Suburban Horror: So David, how long have you been with the band now?

David Powell: Since last November.

SH: And I hear you aren’t from South Carolina like the rest of the band are. How did you boys meet?

DP: I'm from Indianapolis. We met on tour with Haste The Day. I was in a band called Bowels Of Judas.

SH: So they stole you from that band?

DP: No, they broke up and I joined Emery. They were already signed to Tooth and Nail when I joined.

SH: You look younger, how old are you?

DP: Yeah, I am the youngest just turned 21. [Seth, a friend of the band, comes in, rubs David’s leg, realizes he is interrupting, and leaves laughing.]

SH:So I heard that essentially you boys are all southern Vegans, is that true? If so, what’s your favorite dish?

DP: Vegans? No. I think all the guys were vegetarian at some point. They even did an interview with PETA, because they support it. But as for my favorite dish... I would have to say Cudova. It’s like Chipotle. I really love their chicken burritos more than anything, and I don’t really like burritos. Oh, wait I like donuts a lot. Yeah, my favorite food ever might be donuts. I know that doesn’t really count.

SH: Donuts? Maybe you were meant to be a cop.

DP: Someday. I really want to be a private eye.

SH: I see a ring on your finger, how long you been married?

DP: We got married December 17th

SH: Is everyone in the band married?

DP: No. Everyone except Devin, who will married be in June. But as far as Joel, Josh or Matt, I’d say not even close.

SH: Do you fly your wife out for tour a lot?

DP: Yeah. This is the longest break we have had to be away from each other so far. She’s coming out for the last part of it.

SH:When you were first starting off in music, did you ever have any gimmicks in your first bands to get people to remember you?

DP:Not really. No, I guess not. But I just got a new drum set made with pictures of me in whitey tighties holding my pet birds in different positions. You should take a picture of it before we go on. It’s really funny. (starts chuckling) I’m very happy about it.

SH:Alright David, so who have you been listening to lately?

DP:I always stick with Guns N Roses, and Tom Petty. I’m trying to think of new artists, because I never do. Oh, I’ve been listening to a lot of Dredg lately. I love them, they’re great.

SH:What’s the last song you listened to?

DP:
[Looks at Joey from Anberlin sitting next to him] Who sings the song “Me So Horny”?
[thinks for a while]
[Joey]-2 Live Crew.
[DP]- Yeah, they’re from Miami. Other than that, I don’t really listen to music on the road. I listen to music way more at home because I am not around as many people.

SH:How do bands get picked to be on the Tooth and Nail Tour?

DP:
[Joey]-Album sales.
[David]-Yeah. Us and Anberlin are pretty much about the same right now in sales.

SH:Do you guys ever play your acoustic songs on stage?

DP: Not really. At acoustic shows maybe, but not at regular shows. “AnnMarie” was written years ago, before Emery was even signed.

SH:Are you guys working on anything right now?

DP: We’re not writing right now, although there’s talk of recording next winter

SH:Are you guys wearing costumes tonight?

DP: No, I was looking at the Salvation Army next door for goofy jackets, but I didn’t find any.

SH:How do you feel about cussing? Especially on stage at a Christian tour?

DP: I have mixed opinions. I think living life like Christ is a tricky subject for me. A Lot of bands are keeping it clean. If a band is calling themselves a Christian band and then cussing, maybe they should change.

SH:Have you guys played with any Secular/ Non-Christian bands?

DP: Yes, we’ve played with several. We prefer it. For the purpose of our band and the motives behind it, playing with only Christians and to only Christian fans is pretty pointless. I don’t treat people differently if they are Christian or not. We do what we can - You know, they had me do the interview because I am the worst talker and they thought it would be funny- We do whatever we feel lead to. With words, we can say anything and the crowd will get excited. Living it is different. I’d much rather people SEE that I am a Christian than HEAR.

SH:Where are you boys headed after this tour?

DP: We get to go to Australia after this and then we will be back for the Warped Tour.

- Krystina Torres