Courtesy of Big Surrender.

Yesterday we featured a track from Big Surrender, which we were glad most of you enjoyed. As one of you commented, they are definitely contagious (as you can tell by the fact that we have featured them two days in a row)! Because of their impeccable quality, we see a bright future ahead for this band–something so honest is rare to find these days, and we’re sure many fans will appreciate that.
To help the world and future diehard fans learn more about this band, Almost A-List sent Big Surrender a few questions. Below is what Adam Murphy (lead vocals, guitar, keys), Ryan Lallier (backing vocals, guitar, keys), and Tim Very (backing vocals, drums) had to say (Nathan Harold (backing vocals, bass, keys) is currently on tour with The Honorary Title, so he was unable to join in on the fun).

Almost A-List: I’m sure many fans know that Ryan, Nate, and Tim used to be in Waking Ashland. What is one word you would use to describe the difference between Waking Ashland, and your new band, Big Surrender?

Adam: Inspired

Tim: Direction

Ryan: Nineties

AA-L: Adam—what were you up to before jumping on board with Big Surrender?

A: I was actually battling writer’s block for a few years– and I was only able to finish two songs (”My Love” being one of them). It was a pretty rough time, to say the least. “My Love” sounds completely different now, thanks to the magic of playing with these guys. I love it. It’s a very personal song, these guys took it to a completely different level.
I write fiction (short stories, mostly). I have a few books swirling around in my head, and I hope to finish them in the next few years. I got into fiction when I couldn’t write music–and now, I’m writing both. It feels incredibly rewarding.
I’m graduating from KU this semester. My mom is so relieved.

AA-L: If you could be any superhero, which one would it be and why?

A: Paul McCartney.
T: I would be superman.
R: Linda McCartney.

AA-L: I know you had some difficulty in trying to decide which song to stream on Almost A-List. You ended up choosing “My Love”. Is this your favorite song that you guys have written?

A: “My Love” might be the best example of us rebuilding an already-written song. You already know how close the song is to me, but a lot of these tracks are almost just as personal. I’m pretty attached to “Easier Mistake” and “Bring Me The News,” as well.

T: I think it just ended up being the song we got to work on the most as a band.

R: “my love” is probably the best arrangement but for my personal taste and reasons “the way” is probably it.

AA-L: So what exactly is there to do for fun in Lawrence, Kansas?

T: Oh man, I build fires. It really doesnt matter what we do there since the company is always so fantastic.

A: We always get great shows, the bars are charming, and the local bands are awesome. Also, whether you’re into sports or not, everyone in Lawrence comes together–especially for Kansas basketball.. It doesn’t matter if you’re an anemic emo or a DudeBro. I think every friend of mine is a secret jock.

R: There’s a pretty huge community of musicians here and probably six or seven venues so there’s always a show to go to. Other nights we just drink at any one of the amazing bars. Also I spent a fair amount of time out at Blacklodge Recording Studio about 5 miles East of lawrence.

AA-L: You guys have a very genuine and honest sound—and that’s just based on the demos! What has inspired you guys artistically in writing these tracks?

A: I try to be as honest and sincere as possible. It’s the same approach i take to fiction writing. I think I got that from reading Raymond Carver and Denis Johnson short stories.

R: Lyrically I write a lot about my family and personal relationships. I just dictate whatever I’m feeling or thinking about. Musically I think we all agreed we just wanted to make good old classic pop/rock stuff.

AA-L: Favorite TV show that is currently on air?

T: LOST–Is there any other?

A: Before I get into Lost, I have to shout out to 30 Rock and Arrested Development (Rest in pieces).
We’re obsessed with Lost. We each have a spirit character (think spirit-animal). Tim is definitely Claire’s baby, Aaron. Nate is Sun. She’s exotic. I haven’t figured out if Ryan is post-addiction-Charlie or if he’s in-the-hatch-Desmond.

AA-L: Lately you’ve been using the internet and places such as MySpace and Virb to help spread the word about your band. Since it’s early in the game, do you plan on using any other methods, or do you think the internet is the most efficient way to promote?

T: I think we plan on touring a lot.

A: Ohhh, yes. We’re trying to let our legs grow. The hardest part is starting all over again from scratch. I want to do a video blog.. a video podcast, even. Tell your friends.

R: Yea the internet is a nice tool but it’s so over-saturated with bands. I think like Tim said the way we know best is by some grassroots touring.

AA-L: Where do you guys see yourselves as a band in the next five years? Do you hope to be touring with anyone in particular?

T: 5 years is a looong way away, but there are a bunch of bands we would love to share stages with.

A: Tim’s right. There are a lot of them. But I’d almost rather have a good time touring with friends than say, opening for Alice Cooper. Although, that would be eerily awesome. Hilarious.. but awesome.

R: Hopefully in five years we will still be living comfortable and able to make music. I don’t care who we tour with but I’d like to be seeing new parts of the world while doing it.

AA-L: What’s next for you guys? Any tour dates planned?

T: There’s some plans brewing, but I have no specifics at the moment.

A: Soon.

R: Figuring out who’s going to put out the record– then, off to see the world.

For more Big Surrender updates, check out their MySpace.