After winning AP Magazine’s fan voted #1 spot for unsigned bands to look out for in 2009, We Came As Romans joined forces with Equal Vision Records to release their first full length album “To Plant A Seed.” 
These Michigan natives have embedded themselves into the fabric of the metalcore nation by combining creative brutality, personally connecting with fans and non stop touring. We Came As Romans mixes metalcore, melodic hardcore and even symphonic components to challenge the boundaries of a scene diluted with imitation. As they continue to add experience to their positive fury and creativity, they are building a devoted fanbase that is responsive to the platform they have constructed for their impassioned message of brotherhood and love. Currently on the Band Of Brothers Tour with In Fear And Faith and Upon A Burning Body, catch them locally at Hawthorne Theatre (Portland, OR) 9/27/10 and El Corazon (Seattle, WA) 9/28/10.
Five years ago you planted a seed and now you dudes just aren’t letting off the gas, releasing albums, non-stop touring and personally staying connected with fans. What have been some of the most rewarding moments to come from your incarnation as a traveling band?
Joshua Moore (Guitar): Being able to see the effect that we’ve had on people’s lives through the music that we’ve made is definitely the most rewarding thing.
What are the best and worst parts of being on the road with the same 6 dudes for weeks on end?
JM: It’s like any big family. Of course there will be arguments and disagreements and not everyone is always happy, but overall we’re all happy with what we have together and all appreciate what we have.
In reference to the album title, you’ve stated, “When people hear the album, they might not change the way they think or the way they act right now, but hopefully we’ve planted that ‘seed’, that thought of love, and it can grow.” Where does the love come from for you guys?
JM: I don’t speak for the other guys in the band, but personally, it was just the way that I was raised. Personally, I do believe in God and Jesus Christ, but not everyone in the band does. We’re not a Christian band and the love that we talk about isn’t “Christian” love or anything like that.
“Dreams” was self released while “To Plant A Seed” came through Equal Vision Records, what have been the biggest benefits of signing with a label?
JM: They have just been awesome to work with and have been great and getting our CD nationwide and even internationally, they’re amazing at helping us grow as a band.
We Came As Romans started locally in Michigan, but since dropping your album in late 2009, it has hit iTunes, Hot Topic, F.Y.E., Best Buy and beyond, making you hard to ignore. What has been your approach to music as you continue to push the boundaries of this new breed of melodic/keycore?
JM: Just to keep playing the music that we want to play. We know that at the end of the day, if we’re not happy with the music we’re playing, we shouldn’t expect other people to be either.
One of the funniest fan fueled WCAR questions I have seen, “I must know, what kind of Asian is Eric (drums)?”
JM: He’s Korean.
While music is obviously a huge focus in your life right now, what do you do to ensure that there is balance in your life and that you develop as a total person (not just as a musician)?
JM: It’s really difficult on the road to keep life balanced. Everything is clustered and crazy all the time. There is never a day that went exactly like the day before it, but it’s a lot of self-motivation and self-preservation. Having confidence in knowing who you are and where you stand on life’s situations.
You have stated before that WCAR is not a “Christian band” but you all definitely seek to bring a positive message, what do you hope to accomplish through music?
JM: Exactly what the question states…to bring a positive message for kids to hear, and hopefully influence kids in a positive way.
Hardcore can be as trivial a genre as many others, one of the ironies is that many fans complain that bands sound so much alike and yet the first question most people will ask when vetting a new band is, “Who do they sound like?” When it comes to writing music and tonal creativity, what unique sources have you drawn inspiration from?
JM: I don’t listen to that many bands at all, but I think the most important thing to me is writing a CD where EVERY part of EVERY song is something that we want to play, something that we think deserves and belongs in the song. The first CD I heard and truly thought that about was “Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest” by As Cities Burn. And that CD has had the biggest influence on me, just in a sense of making sure EVERY song and EVERY part is something that needs to be there.
Being from Michigan, what are your predictions for the Detroit Lions?
JM: I’m all about hockey. The Wings rule. Who cares about the Lions.
You will return to Portland on September 27th, what has been your experience with fans on the West Coast?
JM: I love it over there. It’s very far from home and hard to keep in contact with because of the time differences, but the fans are always great.
Our thanks to Joshua and Natalie (Equal Vision Records) for facilitating this interview. We Came As Romans (Keycore – Troy, Michigan) is: David Stephens (screaming); Kyle Pavone (vocals/keyboard); Andrew Glass (bass/vocals); Joshua Moore (lead guitar); Brian “Lou” Cotton (rhythm guitar); Eric Choi (drums). Keep up to date with the band through the WCAR website and get yourself a copy of their latest album To Plant A Seed (Equal Vision Records) which is available through most music outlets.
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