FEATURED INTERVIEWS 07                         

Strata

After two long and difficult years in places like New York, England and San Francisco, Strata is back to form with their best effort to date, "Strata presents the End of the World." Frantik checks in with the boys to talk about their latest release and why you should not miss a show by Strata.

By: Gian Erguiza

Gian: Your latest release, "Strata Presents The End of the World" is a superb blend of all sorts of different rock/alternative elements. What went into making this album and how did you guys decide which direction to take the sound?

Strata: This band is made of four equal parts, its a collaboration of four different artists, so all of our varied influences end up sounding this way.

Gian: The title of your latest release, "Strata Presents The End of the World" is a bold, dark and almost true statement. How did you guys come up with the album title and what was the idea behind it?

Strata: Thats just the best way to describe how it feels to live in our era. This album is a panoramic view of our lives and impending doom is everywhere mixed in with all the good things like love and hope.

Gian: Victorino, your lyrics for this album is as real as it gets. It really puts you in place of where the world is today. Can you clearly say that this is the most intense, in-depth and personal lyrics you’ve written to date?

Strata: These are the first lyrics I'm proud of.

Gian: The video for "Cocaine (Were all going to hell)" is completely awesome and eerie whilst fresh and different. Why did you guys pick this song to have a video for and where did this idea come from?

Strata: That song was a good way to scare the old fanbase into talking about strata again... We had been off the radar for a while. The video was just a project we put together with a friend from back home.

Gian: You guys are about to jump on the road starting September all the way into October. Should we be expecting more shows coming up? Off the market dates/spots?

Strata: With us and our touring I never know what to expect.

Gian: Now I just saw on your website that you guys have this Game Over contest going on where fans can submit their "in-game death" showing how their "virtual life ended." Who came up with this concept and how did this come about?

Strata: To be honest I'm not sure where that came from but I think its really interesting.

Gian: This one’s for your fans. How important is it that your fans are always in touch with Strata and everything that you guys do?

Strata: We are always looking for new ways to connect with people who care about what we are doing... We are thinking about podcast, video journals, getting to know the people your art has impacted is the best part if being in a band.

Gian: What is the biggest misconception about Strata?

Strata: I think our nu-metal roots have fucked us a little. But that stuff comes with the territory, its the price you pay for being a band for long enough to outlive fads. Tell you one thing though, thats not the first trend we'll survive.

Gian: Victorino, If someone was to ask you or Strata the question, "What is the meaning of Life?" What would you (guys) say?

Strata: Smile as many times as you can before you die. Don't take love for granted.

Gian: What does Strata do to relax and pass the time when not on tour or out on the road?

Strata: We all live our lives and exist independently. Help each other with all the random projects everyone's always got going on. Being in a band for a long time is all about respecting personal space.

Gian: Before we descend, please elaborate to our readers why they should not miss a Strata show?

Strata: Our show is the most genuine outpouring of emotion, thus, its unpredictable.

Gian: Any additional comments?

Strata: Thanks for listening.

Gian: Thanks Guys!

"Strata presents the End of the World" is out now on Wind-up Records! Pick up your copy of their latest release and catch Strata live, on tour now until October. Check on www.stratadirect.com or www.myspace.com/strata for more info!