Many bands that moved from the 90’s into the 2000’s have not made it as far as The Banner. I could remind you that numerous bands go on hiatus, go through member changes, and end up in conflict. The difference between those bands that didn’t make it and the crew from The Banner is that these guys have heart. Sure, they’ve had more members than you have fingers, but the key to the band is their determination to overcome any obstacle they face and continue doing what they do. Read on to learn more of their hiatus, their latest album, and life on the road…

Shout!: Who are some of your biggest musical influences personally and as a band?

Joey Southside: For this record I would definitely say Ink & Dagger, Bastard, Murder by Death, His Hero Is Gone and Tears Of Frustration.

S!: What was the last straw that brought on the hiatus of the band?

Joey: The “hiatus”, as it has come to be called, really didn’t last more than 2 weeks. Honestly the last tour I had done with that line up was just draining, those dudes were from a completely different background and school of thought on music and punk than I was, and the clash just became more and more a hurdle as time progressed. I suppose when we decided they were done I was more concerned with perception of the situation than anything else. The band is very important to me and I didn’t want it to be viewed as one of those band member lottery things. The band honestly has always been mine or me and Garrett’s so I got over that nonsense pretty quickly. I still loved it and wanted to do more, bottom line.

S!: What encouraged a comeback?

Joey: I just really didn’t want to stop doing it, I still love it.

S!: What do you think is the key to staying solid with this current lineup?

Joey: The key here is clear; the dudes in the band now are firmly entrenched in the hardcore and punk scene. Their motivations and desires are genuine and more conducive to my own and what I like to think the band represents or should represent. These guys are my friends and they know we more or less agree on what it’s all about, so the fun is back that wasn’t there for a long time. Honestly, if you see this lineup and saw the previous I think you can see the difference is clear.

S!: Do you feel your fans were loyal throughout your time off or did you have to regain them?

Joey: Without question, The Banner will never be a hardcore “success” story as far as money and sweeping mainstream attention are concerned, and that was never the idea. The kids who do and have supported us are steadfast and genuine with their support, whether it’s driving ridiculous distances for shows, or buying records or shirts or writing an email with kind words. Our kids are the best and always have been.

S!: What can you tell our readers about Frailty? (Dropped June 10th, 2008)

Joey: I’d say this record is the essence of The Banner’s driving forces at their most concentrated. Musically, lyrically and thematically this is our darkest, most negative, most pissed off record by far. Not too mention sound wise it is the heaviest thing I’ve ever written.

S!: You’re involved in the Sirius Radio rotation now. When your song comes on, what are your first thoughts?

Joey: I hate it honestly. I get so nervous when I hear us played on the radio and I know other people are listening. I really don’t know what it is, but I just can’t do it. I’ll switch the station if it comes on. I don’t think it’s bad for us to be played on the radio, I think it’s good, but for whatever reason when I’m around and it happens I can’t deal. Sirius and more specifically Mario and Hard Attack have been awesome to us, we really appreciate their support.

S!: How is your relationship with Ferret since reforming?

Joey: Our relationship with Ferret from the beginning has remained unchanged, they are some of my oldest and closest friends. The support they’ve given us repeatedly we could never hope to get from another label. I’m sincerely appreciative for all they’ve done and continue to do for us. I’ve never had a better working relationship with anyone.

S!: How did you get involved with the Young Guns tour?

Joey: Carl knows well my love for ironically titled touring situations.

S!: You were also a part of Bamboozle. What are the pros and cons to playing a festival as opposed to a club?

Joey: Pros: Free food, free booze, tons of girls dressed like complete trashbags, and tons of children in hype bands who are just soooo stressed about their long hard day of sound checking and signing autographs. Nothing to me is more hilarious than a stage manager breaking down some kind of itinerary for the next 45 minutes reading from a clipboard and talking into a walkie talkie in reference to my stupid band’s performance.

S!: What can your fans expect from you next?

Joey: I’m writing a new EP which ill probably release for free online at sometime in the next few months hopefully. Writing Frailty was awesome and I can’t wait to write more now that the initial fear is gone.

S!: Any last words to our readers?

Joey: Rosebud.

• MySpace URL: http://www.myspace.com/thebanner