Greensboro, North Carolina based hard rock band, Failure Anthem, knows what it’s like to be the underdog. Their name said by members as “rising to the top”, the five-piece are learning to do just that. It can be difficult to gain a following within the scene, but the 3-year-old band are not having trouble with that. Even with a recent lineup change, they continue to move forward.
Last minute notice of former singer JD Eubanks’s departure happened at the end of June, but after just two rehearsals with new lead vocalist, Chris Pierson, the members were ready for tour.
“People who follow us are excited,” says bassist, Ryan Nimmo. Despite some skeptics, most responses to the change have been positive.
Since getting signed with Razor & Tie at the beginning of 2015, Nimmo says the support from the record company is 100%. It has helped the band tour full time and publicity has increased. They help with record sales as well, which their first album “First World Problems” debuted January 22 of this year.
One song featured on the album, also titled “First World Problems”, sheds light on the issue of complaining over little things. With its honest lyrics and visual music video, they tell how small inconveniences, like no cell phone service, are insignificant when it comes to the real problems happening in the world, such as homelessness rates and the increase in human trafficking victims. “We don’t step back to see the real picture,” Nimmo says.
Those who follow the band are also aware of their intense stage presence. Every show, members are all about having a good time and never faking it. Feeding off the crowd’s energy, Nimmo says the concert should be an experience. “If people aren’t having fun, I’m not doing my job,” he says.
Failure Anthem will play with Texas Hippie Coalition and Shaman’s Harvest. For anyone interested in rock music, this is a show you’ll want to check out.
Doors at 6:30pm on Friday, Septembert 16. Frankie’s Inner-City. 308 Main St. $18. failureanthem.com