THERE FOR TOMORROW on ‘THE VERGE’ today…

We caught up with Maika Maile, lead vocalist and frontman for Orlando’s There For Tomorrow, just as they kicked off the first leg of the 2011 Warped Tour. Their sophomore effort on Hopeless Records, THE VERGE, drops this month, along with a recent Alternative Press cover to help spike their buzz on the summer tour. Here’s a few words about the tour, the album and their hometown scene.

aXis: So, cover of the AP Warped edition, that’s awesome, how has the response been so far?
Maika: Our fans have been rabid with making sure we know how well deserved it is. It’s nice to know we’ve been considered in that caliber for a change. Even though there may be a lot of “who is that” going around, its nice our Moms and Grandmas can go to Barnes & Noble to see their kids name on stands.

aXis: The new single ‘Hunt, Hunt, Hunt’ has been getting great reviews, and the new album comes up this holiday weekend, how was the experience tracking, are you guys feeling like studio vets?
Maika: Our off time is a lot more on then it might be for others. We’re always in the project studio trying to cook something up. Whether it’s for the band or not, I stay consistent with music making, since it’s how I clear my conscience. We’ve learned to adapt so well with any recording situation because a lot of the time, we’re doing it ourselves with demo-ing/writing. This time around, being in a world class live room with a top notch Producer & Engineer sparked an intense energy among us. The walls came down and lead us into making the most honest, but somehow the most ambitious record we’ve made.

aXis:  You are obviously vets of touring, how is a tour like Warped different from your own club tours?
Maika:  It’s a bit like being home-schooled vs. being in public school. Being in your own controlled environment is always a preferred thing, but being out in uncontrollable weather conditions and among so many different types of personalities is a thrill.

aXis:  What’s the best perks on the Warped, as a premiere act in comparison to the early days as an opener?
Maika: We’ve always been an under-dog in these types of situations. It’s just what has come with the territory of playing straight forward pop rock music. We have no breakdowns for kids to mosh to, no auto-tune for little girls to cream over, no screaming to scare people. Just our die hard loyal fans that show up every day to sing along. Our focus this year is just to deliver an experience & our new album to those souls, however many they may be. If outsiders continue to pick up on it like they have been, then we’ll leave happy!

aXis: Being from Orlando, what are some of your fondest memories of going to see the Warped Tour locally?
Maika: My first Warped Tour was back when punk rock was more of a prominent influence. I remember my highlights of my first Warped were NOFX, Anti-Flag, Glassjaw, Thrice, The Bled.

aXis: You are also vets of FMF and the scene here, what other aspects of Orlando do you guys notice that helps to make the scene produce quality music and bands?
Maika:  Well, lately it seems as though live music has dwindled significantly in our hometown. I don’t know whether to put the blame on the increasing popularity of Jager bomb specials & bad top 40 house electronica playlists in the clubs downtown, or just the lack of musicians in the area. I know there are so many talented people who can really help re-spark the live music sensibility in downtown Orlando. It’s just about taking the initial steps of bonding with the friends & fans locally, then capitalize on it with booking good shows with a solid line-up of acts.

aXis:  What are some of the things that the Orlando scene could work on, that you see working in other cities that would help it thrive musically?
Maika:  I think it really lies in the promoters’ hands. If shows are successful or a failure in their respective clubs, it rests on their shoulders. There are only a few promoters left that are willing to take risks & hits in order to provide the Orlando scene with quality music. Our friends at Backbooth & The Social both do a great job of this, but all things are cyclical. I believe the excitement within the masses of going to see a band in small bars will return.

aXis:  Post Warped plans yet for the Fall?
Maika: WORLD TRAVEL!

aXis:  Anything you want to tell your fans here to look out for on the Warped date in Orlando?
Maika:  Look for tall red flags waving in the Orlando skies that read There For Tomorrow. Come there for exclusive merch deals & signings! We’ll be selling our The Verge for $10. Come dressed for the insanity though. Will surely be a hot one, which in Orlando means a wet one.