Over It: Chasing Constellations

If timing is indeed everything, it has never been more perfect than right now for Orange County’s Over It.

If timing is indeed everything, it has never been more perfect than right now for Orange County’s Over It. Riding a wave of great press and a shiny new record, this power-packed punk outfit has risen to heights only hinted at on their previous work. Silverstrand is more about a journey- a reflection of sorts. And as guitarist Nick Bailey explains, the band’s enthusiasm and energy couldn’t peak at a better time. Over It are outgrowing their boundaries as their present quickly becomes their future. They set simple goals at the start, but now have the stars to aim for.

Silverstrand has seen its share of delays and obstacles. With the album now finished, how does it feel to see the light at the end of tunnel so to speak?

Bailey: We are stoked! It feels amazing to be all finished. It's always exciting to release an album but this one means a lot because we've stepped up all our efforts to try and make this the best release yet!

Were the delays and setbacks worth it and are you completely satisfied with the finished product?

Bailey: Totally! It does feel a little overdue because mentally we were ready to release in the fall but this did give us more time to focus our energy and try to really breakthrough with this one.

Were things made more complicated by the business?

Bailey: Yes and no. We have learned way more about the business side of it all and that has caused a few complications, but at the same time I think it's important to experience that and this record wouldn't be the same without all we have learned.

Was the approach to this album any different from your previous albums in terms of the process from start to finish?

Bailey: Actually this one felt more organized. We got to spend more time on pre-production, which really helped. We also went into this with way more ideas on the music side and the marketing side. We are super amped to have a street team and more funding to help advertise online and on the streets. This is a huge difference and we can't wait to live it all out!

Your previous full-length, Timing Is Everything was such a breath of fresh air at a time when many bands were attempting that pop element, but you guys managed to pull it off better than anyone else. Are you guys worried at all, that you will never top that album in terms of quality and success?

Bailey: Thank you! [We’re] not worried. As we mature as musicians and people, I think our songwriting will only get better. We love to write and that will only help the quality of music. Plus, the more we are out touring, writing music and releasing records it will show kids what we are all about and hopefully allow us to gain more success.

Maybe that's the way it should be, that any band's earlier material is essentially the most honest and down to earth- something you can't re-create.

Bailey: The music should always be honest no matter where you are in your career. I think honesty is something we will always have in our music. Our previous work just helps us learn how to deliver that element of honesty in new ways.

Does Silverstrand pack that same punch and power of emotion as your previous releases?

Bailey: Yes, I think if you liked Timing is Everything, you will like Silverstrand. We tried to go for more of a range in our songwriting this time in hopes to maximize the emotion that's let out. I'd like to think this one packs a pretty solid punch.

You guys clearly have a strong element of pop flavor built into your music, yet you guys seem to avoid the criticism that most bands receive. Why is that do you think?

Bailey: Hmm, maybe because we are just ourselves. I don't think you can listen to our music and say that sounds like this band or they stole that from. I mean we have tons of influences but we try to be as original as possible, always writing songs in our own way. We don't follow anyone else’s formula, just our own.

The internet has been such an amazing tool for you guys. If the internet didn't exist, do you think you guys would be in the same spot you are now as a band?

Bailey: I'd like to think so, I mean the Internet is huge but I think our work ethic and efforts go beyond that so we would just find other ways to hype it up. We wouldn't give up until we found ways for people to hear us that's for sure.

You’ve also have been exposed to the bad aspects of the internet as Silverstand was leaked on the web months ago. Does it worry you that album sales might suffer because of this?

Bailey: That's a tough one. It kind of goes both ways, I mean, sure maybe we could sell a few more records if someone hadn't gotten it online but at the same time we just want to be heard. If someone puts our album online and that gives some kid the opportunity to hear us when he or she may never have, then we back it. I don't think it can really hurt us as long as people like what they hear and come out to our shows; we support the internet getting our music out there.

Is there any way of getting around the negative aspects of the internet when you’re using it so much as a promotional tool for the band? Is it a double-edged sword so to speak?

Bailey: Yeah it kind of is, I think there will always be a negative side. Not everyone will like our songs but really that's ok. We don't expect everyone too. Actually, it’s kind of a good thing in a way because for every person that wants to talk shit, then you know there are even more people that are stoked. We're not too worried about it.

The artwork and layout of the album- what's the story behind the theme?

Bailey: The layout is based on a journey. Much like the inspiration behind a lot of the songs the art is the visual representation of all the traveling we have done that inspires us. We really wanted to focus on the move out to California so the layout depicts everything along the way. We are really happy with the way everything came together. I think we united our love for the east coast, the west coast and everything in between.

A while back you guys recorded an acoustic split CD with Junction 18. Any plans to release any more acoustic songs in the future?

Bailey: We have more acoustic songs recorded and more yet to be recorded. We love doing acoustic stuff and plan to release some of the songs later this year along with some b-sides.

How has constant life on the road helped shape and mold the band?

Bailey: We would not be the people we are or the songwriters we are without all the tour experience. Being on the road has been very moral shaping and very valuable for us all. It really helps you put the world and your own life into perspective.

What about individually? How challenging is it to be on the road all the time?

Bailey: It can be very difficult sometimes especially when you are away from family, friends and loved ones. You really have to learn to let the bad in with the good. I know we have all felt like breaking down on tour but really it only makes you stronger. Besides, the sweet just ain’t as sweet without the sour.

You’re receiving interest from major labels and actually were close to signing with a major. Do you guys plan to sign with a major or stay with Lobster?

Bailey: As much as we love Lobster, this will be our last record with them. We are not sure of future label plans just yet but we should have a much better idea as the year moves forward. We are very excited about what is to come.

Several years ago, you guys were in college and decided to put that on hold to pursue your goals as a band. Talk about never looking back- that must feel pretty good, no?

Bailey: We all made a sacrifice and decided to put off school. I think school is important but at the same time we knew the music business is too demanding and we couldn't do both. We had to follow our hearts this time. It feels good to be where we are but I don't think it’s a never look back type situation. Some of us could still end up in a learning environment but certainly not till Over It has lived out all our hopes and dreams.