From First to Last is following up the Spring release of their self-titled album on Suretone Records with a summer-long stint on the Warped Tour. On the verge of breaking through to the next level, vocalist/guitarist Travis Richter took a few minutes to tell me what’s going on with the band and what’s in store for the future.
RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?
T: Greeeeat!
RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?
T: It was a chance to play with a bunch of great bands and hang with good people. It has definitely lived up to my expectations and beyond!
RnRnMN: How does the Warped Tour compare to playing smaller shows?
T: It’s outdoors and you can easily get a bunch of new fans from the people just happening to walk by while you play.
RnRnMN: You seem to finally have yur line-up solidified. How does being on grueling schedule like the Warped Tour affect the dynamics within the band?
T: It makes us come together more and it makes us more on our ‘A’ game since we never know what time we are playing each day.
RnRnMN: Who is the best band you’ve seen on the Warped Tour this year?
T: Four Year Strong.
RnRnMN: There’s a lot of bands to choose from. It’s overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?
T: Because of my short shorts.
RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?
T: Well due to my current status, ending my long term relationship with Craig Beasley, I don’t mind the AT&T sponsorship. I wouldn’t mind it less if they gave us free phones. (laughs)
RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?
T: Taking a vacation to Costa Rica, aka my home in Orlando, FL.
See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.