From Oakland, California, to New York City, the underground alternative rock scene is being swept away by the band SWMRS (pronounced “swimmers”).
The band, made up of brothers Cole Becker (lead vocals) and Max Becker (lead guitar), Seb Mueller (bass) and Joey Armstrong (drums), changed their name from Emily’s Army, as well as their sound back in 2014.
In Feb. they released their third album, “Drive North,” the first album under the name SWMRS. They are currently headlining a national tour.
I had the opportunity to have a phone interview with Max Becker a few days before the band’s March 3 New York City show. Becker gave insight about the band and what he would do if he wasn’t pursuing music.
Hofstra Chronicle: Can you compare the new album to the last two that were released under the name Emily’s Army?
Max: Yeah, the last two we were young kids and it was more pop. This one is just SWMRS. We spent a lot of time trying to find our identity and I think this album reflects us more. For example, some of the song on this album Cole wrote in the first four weeks of college while dealing with the stress of adults and teachers.
HC: So on the “Drive North” album, you reference disliking Los Angeles a lot. How come? Most people I’ve talked to actually love L.A.
Max: I actually love L.A. Everyone kept calling us SoCal rockers and we’re not. We’re from the Bay Area and it’s mostly a pride thing. A lot of bands think they have to move to L.A., but I think you should just be proud of where you’re from and embrace that. Try to make it in your hometown first.
HC: Well, you’ve made it in your hometown and are spreading rapidly. What goals do you have for the band?
Max: Sell out a show in St. Louis. I know that sounds like a weird answer, but the first time we played a show there we played to three people. I think it’d be cool to sell out a show there. Then eventually one day play stadiums.
HC: You guys have a song called “Miley” where you idolize Miley Cyrus as a punk rock queen. What was the message behind this track?
Max: Punk to us is trying to be inclusive. Miley has gone from Disney to weirdo but she embraced everyone as she did it. If I had a daughter, I’d want her to look up to Miley more than someone like Taylor Swift because you only ever see Taylor hanging out with other famous people, whereas you see Miley being herself and not afraid to include everyone. I know it sounds weird but, yeah.
HC: You guys have included the band The Frights as your opening act on the tour. What’s it like touring with them?”
Max: It’s awesome! They’re basically our twins. We have the same producer and had a record released on the same day. Their personalities just match us.
HC: What about being in a band and touring with your brother? Is there ever any sibling rivalry or clashing?
Max: You’d think so, but I’m the one with the ego. It’s more Cole dealing with me. He’s calm and I’m more emotional. I clash more with Joey sometimes. We’ve known each other since we were four and sometimes we butt heads.
HC: You’re all around the same age and year in school. How do you all manage school with making music and touring?
Max: Well, we really aren’t in school anymore. We are all still enrolled but college is definitely on hold indefinitely. When we were in school we would mostly play on weekends and in the summer though.
HC: If you weren’t in a band what do you think you’d be doing?
Max: I’m kind of into being a jack of all trades kind of guy. I’m actually surprised I stuck with music this long. But if I weren’t playing music I would be interested in a working for a non-profit. I want to impact the world and the environment and make a change.
HC: Do you have any advice for others who are trying to make a change and get their own music heard?
Max: Yeah definitely. Come out with no more than five songs at a time, talk to promoters and have shows and practice your ass off and become good live.
HC: One final question for you: If you could describe your band and tour in three words what would they be?
Max: Loud, fun and explosive.
The live show was definitely all three of those things. The band was able to play the entirety of the “Drive North” album and the audience went wild. There was moshing, crowd surfing and audience members jumping up on stage trying to dance with the band. Even some of the employees were crowd surfing and interacting with the audience.
The band members in both SWMRS and The Frights crowd surfed during the opening and headlining acts.
SWMRS is playing at the The Grid music festival in New York City on May 5. Make sure you get a chance to go see them; their music needs to be experienced live.
Interview by Robyn Krass-Gerji