Interview With 'Syrin'

Firstly, introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about the band and how you came to be?

Syrin - pronounced "Siren" consists of Levi Ernst (L.E.) on Vocals, Tommy Shober (T.S.) on Guitars, Kyle Jenkins (K.J.) on Guitars, Kyle Milliard (K.M.) on Bass, Tommy Van Pelt (T.v.P.) on Synths and Eric Frymyer (E.F.) on Drums.

KM - Syrin was the name of a solo project I had originally started when I lived in Denver, Co 5 years ago. I wasn't able to get much done and it sat in the back of my head for almost 4 years. In 2016 I ended up trying out for a metal band "Until We Fall" playing bass, that's where i met Kyle, Eric, and Tommy Shober. I was taking Tommy's place as he focused on his family.

TS - Orginially was in "UWF" as the bassist. The vocalist searched "bassist" into the Facebook search bar and I was the first one he saw. When KM reached out to me after "UWF" fell apart, to play in Syrin as a guitarist I jumped at the chance to get back playing again.

EF - I met up with the guys by playing in "UWF" at the suggestion to try out by our friend Dana of the band "Vitruvia" to try out for "UWF" to replace their drummer who left. After "UWF" I was unsure about staying with some of the guys, KM came to me and asked me to play one last show, this time as "Syrin" wtih a revamped line up. After the show I realised how much I missed it and decided to go all in.

KJ - Joined "UWF" after graduating High School, recorded with the original line up, and played one show. Things started falling apart and we lost a guitarist, bassist, and two drummers. That's when we found KM and EF, with TS filling in on 2nd guitar when he could. The second time "UWF" fell apart, there was no rebuild. KM came to me after a falling out and offered an olive branch and a postition playing guitar for "Syrin".

LE - I used to hang out with the older members of "UWF" during practices and such. In my free time I was practicing vocals in hopes I'd be able to find a project. KM reached out to me when he was putting "Syrin" together for a chance to finally do something with my vocals.

TvP - KM and I have been friends for over 10 years dating back to high school and always into music but we never had done anything. Not to say we didnt try, but nothing became of anything. He was looking for a synth, digital music guy and came to me asking to join shortly after Syrin's first show.

What were you all up too prior to the band, was this always the chosen path or did you have other dreams and aspirations?

KM - I was in a Punk band in high school for 3 years. I graduated in 2008 and went to school to learn recording and mixing. From 2010- 2016 I stepped away from music, had a daughter and worked in the culinary field. It's always been my dream and walking away for those few years I regret more than anything, so we're going all in for this.

TS - I work in the mental health field, I grew up in a musical family with music ranging from Gospel and Christian music, to Rock, Punk and Metal. It's always been a dream when you grow up playing guitar.

KJ - I've been playing guitar since I was 9, and doing vocals as well more recently. I've always dreamed about playing music. I've self taught myself on guitar, bass, and drums. It's what I live for.

EF - Before this I was just working, delivering pizzas. I played drums for fun to start. I also enjoy playing sports, mostly soccer.

LE - I was a bum. Lol, but the band helped me get my life on track and a solid job outside of music. I want to expand more into music in the future with other projects as well.

TvP - I'm a family man. Wife, three kids. Working to support my family. Music's always been a part of me and a dream I've had, I also want to be a dragon but I'm not holding my breath.

Tell us about your latest release and why our readers should check it out.

"Second To No One" is our debut single, by the time you're reading this its going to be out. It's a heartfelt, pain inspired piece that so many could problably relate to. While nothing complex we wrote something that sounds catchy to us, by the end it leaves you wanting there to be more to it.

Who would you say is the bands main song writer or is it a group effort and where do you draw your inspiration lyrically and musically from?

It's both really, our single was mostly written by TS but there's been tweeks and fills and edits done by all of us. Where as some of our stuff we have thats not recorded yet, KJ has written the gutiars, and drums. Where someone leads on something, we all manage to pull something else and bring something else to it. We all have say and no one is more important than each other. We're a bickering childish fucked up family and woudln't have it any other way.

As a band what do you believe is your greatest achievement to date and why?

Releasing our debut single as well as landing a few big opening act shows.

Have you ever come face to face with someone within the music scene who has left you awestruck and why?

KM - Rick Allen of Def Leppard, back in 2009 I got the chance to get a working pass on a tour date because my dad's friend from high school was their drum tech at the time. I had a full on converstation with guy without realizing who it was, and when I did I was like, "Wait, what?" He also noted he could "Drive a bloody truck through my ears".

TS - I went to show in 2007 or 2008, and was out on the side of building after the show and we were looking for our car and the lead singer of Papa Roach came over and asked for a smoke.

KJ - Back when Tom Barber was still in Lorna Shore, "UWF" played a festival with them on the same bill, and he remembered me as the guy who worked at Taco Bell in NJ.

EF - At first playing soccer with Matt Greiner of August Burns Red every week in the spring/summer. Music related? Hed P.E. has had to borrow gear from for their set both times I've played with them. They gave me some free merch and signed broken symbols for me so thats pretty cool.

LE - When I first saw Traitors, there was only 5 of us there to see them back in the day. Ended up hanging out with them for like 6 hours before and after the show.

TvP - No, not really?

What do you enjoy most about touring?

Tommy Shober is the only one who can answer this at the moment.

TS - Exploring new places while waiting for the show to start, meeting people and trying to get people to come out. Also van cuddles. Its how you stay warm.

If we were to head out to one of your live shows what can ourselves and others expect?

High energy, chaotic theatrical performance. We don't want you to stand around and listen we want you to be a part of the experience. We put ourselves at risk and love it.

If you had one artist/band that you could go on tour with tomorrow who would it be and why?

TS, KJ, LE - Traitors

EF - Crown The Empire

TvP - Days 'N Daze

KM - Richard Cheese

You can spend an hour with a musical icon living or dead, who would you pick, why and what would you speak about?

KM - Matt Freeman, bassist of Rancid, just pick his mind about crazy bass lines.

TS - Freddie Mercury, hands down a legend in song writing.

KJ - Angus Young, inspiration, he's why i picked up a guitar in the first place.

EF - Buddy Rich, classic drummer who I admire greatly.

LE - Johnny Cash, grew up on old country music, he's THE badass O.G.

TvP - Frank Sinatra, I want to hear all his stories first hand.

And finally and most importantly is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?

Fuck yes.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/syrinband/