EMQ’s with VERSUS ME
Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Janesville, WI based Metalcore band Versus Me! Huge thanks to Guitarist Dustin Hansen for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Dustin and I play guitar in Versus Me. The band has been around since late 2013 but didn’t go public until 2015 with our first single ‘(A)Tension’ which featured Craig Mabbitt from Escape the Fate. We’ve gone through some member changes over the years and this album is a direct result of the desire to continue moving forward and to not give up.
How did you come up with your band name?
At the time we literally just kept throwing out whatever. Flat Brim in The Jungle Gym was one of the crazier ones. We had a lot of fun picking a name. We settled on Versus Me because we felt it was relatable as the name implies internal conflict. That inner voice you wrestle with day in and day out.
What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are just a couple of wholesome boys from the Midwest, USA. I think rock and metal is making a comeback. EDM and Pop are kind of hitting a wall. Music is getting too simple and melody is a dying art form. I think metal and a lot of active rock bands are keeping that melody alive. People still want to hear that I think.
What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single or Video)?
We’re releasing an album titled, “CONTINUOUS” due out September 13th so be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay in the loop. We released a new single Far Behind on August 5th!
Who have been your greatest influences?
I’d say Mudvayne, August Burns Red, Memphis May Fire. Bands like that for sure!
What first got you into music?
The rise of Nu-Metal in the late 90s and early 2000s!
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
That’s tough. I think it would be cool to have maybe like a guest guitar solo on a song or something? I don’t have a specific in mind.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Oof. There are so many awesome festivals.
Lollapalooza would probably be pretty insane.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Awhhh! Haha, maybe not weird but we’ve gotten candy sent by a fan in Japan once.
Thank you for the treats!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
I think our core message right now is making something possible. Not giving up and continuing to move forward. If you’re tired of starting over then stop giving up.
If you could bring one Metal/Rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Hmmm, probably Chester Bennington! With a lot of acts releasing heavier material again now I wonder if Linkin Park might’ve started leaning back that way more?
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I enjoy creating. I’m writing music almost constantly! I hate the wait between releases. Having to schedule things and not just releasing stuff as soon as we have it!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
It would be making streaming more profitable for independent bands to stay independent and be able to make a living without having to pull in a million streams a month. It’s a little unbalanced but it’s also given bands more opportunities they didn’t have before like us! It’s definitely a mixed bag!
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Probably like “Dark Side Of The Moon” or “Animals” by Pink Floyd. Those records employed stereophonics and seamless transitions between all the songs and creates a nice soundscape.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I’m not a purist. I think digital music is great. I don’t hate any format but I prefer a clean sound. No vinyl pops or tape slowdown for me!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Probably Sonic Boom put on by 94.1 WJJO. That festival was crazy!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Maybe art? I draw and use photoshop pretty extensively.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
5 Guys! I eat burgers alone. It’s not a party.
What’s next for the band?
Dropping a new record! We hope this upcoming release will give us a huge uptick in buzz so we can get more touring and show opportunities lined up for our fans all over the world!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
You can follow us on Facebook or Instagram! We’re pretty active on both!
https://www.facebook.com/vsmeband/
https://www.instagram.com/vsmeband/
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I don’t know but now I feel uncomfortable.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
You’re welcome! But…
WHAT’S A JAFFA CAKE?! You left me hanging here!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.