Inspiration comes in many forms, but I'll be damned if alcohol doesn't top the charts when it comes to writing good music. Comes as no surprise, then, that the great social lubricant was partially responsible for the world's introduction to Die Trying, a quartet of twentysomething rockers based out of Sacramento, California.
In 2001, Jassen Jensen (vocals), Steve Avery (bass), Matt Conley (drums), and Jack Sinamian (guitar) holed up in the studio and got down to the business of making a solid rock record. After many bottles of vodka, numerous beers, and the vigorous charity and dedication of Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix (a childhood friend of Jassen's), Die Trying's seven-song demo was recorded and passed into the hands of Island A&R rep Paul Pontius. Shortly thereafter, the band performed in front of 2,500 kids "starved for music" in Modesto, California, sharing the bill with Papa Roach and watching their music raise the fists of every person in the audience. After the last sweaty fan was hustled out of the venue, Pontius -- understandably impressed by the energy of both the performers and their fans -- approached the band and immediately offered them a contract. "It was like an act of God," recalls Jassen. "I was like, 'Shit, I gotta pay rent! Get me a deal!'"
Now, two years later, Die Trying has been recreating that fateful night over and over, supercharging the souls of kids across the country with their notably raw, passionate live sets as well as with their self-titled debut record. On stage, these boys exude the kind of power that can only come from a deep-seated and intrinsic love for the music, live. And it's infectious. "We've been touring since before [the record] was finished being mixed," says Jassen. "We've been out since last Christmas, just nonstop. [We] haven't been home but maybe twice for a couple of days."
Life on the road certainly agrees with these guys. They've got style (once again, the band sports better hair than their interviewer), they've got skill, and they've definitely got respect here in Cleveland. -- K.S.
