Hello Rock Stars!
Today’s Artist of the Week is Vegas Screamo Band Almost November!
Here’s their story in their own words! And save the date for their shows coming up on 11/11 and 11/15! 😉
They also have a new song coming out on November 15th called “Bailey’s Song”, so don’t forget to pre-save on iTunes or Spotify Via their Website! 🙂
All photo’s courtesy of Tiffany Salerno.
VMS:
When did you start writing and performing your music and what’s your backstory and current lineup.
Almost November:
Katie and Reya have been writing together since around July 2023, as we had a bad experience with another project we met through. Since then, we have always known we wanted to start a project together and went through a few different lineups before settling on our current lineup and name: Almost November.
We currently have Katie, our lead guitarist; Bailey on rhythm guitar; Jasper on bass; Claudio on drums; and Reya, our singer.
VMS:
What artists or bands inspire you and your sound.
Almost November:
We have a lot of influence from bands like Kodan Armada, I Hate Sex, and Saosin, as well as from outside the post-hardcore scene — we grew up on rock, such as Pink Floyd and The Police. It’s a mix that helps us carve our own lane while still paying homage to the scene that raised us.
VMS:
What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.
Almost November:
Reya writes 9/10 of our lyrics. She has to hear the instruments and envision a story to go along with it. We often write from personal experience. Struggles with mental health, relationships, late-night thoughts; the things most people keep in the dark. Turning those into songs makes them easier to carry.
VMS:
What’s the story behind “Catcher in the Rye…” and “He Didn’t Even Leave a Note”. How has Almost November’s sound evolved.
Almost November:
“Catcher in the Rye” was our first-ever song that we completed about two years ago. It is about loving someone that you know doesn’t truly give a shit, but keeps stringing you along, while “He Didn’t Even Leave a Note” is heavier; it came from a place of grief and trying to make sense of loss. Katie had actually written this song in her journal, and we made it into something.
Our sound has definitely evolved. Early on, we were always grouped into punk bands, but as we’ve grown, we’ve pushed ourselves to make songs that feel bigger and more honest with heavier lyrics, darker tones, and obviously way more screaming.
Listen to Almost November on Spotify:
VMS:
Which local artist would you like to work with and why.
Almost November:
We’d love to collab with Crumbcatcher one day. We have played with them in several lineups in the past, and they are the nicest group of people we have ever met. Those are our emo cousins. It would be awesome to maybe tour with them someday.
VMS:
What’s your overall theme or message of your music.
Almost November:
That you’re not alone, life can be messy, but the cracks are where the light gets in. We are always here.
VMS:
Do you have a favorite song you like to perform.
Almost November:
Right now, it’s probably Bailey’s song, because the crowd energy on that one always makes it feel like a shared release.
VMS:
Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.
Almost November:
I think our crazy reality moment was being told that Dez Cadena would be at our set over at the Punk Rock Museum (shout out to Dan for believing in us). We have always been huge Misfits fans, and being able to meet him and have him compliment us really made us feel confident in our work.
VMS:
What does the future hold for Almost November.
Almost November:
More music, more shows, more connecting with people who feel the same love for music. We’re starting to lock in on recording our EP soon so that we can share our current work with people around the world.
VMS:
What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.
Almost November:
We want it to feel like a release, as if you walked in with a weight and left feeling lighter. Think of it like a therapy session, but with screaming and guitars.
VMS:
What are your personal pros and cons of being a band in Las Vegas. How could the scene improve, and what are your hopes for its future.
Almost November:
Our scene is filled with very passionate people. There is a place for everyone, and if there isn’t already, we will find one. Everyone is very accepting. Something that we do struggle with out here is the people we give a platform to. There are a lot of problems, including allegations, assault, etc, that need to be addressed.
The scene could improve with more collaboration and support between bands, promoters, and venues. We hope that it continues to grow into something sustainable, where artists can thrive without burning out.
VMS Thoughts:
What I have always loved about Almost November is how beautifully raw, poignant, and unapologetic-ally real their music is. I love that especially with songs like “Catcher in the Rye” it takes you on a beautiful melancholy journey, but then has the huge guttural release that you have with screamo music. It’s such an amazing cathartic experience and every time I listen to it I feel it just keeps getting better and better.
I love all types of music, but I do have a soft spot for the songs and bands who can really let you take all the pent up feelings of anger, sadness and aggression we all feel sometimes, and just let you be able to release all of those feelings via their music. And Almost November does that so eloquently with everything that they do. Music has always been therapeutic, and I am truly grateful for bands like Almost November. They wear their heart on their sleeve, and have such a huge passion for their music and their fans, and have always had this amazing spark that it’s hard to describe.
To see the full magnetism of this band I encourage you to go see them live, to get the full experience. Lucky for you they do have two shows this month! The first is tonight at 7 pm, and the second one will be on the 15th at 5:30 pm! They will truly put on one of the loudest, real, and unforgettable shows that you have ever seen. You can tell in their live shows that they truly love what they do, and they work so fucking hard to give their audience something truly magical. Between being incredibly solid musicians, with absolutely beautiful lyrics and melodies, I am so incredibly excited to see the next step in their already amazing band! I know currently they are working on new music. so I can’t wait to see the evolution of this already sick fucking band. 🙂
For More Information about Almost November, please visit their Website! 🙂
—-VMS xoxoxoxox