Interview with Sarah and Andrew of Aurin
Interview conducted on Aug. 30, 2019
by Dan Locke
Band Members
Sarah Anderson Wayne – Vocals
Andrew Wayne – Guitar
Linda Medina – Drums
Lisa Toniolo – Bass
“Aurin is back with their upcoming third album “Serotonin” slated for release Summer 2019 through TLG / INgrooves. “Serotonin” was produced by Grammy award nominated Mike Ferretti (Sevendust, Thank you Scientist, Saliva)
After their critically acclaimed 2014 release of record label debut album “Catharsis” on Pavement Entertainment / RED, the band hit the road, honing their live show while doing dates and touring with…. Art of Dying, Otep, Nonpoint, Icon For Hire, Gemini Syndrome, Ill Nino, Adrenaline Mob, Fit for Rivals, Smile Empty Soul, Members of Breaking Benjamin, 40 Below Summer, Islander, Tantric, Spineshank, The Bunny The Bear and more…
Dan Locke: What was your upbringing like?
Sarah Anderson: For me personally, growing up definitely had its challenges. Both of my parents suffer from mental illness, and I have been dealing with depression and anxiety for as long as I remember. Music was definitely a major outlet that helped me get through a lot of hard times in life, as both a listener and creator.
What music did you listen to growing up?
I listened to a lot of things. My heavy rotation was mostly a mix rock/metal/grunge of the 90’s and early 2000’s and female-fronted artists. Some of my favorites were definitely Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains, Madonna, Placebo, Nirvana, Lacuna Coil, Kittie, Incubus, No Doubt, Metallica, etc. – Sarah
How is Hawthorne NJ for live music?
Hawthorne is a pretty quiet town for music for the most part. There was this pretty cool space called “Sticks and Stones” that featured live music, art, and comedy though I am not sure if they are still open. I would love to see more music events going on in the town for sure!
What was the first and last live concert you saw?
The Madonna “Drowned World” tour with my sister when I was 11. I was so amazed by it, and it was definitely one of my best memories. Andrew and I just recently went to see the Who Do You Trust? Tour earlier this month.
How did you create the band?
Andrew created the band, and I came into Aurin initially as a side project after their singer left in 2010. We definitely worked hard to develop this band, and have faced some hurdles along the way (including the departure of two previous bassists).
How did you get your name
Andrew Wayne: Aurin is a reddish poisonous dye that is derived from phenol, a crystal. I was honestly just about 14 or so when I heard the word for the first time and thought it had an interesting meaning behind it. It just stuck.
What was your first gig together as a band like?
It was our first CD release party for an album called “The Pre-Inspired Symphony”. That was definitely a fun and intimate show.
How did you get Mike Ferretti to produce your new CD?
We started speaking to Mike around the time our producer for “Catharsis”, Jason Corsaro had passed away. Mike had worked closely with Jason for years and was in the process of building his own studio. We were in talks for about a year with him before we went in to record “Serotonin”. Mike is a great guy, very professional, efficient, and has one hell of an ear.
Do you feel your song “Brother” will help people to think about how suicide could affect others?
We put out a post on Facebook for suicide survivors to reach out if they wanted to be a part of this project. It was amazing to see the response that we received. It was an emotional day for sure. Everyone involved made this video so special. We are hoping that this song and its message reaches not only other suicide survivors but maybe that person that person with one foot off of that proverbial ledge. They are not alone.
Did you know that the US is thinking about making the suicide prevention number 1-800-273-8255 into a 3 digit number like 911? (The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988. The federal agency’s staff made the recommendation this week in a report to Congress, finding that using a shorter and easier to remember the number “would likely make it easier for Americans in crisis to access potentially life-saving resources.” The push for change comes as America’s suicide rates are at the highest level since World War II, with an increase of 33% from 1999 to 2017 alone, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Sarah: I did read about that and think it’s a great idea. Asking for help sometimes can feel like too much, and going that extra step to have to find the suicide prevention hotline number can even feel like another impossible chore (especially to someone who may not have access to the internet).
Andrew: I think it’s a step in the right direction, but our mental health systems in this country still have many, many miles to go. Mental health services are severely underfunded and the same system that is supposed to help someone in need is simultaneously designed to keep people stuck in it, or worse, lost inside of it. Our States, our government (local and national), our doctors and health insurances need to realize that we are not just numbers. Numbers can be moved around. Added. Subtracted. Multiplied and divided. That is exactly how people dependent on our mental health systems are treated.
What was it like touring/playing with bands like Art of Dying, Otep, Nonpoint, Gemini Syndrome, and others?
We have been fortunate to share the stage with so many talented bands. Art of Dying was a lot of fun to tour and hang with, and just overall great people. One of our most memorable shows was with Otep in Illinois. There was just such a great energy from the crowd that night. Playing with Nonpoint and Gemini Syndrome was also such a fun time, and they put on a great show.
How do you stay healthy on tour?
Sarah: Actually, that is something we need to work on.. haha. The last tour Linda was eating a bag of candy, I was living on animal crackers, and monster energy and Andrew was eating one of those foot high peach pies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was actually pretty funny watching him bring this pie to a bunch of different venues, haha… We DEFINITELY need to work on more of a balanced diet
Why is music gender Plural?
Sarah: We are a 3/4 female and 1/4 male… Sorry, Andrew, you’re outnumbered!
How did you get some of your endorsement deals?
Really through a mix of management, making relationships over the years, and introducing ourselves to companies we wanted to work with.
Since you are from Hawthorne, NJ, I am going to name some musicians and bands from NJ. I would like you to make a statement about each if you could.
Whitney Houston – Just incredible!
Bruce Springsteen- Born to perform
Bon Jovi- Listened to Bon Jovi a lot while driving with my dad…nostalgia! My uncle also went to high school with Jon.
Halsey – Love the vulnerability and honesty in her voice
Sarah- Tell me about Steady Smoke BBQ?
AMAZING brisket! Really some of the best I’ve had! Tommy is also a great guy and has been involved in a lot of charity events. Highly recommend them!
I saw you like The Lord of the Rings Series. Have you check out the band AINUR. Their music is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s books.
No way! I am going to have to look into this now!
What was Art at South Brunswick High School like?
I was never much of an artist, but I can say that South Brunswick always had a great marching band and music program thanks to Mr. And Mrs. Kraft. The marching band even played at the Superbowl a few years ago.
Andrew – How does it feel to be the only guy in a mostly female band?
Honestly, it feels like being in a band. Gender doesn’t matter, as long as you all love each other.
First gig you played together?
Our first CD release show in 2011
What is your writing process (how do you write a song)?
Usually sparked by some random idea either written at the or randomly that popped in one of our heads. Then we just take it from there. – Sarah
Typically I begin writing a song on my acoustic guitar that my mother gave me when I was turning 13. It’s an S. Yairi, one of the only naturally dark sounding acoustic guitars I’ve ever played, and very sentimental to me. – Andrew
How do you see your band in five years?
Hopefully still doing what we love: making music and meeting new people. Music has brought so many great people in our lives.
Anything in closing?
Thank you so much to ALL of our supporters and our team for being our anchor throughout this journey. Please follow us on Spotify, and check out our new single/video for “Brother”. We think this will hit home for a lot of people who either lost someone to suicide or suffer from depression and think or have thought about ending their life. Our new album “Serotonin” comes out 9/13 on all digital platforms via TLG/In Grooves. The album is also available on www.aurinband.com/shop for pre-order!
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