll be pursuing together in the future, but above all, I find him to be an inspiring musician and true friend. That doesn’t come along that often, so I’m definitely grateful for the experience.

Rumoura is due TBA 2012 via Civil Defense Music Group.

 

Quotes/Reviews

“They have a knack for crafting smart tunes with catchy choruses that leave a lasting impression from the first time you hear them…their first EP, Avalanche [is] one of the best local discs that’s come into the New Times offices in a while”
Jonathan Cunningham – New Times Magazine

“Receiving rave reviews back in 2008 ANWTLF auspicious debut EP, Avalanche, raised many eyebrows.”
Jonathan Cunningham – Broward-Palm Beach New Times

“In 2008, the band released an EP titled Avalanche, which showcased Rogers’ knack for big, resonant guitars and thick, downbeat melodies.”
Jake Cline – City Link Magazine

Get ready…

Along with a fascination with jackalopes and other animals of mystery, fans can expect to revel in new delicious grooves throughout 2012 as the band plans to take their pallet of passion induced anthems to various cities throughout the southeast in support of Rumoura. Civil Defense is 100% behind the band and is looking for great things to come.

Contact
contactnewway@gmail.com
954-854-5515

Online Assets
anewwaytoliveforever.com
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