By Sonia Schnee | Posted Thursday, August 4, 2022
Next week, NJ emo/rock legends Armor For Sleep will be sharing the stage with Dashboard Confessional and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, playing a series of shows in NJ, PA, and NY as part of the Hello Gone Days tour.
Armor For Sleep recently released a new single entitled “How Far Apart”, off of their upcoming album The Rain Museum, which drops September 9th via Equal Vision Records (to pre-order the album, click here).
“How Far Apart” is Armor For Sleep’s first single in almost 20 years. Equally heartbreaking, hard-rocking, and addictive, it is sure to excite old and new fans alike. (Also, the music video is gorgeous.)
Check out our interview with lead singer Ben Jorgensen to learn about the inspiration behind the song, what to expect from the band’s upcoming album, and a glimpse into what bonus projects are coming down the pike…
Upcoming tour dates (to purchase tickets, click here):
Tuesday, August 9 - Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in Lafayette, NY
Friday, August 12 - The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York, NY
Saturday, August 13 - Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ
Sunday, August 14 - Skyline Stage at the Mann in Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, August 16 - Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA
Click to see the making of: https://youtu.be/KKA7YwGmoWE
Congratulations on the recent release of both the single and music video for “How Far Apart”! What can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song? How long was it in the works?
The inspiration for “How Far Apart” came from ruminating on things in the past tense. The album proceeds from past tense to present tense to future tense, so I thought it would be fitting for the first song on the album to be a song about nostalgia and the pain that sometimes comes with that.
Where did you film the music video? Who did you work with? What was the production process like?
We filmed the music video in Flemington, New Jersey at the Stangl Factory. Jesse Korman directed the video. Jesse handled the production, but he and I had gone back and forth for months preparing the shoots.
Congratulations as well on the national tour with Dashboard Confessional and Andrew McMahon. What has that experience been like so far?
Touring with Andrew, Chris, and the musicians that play with them has been surreal. I grew up idolizing both of them, so to get to share the same stage with them every night is a true honor.
Your upcoming album The Rain Museum is set to drop on September 9th. What can you tell us about the album? How does it compare with your past work?
The Rain Museum was a concept album I wanted to record many years ago. Once the band broke up, I realized I may never get the chance to see it come to life. When COVID hit, I decided to make it my mission to finish writing it. Unfortunately, at that exact moment, my marriage of eight years fell apart. I started writing myself into this strange concept album I was trying to create, and what came out the other side is an album combining those two ideas.
You also have a series of music videos coming down the pike. Is there anything you can tease?
We are initially doing three music videos for the album. They each connect and intertwine in ways which won’t be revealed to everyone who watches them for hopefully quite some time.
You’re also a filmmaker. Which came first, your love of music or your love of film? Both are powerful mediums for storytelling. How do those two passions intersect for you?
My love of music definitely came first. I think I learned through music that people relate to good stories. My love of film helped me draw the line from songs to movies. I just wanted to dive in and learn as much as I could about what makes good movies good.
Looking back, what have been some of the highlights of your career so far?
Recording an album 17 years ago that still resonates with people today is definitely one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of.
Is there anyone who you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Chris Carrabba and Andrew McMahon. Best guys ever.
What’s next on the horizon for you? Are there any dream collaborations that you’d like to make happen one day?
I wrote a movie called Dreambox that will hopefully be made soon.
It is still my dream to one day play a show with Nine Inch Nails.
What words of advice or encouragement do you have for other artists who are trying to pursue a career in music? What words of advice or encouragement do you have for mankind in general?
I have no meaningful advice to offer. If you have something to say, you have it; if you don’t, you don’t. For mankind: We’re kind of fucked… but maybe let’s try going to space, please?
Is there anything you’d like to add that I haven’t asked you about?
Yes.
Finally, where can people find your music and connect with you online?
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Earlier today, Armor For Sleep released their new video for “Whatever, Who Cares.” Check it out: