Back in 2008, I came across the profile of someone I recognized a little bit, so I decided to add him. Much to my surprise, I had ran into him once before, at Warped Tour in Ventura '08. We began talking based upon that. We quickly befriended each other. I was introduced to his band, which happens to be Modern Day Escape. The man in question, was none other than lead guitarist Nic Koulouris *AKA nXe or Bagel*. I've never seen any band so driven by the D.I.Y. aspects of making a name for themselves. They're very goal oriented and driven, doing anything by any means necessary to make their name for themselves in the world of music. Armed with front man James Vegas, guitarist/back up vocals Marti Rubles, bassist Shep, and drummer Corey Texas, it won't be hard for the now Southern Californian based band to make their mark in music history!!
Nic has agreed to take some time out of his relaxing time off to answer some questions, which I am eternally thankful for!!
1. You just got done touring with I am Ghost and The Becoming, how did that go?
Well first of all I wanna say that both bands were some of the coolest down to earth dudes we have ever met, definitely hands down best tour we have ever been on. We learned so much from those guys. The IAG boys taught us a lot, and we appreciate it, tons of snow fights too, haha. We also had the pleasure of touring with a band called Misery Loves Comfort from Riverside, Ca. Lots of bromance on that tour haha.
2. This was the second tour since the launch of your second c.d., "House of Rats," how did the first tour pan out for you guys?
The first tour was rough, we were dealing with so much at once, but it all worked out. We booked that tour ourselves and we were getting good responses from the shows and made tons of new fans and friends =]
3. Your first c.d. came out in 2007, how has your lives, sounds, and attitudes changes between the c.d.s?
Well we are all growing up into men, somewhat haha, but the music, tours and time off in between has definitely shaped us into more professional rounded musicians, not so much garage band party kids, more a touring professional band. Since 2007, we have experienced so much, with life, living, girls, family, and music itself, its been one hell of a ride =] "HOUSE OF RATS" I think reflects a lot of what I just explained.
4. You signed with Stand-By records about a year or so ago, how has then been going for you?
Well new owner Neil Shehan has been awesome to us. It's our first time signing and it's been a learning experience, but it's like having a family that's your personal bank, haha. Worldwide distribution and the promoting have been a plus. But yea, awesome guy and has treated us well.
5. Are there any up and coming tours in the works?
2. This was the second tour since the launch of your second c.d., "House of Rats," how did the first tour pan out for you guys?
The first tour was rough, we were dealing with so much at once, but it all worked out. We booked that tour ourselves and we were getting good responses from the shows and made tons of new fans and friends =]
3. Your first c.d. came out in 2007, how has your lives, sounds, and attitudes changes between the c.d.s?
Well we are all growing up into men, somewhat haha, but the music, tours and time off in between has definitely shaped us into more professional rounded musicians, not so much garage band party kids, more a touring professional band. Since 2007, we have experienced so much, with life, living, girls, family, and music itself, its been one hell of a ride =] "HOUSE OF RATS" I think reflects a lot of what I just explained.
4. You signed with Stand-By records about a year or so ago, how has then been going for you?
Well new owner Neil Shehan has been awesome to us. It's our first time signing and it's been a learning experience, but it's like having a family that's your personal bank, haha. Worldwide distribution and the promoting have been a plus. But yea, awesome guy and has treated us well.
5. Are there any up and coming tours in the works?
Well at the moment, we are going on tour starting July 2nd-October something (haha) with label buddies Black Veil Brides, and also with Vampires Everywhere and Get Scared. This tour will be one of our best! Especially since we are going to CANADA first time for us and we are all stoked!! Got some other things in the works for after the tour so we are crossing our fingers =]
6. Who would be a dream band you would die to tour with?
Well we all would have our own personal favorites, but as a band, I'd say The Used, one band that we are really into and have been a major influence to all of us.
7. Who has been your favorite band to tour with so far?
I'd say I Am ghost and No Bragging Rights...
8. I see you have a new drummer, Corey Texas, can you tell us a little bit about him and how he became the new drummer for Modern Day Escape?
Haha, yea it was completely random, we were in the need of a new drummer and just asked a few friends if they knew any good drummers, and a friend of ours from Dallas, Tx hit us up and mentioned Corey. So we talked to him, he checked the music out and was really interested, so he bought a plane ticket and came out that week! That right there impressed us, and once he played, we were blown away and knew it was right. And that's how it went down...
9. What is your favorite song to perform?
Hmm, I think that "Lets Get Sweaty" has to be our favorite song to play because of its energy.
10. What song, on either album, means the most to you and why?
The song that's got most meaning to us is the song "House of Rats". The song was written when we were stranded in California when our van broke down. First song written for the album too, and it's about our experiences there and on the tour.
11. Nicest thing a fan did at a show or in general?
Well this is a hard one, because we have some die hard fans, always there when we need them and show love for sure. I can't pick one nicest thing, they all have been amazing.
12. Any last words?
Yea, if you haven't already, check us out, MODERN DAY ESCAPE, on STANDBY RECORDS, on tour this year and come hangout, we like to party haha. Love all you guys and thanks Hanna *heart*6. Who would be a dream band you would die to tour with?
Well we all would have our own personal favorites, but as a band, I'd say The Used, one band that we are really into and have been a major influence to all of us.
7. Who has been your favorite band to tour with so far?
I'd say I Am ghost and No Bragging Rights...
8. I see you have a new drummer, Corey Texas, can you tell us a little bit about him and how he became the new drummer for Modern Day Escape?
Haha, yea it was completely random, we were in the need of a new drummer and just asked a few friends if they knew any good drummers, and a friend of ours from Dallas, Tx hit us up and mentioned Corey. So we talked to him, he checked the music out and was really interested, so he bought a plane ticket and came out that week! That right there impressed us, and once he played, we were blown away and knew it was right. And that's how it went down...
9. What is your favorite song to perform?
Hmm, I think that "Lets Get Sweaty" has to be our favorite song to play because of its energy.
10. What song, on either album, means the most to you and why?
The song that's got most meaning to us is the song "House of Rats". The song was written when we were stranded in California when our van broke down. First song written for the album too, and it's about our experiences there and on the tour.
11. Nicest thing a fan did at a show or in general?
Well this is a hard one, because we have some die hard fans, always there when we need them and show love for sure. I can't pick one nicest thing, they all have been amazing.
12. Any last words?
Modern Day Escape played on my 20th birthday, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 17, 2009, at The Farm. I attended, and as shocking as it may be, it was my first MDE show! I was nothing more than blown away by their live performance, it was almost better then the CD!!! I keed, kind of... Here are some of my favorite pictures of the night!
Wanna know more about Modern Day Escape? Click the following links to stay in touch!
Modern Day Escape- Official Website
Modern Day Escape- Myspace
Modern Day Escape- Lyrics
Modern Day Escape- PureVolume
Modern Day Escape- Last FM
Modern Day Escape- Facebook
Modern Day Escape- Twitter
Modern Day Escape- Merch store
By the way everyone, it is Nic's birthday today (May 12th)! The guitarist turns 29 today! Go wish him a happy birthday on any of the sites mentioned below!
Nic, as long as I have known you, you are probably one of the biggest influences and helps in my life. I thank god every day we started talking and became close. You mean so much to me, please don't ever change. Keep doing what you do the best I'll be right here cheering you on. I love you and happy birthday, Pretty Face.
Hugs&kisses, until next time kiddies, Hanna.
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