Feature by Andrew Faust - February, 2006
I have been following Four Letter Lie since the band’s first show, and I’ll be the first to say that it wasn’t always so pretty. But that’s beside the point, because band growth and constant promotion have made this band what it is: a full-on, speeding train of a melodic post-hardcore band. Now with a new label and new members, the sky is the limit for this Minneapolis five-piece. I got a chance to sit down with my best friend and Four Letter Lie member, Brian Nagan, to talk about the band's upcoming plans for 2006.
Andrew Faust: First, can you state your name and what you do in the band?
Brian Nagan: My name is Brian Eugene Nagan and I scream.
Andrew: When and how did Four Letter Lie start?
Brian: Four Letter Lie started sometime in high school, in our bass player John Waltmann's basement. A lot of our friends were in bands, so we wanted to make one.
Andrew: Where did you get the name from?
Brian: I remember brainstorming ideas and that name came up. It stood out the most and we all liked it pretty much.
Andrew: Where does your band draw its influences from?
Brian: I think we all have our own influences. You'd have to ask each member.
Andrew: How many line-up changes have you had and how have they affected the band?
Brian: We have had a few changes in the guitar and drum position. Overall, they have had a positive impact on the band. Everyone is happy. I really feel like we are one as a band right now.
Andrew: How has the songwriting recently differed from previous songs besides obvious growth... More or less, is their any certain influence that you guys are affected by and try to write songs to?
Brian: We just write what feels good to us. We don't sit down and try to write a song like "that one band."
Andrew: Four Letter Lie is obviously one of the bigger Minneapolis bands out there. When did the band start to be noticed by the Minneapolis scene?
Brian: I think it has been a progressive thing. We have played so many shows around here and we really work hard promoting our band. We like to put on a show and take care of our fans and I think that's what keeps them coming back. I try to elevate myself every show. I don't want to let kids down.
Andrew: You guys have a couple tours under your belts, which one was your personal favorite and why?
Brian: Probably the last half of our summer tour was my personal favorite. We got a chance of a lifetime as an unsigned band to play a week of the Vans Warped Tour. I remember watching Bleeding Through on stage and just being like, "Holy shit." We met a lot of cool people and got our music out there even more.
Andrew: What would be Four Letter Lie's ideal tour (make sure to include who you want to do merch and tech)?
Brian: Haha. Well...My ideal tour would probably be...
Underoath
My American Heart
Four Letter Lie
Another band that I can't think of right now
Faust would be running merch, Aaron Shoemaker would be teching, and Cullen the boba would be doing nothing.
Andrew: What has been your favorite show of all time?
Brian: Ummm, probably when we played at the Chain Reaction in California with Halifax and Over It, two of my favorite bands. I just remember being unsure with the response we would get. We opened the show and kids liked it a lot.
Andrew: How did you guys hook up with Victory Records, one of the biggest independent labels in the world?
Brian: Our friends in Dead To Fall helped us out a lot on this one. We went and showcased for them, they were stoked on us, and here we are.
Andrew: What are your plans for 2006?
Brian: Write and record our album and tour.
Andrew: Who currently is your favorite band to watch live?
Brian: Underoath.
Andrew: How has the feedback been for Four Letter Lie’s new line up and new songs?
Brian: It has been ridiculous, in a good way; almost overwhelming. We have been getting a lot of positive feedback and every show just keeps getting better and better.
Andrew: What are your current touring plans for the upcoming months?
Brian: We are doing a tour in May out West with Glory of This. I love that band. If you haven't heard them, do yourself a favor and go listen. You can find the tour dates on our Myspace page.
Andrew: What is the weirdest thing you have ever seen on tour?
Brian: We crossed the border into Nevada and stopped at this gas station, and the whole entire street was covered in these huge giant grasshopper flying things. So after getting gas, we drove across the street and ran over a bunch in the parking lot. It ruled.
Andrew: Who is the weirdest fan you have ever met?
Brian: Ben Kippley.
Andrew: Who is your personal inspiration (If I hear any boy band names dropped...)?
Brian: N’sync, of course. They have the answers to everything and always get the job done. Kidding. But I do listen to them sometimes before we play, gotta get in that good mood.
My dad is my biggest inspiration. He works three jobs to support my ass and he never, ever complains about anything. It motivates me to always just be happy with what I have and appreciate the people around me. Take nothing for granted, and then when I am older I am going to make a lot of money doing something totally sweet so then he can be like, "Hell yeah Brian, you make me proud."
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