Rise Against guitarist Zach Wilson Casino Ballroom gig in Hampton NH
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Speed round with Rise Against guitarist Zach Wilson. When you’ve got five minutes with one of the most powerful anthemic punk/rock bands touring the land in 2022 you jump at the opportunity and preface it with, "Zach, I’ve got way more than five minutes’ worth of questions here, so answer them as fast as you can …" Laughs abound. Challenge accepted.
Rise Against play a sold-out show at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Wednesday, Aug. 10.
Seacoastonline: Let’s talk about “Nowhere Generation.” What were the goals behind this record? Was it a strategic move to hold on to a handful of tracks for the “Nowhere Generation II” EP that was dropped last month? All the tunes are from the same recording sessions, right?
Blair: They are. We just “read the room” so to speak. We tried to appeal to the modern collective attention span.
Seacoastonline: The title of the record is a stark realization of where we’re at in this country right now. It’s a tough pill to swallow. How do guys you approach your songwriting with such loaded dialogue that seems to seamlessly wind up as a flawless anthem? Do you hear it before it happens or…? What fuels your songwriting inspiration? When did you decide to use music as a weapon of sorts?
Blair: Always. Any time you're given the privilege to be heard you should earn it.
Seacoastonline: Riffing off the sentiment of that last question—sonically you guys have certainly grown throughout the entirety of your existence. How do you feel about how you guys have evolved musically and melodically over the years? The band still hits heavy, but there was a definite shift from being more hardcore punk to a melodic heartstring pulling machine (with the angst still very much in tow).
Blair: You grow and tastes change; as well they should. Only a few bands get to repeat themselves. The others are wearing out their welcome.
Seacoastonline: Let’s trace the roots of the band for a moment. What brought you guys together? What has kept you inspired to keep having a go at it as the years have gone on?
Blair: I wasn't around back then but it was a mutual affinity for this music style. What keeps us together is being on the same page and agreeing that we still have a lot to say.
Seacoastonline: In general, why music? Why do you seek it?
Blair: What else is there? Haha. Seriously, I think it chose us all individually (as cheesy as that may sound).
Seacoastonline: What was the moment or experience that led you to chase life as a musician?
Blair: My dad was a radio DJ. I wanted to impress him. Music was ubiquitous in my house. It’s all I’ve ever cared about or wanted to do.
Seacoastonline: You guys have some of the most involved videos of any band still out there making videos. How do you use this medium as a means to expound upon the meaning and presentation of your tunes?
Blair: Pick and choose! Haha. Usually, there’s an obvious theme that we all agree on going into any project. Luckily, Tim is a fantastic lyricist, so the opportunities present themselves.
Seacoastonline: What do you enjoy about touring? Did you miss it when it went on forced pause for a moment there? Is there any heightened appreciation for bringing your music to audiences around the globe or is “business as usual”?
Blair: We never take what we do for granted and not being able to do this was singularly one of the most devastating occurrences of our career. We love what we do.
Seacoastonline: You’re headed to New Hampshire for a gig at the Casino Ballroom. A place you’ve been before. What excites you about getting back to the Granite State? What can folks expect when they come out to see you perform?
Blair: We do everything we can every night and leave it all out there.
Seacoastonline: There’s a legendary arcade beneath the Casino Ballroom. If you were a classic arcade game, what would it be?
Blair: Defender.
For further information check out casinoballroom.com and riseagainst.com.
