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We are excited that we are less than a month away from the kickoff of I Prevail’s headlining summer tour! I Prevail capturded our attention with their EP Heart vs. Mind and they are now finishing up the recording of their debut album. This is an exciting year for them as they head out on July 14th for their Strike The Match Tour along with special guests, The White Noise, My Enemies and I, and Bad Seed Rising. We had the chance to chat with lead guitarist, Steve Menoian and are pleased to bring you that interview here:

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Music Junkie Press: Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press. We are excited for your headlining tour, set to kick off in July. Can you tell us what we can expect out on this new tour?

Steve: It’s gonna be a new show with a new look. We’ll be playing some new songs off the album and bringing a ton of energy as usual. Have some great support bands on this tour as well, so I’m really pumped about it.

Music Junkie Press: We understand that you guys are working on a new record, how is that going and when might it be released?

Steve: The record is going great! We are in the very final stages now. It’s been a long process, but that’s what happens when you put your heart and soul into every song. Keep an eye out for a release date very soon.

Music Junkie Press: With this album, can you tell us how this album might differ from your previous work and why?

Steve: I feel like we got to know each other better as a band and as writers. Our EP “Heart vs. Mind” was the first thing we had ever done as a band. I think we laid the groundwork for our sound with that, but this album definitely takes a step up in terms of song-writing and maturity. The hooks are catchier and the heavy parts are heavier. We also took some chances that were a little outside of the box. If you liked our EP, I promise that you’re gonna love this album.

Music Junkie Press: Will you be performing new music on this upcoming tour?

Steve: Absolutely, can’t wait to play a few new ones live.

Music Junkie Press: Can you tell us about any of your new songs that you are working on? Is there a stand-out track that you just can’t wait for everyone to hear?

Steve: As we started writing, we told ourselves there would be zero “filler” on this album. I know a lot of bands say that, but we really pushed to make every song great in it’s own way and serve a specific purpose. We obviously have our eyes on a few singles, but I would say this is really meant to be listened to as an entire album. We try to hit on a wide range of emotions and let each song separate itself. I really hate getting lost in albums when all the songs sound too similar. I’m really proud of what we did.

Music Junkie Press: With your great success of the Taylor Swift cover Blank Space, how has it been to see so many new fans cross over from the pop genre and get hooked on some hard rock?

Steve: It’s been amazing. When writing that cover, we had no thought that people who were pop fans would actually like it. I think it just goes to show that people are way more open with their music tastes these days. People don’t just listen to one genre. I can say that we actually like a lot of pop music, so it definitely goes both ways. At the end of the day, a good song is a good song. If it pulls a certain emotion out of you, then you should like it. But ultimately if our cover can open people up to a heavier brand of music, we love it!

Music Junkie Press: I am sure everyone is wondering if you guys will be doing a new cover, do you have any new plans for that?

Steve: No plans at this time for another cover right now, but we’ll never say never down the road.

Music Junkie Press: Maybe you could go way back and do a cover of a completely different era? I think you guys could kick ass on an Elvis cover or Frank Sinatra cover!

Steve: Thanks! I always love some Frank. Those were classier times though, I don’t know if we even deserve to try.

Music Junkie Press: You guys have a great tour lined up with a lot of great energy hitting the stage. Do you guys have a particular pre-show ritual?

Steve: Yea we do actually… a little hard to explain, but I’ll try! So we all stand in a circle while one of us says very sings, “ancestors protect us” The other five guys respond in unison, “may they protect you.” Then we go through a series of very complicated handshakes. If you’ve seen the movie Hot Rod, you’ll get it. If not, this will seem very stupid. It’s worked so far though!

Music Junkie Press: Of course we are huge vinyl lovers here, will you be releasing the new album on vinyl as well?

Steve: Yea that is definitely in the works. Our screamer, Eric, is a huge vinyl guy. He wouldn’t allow it not be out on vinyl.

Music Junkie Press: We look forward to catching you guys out on the road. Lastly is there anything else you would like to share with your fans and our audience?

Steve: Definitely, hope to catch you at a show! I would just say that this is going to be a very exciting year. Keep an eye out for new music and content very soon, and come get rowdy with us at a show!

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Check out the tour dates below and make sure to get yourself to a show. The energy these guys bring to the stage is infectious and just what you need to get your summer fun on.

We are excited to see a Sacramento date as we will make sure to bring you full coverage of their show. Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.

~ Marisol

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