INTERVIEW: Transitshop

We caught up with Transitshop! Read to see what they had to say about what makes them unique, and to hear about the influence behind their new music video "Be There Again"

For anyone who hasn’t listened to you yet, how would you describe your sound?  

Most people I have talked to have said its reminds them of The Cure, and The Police, mixed in with a little bit of Death Cab for Cutie.  I suppose they are right, for the most part, we use alot of clean guitar tones reminiscent of  The Police, and some orchestral synth, like The Cure.  The bass and drums, and also the song arrangements have some punk flavor to them as well.

What do you think makes Transitshop unique? 

The overall sound draws influence from several very different musical genres. Many of them have a distinct familiarity, but when they are combined together it creates a very unique and unmistakeable sound.  Something that doesn't sound like anything else but us.

How did Transitshop get started as a band? 

I (Chris) started writing and recording songs on my own.  I had always been primarily a guitar player, but I began experimenting with electric keyboard and synth sounds after a shoulder injury prevented me from being able to play guitar for a while.  I recorded some songs by myself, then as things progressed I decided to seek out bandmates who we're into the same stuff.  Then began doing local shows around Philly.

You guys just premiered your new music video to “Be There Again” on Guitar World. What is the video about? It is very tim-burton-esc., was that your intent? 

 Our goal for that video was to do something totally different than what other bands are doing with their music videos.  There are so many bands out there, and that means so many music videos, and many of them are all too similar and have the same old theme.  So our idea was to do something unique, memorable and different, while still portraying what the song is about.  The song is about nostalgia, and reminiscing about past experience and how things might be today, if a different path had been followed.  We think that the animator's creation fit right in with the vibe of the song.  There are some similarities to Tim Burton.  That wasn't our idea, but we like it.

When fans come out to one of your shows, what can they expect?  

They can expect a good time.  We always try to make our shows a fun and memorable experience that everyone in the audience can participate in.  We want them to leave the show and think about how much fun they had.  We always give a huge effort whether we are playing to 50 people, or 500 people.

What is one of your favorite things about being in a band?  

Probably writing and recording music.  Getting to see you creation turn from just a simple idea, all the way into a completed, recorded and mixed song.  Then being able to play that creation live.

You guys have played with the Goo Goo Dolls, Alkaline Trio, etc. If you could go back in time what would you tell yourself when you first started touring that you know now?  

Probably to be patient, and to not obsess over every single little detail of the band.  Being in a band is a lot of work and can wear you out, so sometimes you have to be able to take things as they are and be able roll with the punches.  Or else you'll drive your self nuts.  You cant control every single detail of your career, but if you're patient and work hard, good things will happen.

Any new music or tours in the future?  

We've done 3 tours in the past 6 months in support of our Velocity album, so needless to say we are ready to take a little bit of a break.  We'll be doing just a couple festival dates this summer, and will most likely begin working on some new material in the fall.