Interview with Sleeping With Sirens guitarist Jesse Lawson

On July 15th, the Warped Tour stopped by Toronto’s Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. The venue was filled with tons of kids eager to see and meet their favorite bands. One of the most popular sets of the night was Sleeping With Sirens, who played the Kia Soul main stage at 8:40 pm. Before the set, I got a chance to talk to guitarist Jesse Lawson about playing the Warped Tour, their recently released acoustic EP, his favourite rappers and his reaction to the Tupac hologram performance.

How has the tour been going so far?
Jesse: It’s been great! Warped is such a fun tour to play.

If You Were A Movie This Would Be Your Soundtrack is the acoustic EP the band has recently released. What gave you the idea to release an acoustic album of your songs?
Jesse: Kellin and I would post YouTube videos of us playing our songs acoustically, and the fans seemed to like it so we decided to create an album. It’s all for the fans!

Sleeping With Sirens has gotten so big, so fast. If you could go back to when you were forming the band and tell yourself one thing that you’ve learned about the industry, what would it be?
Jesse: I would have to say keep going. Don’t listen to the people who say no, or that you can’t do anything. We were told no many times, but kept going and working hard to get to where we are today.

What do you feel has been the band’s biggest accomplishment to date?
Jesse: All of this! Being able to play in front of kids and doing what we love. Every day is an accomplishment.

Check out the song: “If You Can’t Hang”

How would you describe the recording process for Let’s Cheers To This?
Jesse: It usually begins with Kellin and I writing the songs acoustically, bringing them to the band and taking it from there.

What other bands are you excited to check out on the Warped Tour? Is there anyone you were a bit starstruck to meet?
Jesse: Growing up I would listen to Every Time I Die, The Used and Taking Back Sunday so it’s been cool seeing them on the tour. I wouldn’t say I’ve been starstruck, but it’s a weird how I’ve been an Every Time I Die fan for a while, and now they are hanging out on our bus!

What are three must have items you need while traveling on the Warped Tour?
Jesse: Sunscreen, alcohol and water. [laughs]

Do you have a playlist of songs you listen to while on tour?
Jesse: I’m a big Ryan Adams fan. He’s such a great songwriter! I also listen to a lot of rap and R&B.

Oh really? Who are your favourite rappers?
Jesse: Biggie, Tupac, Wayne, Hov. Do you know who Hov is?

Of course, Jay-Z! [laughs]
Jesse: That’s my girl! [laughs]

How do you feel about the whole Tupac hologram performance?
Jesse: I think it’s really cool. Between you and me – I would set up a tour that features Tupac as a hologram, and then have Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and other rappers come out. That would be a smart way to make money, and would be a cool show to see!

Yeah, that’s definitely a good business move!
Jesse: Exactly!

What do you have planned for after Warped Tour?
Jesse: Sleep, kiss my girlfriend, see my family and friends and play with my dog.

Would you say being away from them is the hardest part of touring?
Jesse: Definitely!

Finally, why should someone check out your set on Warped Tour?
Jesse: Cause it is fun and we have a good time playing!

Check out the song: “Iris” (Goo Goo Dolls Cover)