Originally published in Excommunication issue #2

Over the summer I attended the Vans Warped Tour with some friends. Since the opportunity was there, and my good friend Matt Miller and I are big Death By Stereo fans, we asked their singer, Efrem if he would answer a few questions. We hung out for a while and he answered some questions off of the top of our heads. Many thanks to Efrem and Death By Stereo for the interview!

How did you guys start?
Just being friends, fucking around, etc.

Where are you all from, and what’s the scene like there? Any good bands?
We’re from Orange County, California. The scene is pretty decent…good bands to check out are Government Chiefs, Wanted Dead, and Faded Glory.

What music has influenced yours?
Bad Brains, Slayer, Dio, Sick Of It All.

What has inspired you?
Personal experiences, because people can relate to them rather than being preachy.

Where is one of your favorite places to play?
New Jersey is totally fucking insane and unbelievable! There were circle pits everywhere around the stage, merch booths, etc. People there are just crazy!

What do you guys do outside of the band?
Paul is an engineer, Jim is a tattoo artist, Dan is a waiter…I’m unemployed, I’m a professional singer!

Do you guys skate at all?
Yeah…I’m pretty lazy now, though. Dan and Todd do a lot, Jim is really good.

Do you have any side projects?
Yes, a band called Struck By Lightning, and we sound somewhat like the Circle Jerks.

Any advice to bands starting out?
Just have fun…fuck money!