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The Kathedral on a Friday night was my first stop in a long line of stops for CMW/F, but this night was better than most as I had an interview with guitarist Daniel Carriere of the alternative rock band Ten Second Epic straight from Edmonton, Alberta. Dan’s just as good on guitar as he is a good guy, and breaking free for a couple minutes before setting up the stage for their performance later that night, he gave me a good in depth look into the past, present and bright future of Ten Second Epic.

Adrian- What was the inspiration behind the band’s name?

Daniel Carriere – Well it happened back when we were all younger and back in high school. You how things sort of go around school, well it was a byproduct of certain stories that went around and it stuck. The name’s been a part of the band ever since.

Adrian- Who would you list as the band’s major influences?

Daniel Carriere – Well it’s different for all of us, we each listen to different things so our influences definitely vary. Our lead singer (Andrew Usenik) is into everything and varies into artists such as Justin Timberlake. Our bassist (Sandy MacKinnon) is into bands like Lamb of God and Amon Amarth, while our drummer (Patrick Birtles) is into Our Lady Peace. Our other guitarist (Craig Spelliscy) was heavily influenced by bands like Lifetime and a lot of old punk while I myself am into jazz. So it’s just a diverse band, there’s no one major influence, but a huge variation.

Adrian- Would you say that there has been any downside to being in the spotlight?

Daniel Carriere- No I can’t say there is. If anything there’s just the challenge now of meeting everyone’s expectations at all times.

Adrian- As of yet what has been the band’s highest achievement?

Daniel Carriere- I would have to say that our last record was our biggest achievement, but despite that fact I find it’s a huge achievement in just making music. Any music our band makes is an achievement in itself.

Adrian- What was the best show that you guys ever played?

Daniel Carriere- The best show we’ve ever played would probably have to be our last show in Edmonton. I mean we haven’t played there in a while and to be playing in our hometown with all our friends, fans and family, it was just an amazing show unlike any other.

Adrian- Where do you see the band going in the next five years?

Daniel Carriere- I’m hoping that we’re all still happy, creative and into it. If we’re still making stuff I’ll totally be happy, and being happy is the biggest part of it all. In the end being happy comes before everything else, albums and anything else don’t matter if you’re not happy with what you’re doing.

Adrian- Was there ever a time where you guys didn’t think you’d make it?

Daniel Carriere- Well to put it shortly, each day is a challenge to overcome. As a person it’s always hard to know these things, so all I can say is that every day is another challenge.

Adrian- Out of any band you’ve toured with what would you say was your favorite band to open for?

Daniel Carriere- Well in general the band that I loved playing with most was The Girls Club but they’re not around anymore.

Adrian- Now I know you guys just came out with the album Hometown, do you have anything else in the works at the moment?

Daniel Carriere- We have already started writing new material for next year as we found that sometimes you just totally end up falling behind schedule, and by starting now we have the time to get everything done the way we want it and not have to rush through all of it. We also have a big tour lined up for this year, a lot of which will be figured out real soon I’m hoping.

Adrian- Last question here before you have to set up but if you could choose one album as the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?

Daniel Carriere- That’s a tough one, just most good record’s that stick to one theme. Like I don’t want to stick to just one album, I want to have a couple records that are just honestly good records. My life can’t be summed up in just one album because I know I’m more diverse than that which is why I’d want to have more than just one album under my belt. If anything just a couple good records would be fine by me or something by the Beegees.

Adrian- Thank you so much for your time Dan, this has been truly epic.

Daniel Carriere- Hey no problem man, I got to go set up now, we’re up next and everything but stay for the show man, should be really good.

Adrian- For sure, thanks again for everything, I’m sure you guys will be just as amazing as ever.

Daniel Carriere- Thanks for the support, take care.

Leaving on a high note I congratulated him and the rest of the band after their set on another great performance and thanked Dan once again for everything and was off to meet up with another great band that night for another interview: The Johnstones.

Lifetimes by Ten Second Epic

Tags: Interview