reeley Estates has been around for near a decade and has become a staple in our music world. But what seems to separate Greeley from other bands is their ability to evolve with the times. Their growth as a band has allowed them to continue doing this thing that they love. All the while their reputation grows as do the stories. We caught up with Greeley Estates front-man Ryan Zimmerman and asked him a few quick questions about their past, this evolution of sound and what we can expect next from Greeley Estates.
You guys have been at this for a while. When did Greeley Estates start, and what is the back story behind your beginning?
Ryan Zimmerman: Yeah, we have been a band for, I think about seven years now. Our old guitarist Dallas and I just started writing songs together for fun not ever expecting to do anything with them. Dallas was just learning guitar and ended up teaching our other guitarist Brandon how to play while I tried to figure out singing which I’m still trying to figure out. We played a few shows and from there I guess we just couldn’t live without it. We had some great fans that would show up every show, even though we were horrible.
What was it like coming up in the Phoenix scene?
RZ: It was great coming up in the Phoenix scene, especially like 4 or 5 years ago. It was huge and every show was insane with lots of bands coming up around that time like Scary Kids, Blessthefall, Job For a Cowboy, A Change of Pace… Definitely a great time to be apart of it. Its settled down a little so we will have to work on getting it going again (laughs).
Since you have been playing for so long, I know you have some crazy show stories, any stick out in your mind?
RZ: The craziest thing to happen to me personally was getting knocked out on stage at Warped in Idaho in ‘05. I got hit in the head with a guitar and it knocked me out cold. By the time I woke up, we had time to play one more song so we finished the set covered in blood. I guess it made for a good show.
You guys made a very progressive change in your sound with Go West Young Man Let The Evil Go East, what brought about this change?
RZ: Brandon and I always wanted to go a little heavier with the music. When Dallas left, Brandon took on the job of songwriter and made it happen. We definitely have a better time playing the heavier stuff live.
Who are a few of your favorite bands and how have they influenced you?
RZ: Bands like Norma Jean, The Bled, Finch, The Used were all bands that really got me into this genre of music. I listen to all kinds of music but as far as influence they would be some at the top.
Your tour dates section online is blank right now. What is next for Greeley Estates?
RZ: We will be out on the road in the fall. We have just been working hard on the new record and didn’t know how long it would take us. I know we will be doing a tour with Stick to Your Guns and Evergreen Terrace in the fall.
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