Ark Of The Covenant | Push And Pull
Written By: Nate Peery

It’s not an easy task to stand up for what you believe in, and broadcast it into a community who typically stands for opposing views.  Keeping a sense of humor, humility, and purpose seems to be what Ark Of The Covenant is all about.  It’s refreshing to see a band with such talent, using it for good, and not “selling out”.  Ark is one to watch in the future, I have a feeling these guys will get BIG.

First thing I want to know is how you’re feeling with you’re debut EP on its way out the doors!  As a person who has not had any experience with recording/releasing my own music, can you walk me through the emotional/mental state of the group as it all unfolds?

AOC: It’s been nerve racking, but at the same time an amazing experience! We’ve put so much work into this EP over the last year between writing it, recording it (which was a blast), releasing it on our own and the having Strike First pick it up and release it nationally. Overall it’s been great seeing everything develop into what it is and we’re just so happy to see our EP out there!

How did the band come in to existence?

AOC: Well we all came from different local bands in September of 2009 and wanted to start something serious. There were originally five of us but our one guitarist left so we have been a four piece ever since. It took a while for us to settle into the style we are today, but once we did we went full force ahead and pushed to where we are now.

Another thing I frequently ask is what’s in your headphones?  I am always curious as to whether or not most musicians listen to the music they play, or if there is contrariness there.

AOC: Well all of us in the band collectively listen to a wide range of music, from Maylene and The Sons of Disaster, to Taylor Swift, The Acacia Strain and Jesus Culture. But on our own, all of us listen to pretty much completely different artists.

I detect a theme from the EP’s title Separation.  Can you speak to the message you are putting out there?

AOC: Our main message from this EP is that we (the band) as Christians are separated from this world through our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Are there any tours in the near future for Ark of the Covenant?  Any bands you would love to share the stage with?

AOC: We actually have a ton of tours in the works right now! From July 15 to August 7 we’ll be gone on two separate tours and then from September 2 to October 31 we’ll be doing two more tours that cover the entire US. As for bands we would like to share the stage with, I personally would love to play at least one show with A Plea For Purging at some point in the near future. But we are all pretty much down to play/tour with any band really (especially Taylor Swift) “When we were an unsigned band we dealt with a pretty rough local scene…having to sell tickets for shows and trying and earn the respect of promoters, fans, and other bands from the area…”

Have you found life as a musician to be better, worse, happier, more stressful, in regards to being an unsigned band -vs- being signed to Strike First?

AOC: Overall, being signed to a label as a band has been a much better experience. We are definitely happier to be working with some amazing people and getting our music out there. I wouldn’t say however that it is more or less stressful. There is about the same level of stress but for different reason. When we were an unsigned band we dealt with a pretty rough local scene…having to sell tickets for shows and trying and earn the respect of promoters, fans, and other bands from the area. Now that we are a signed band, we don’t have to deal with that stuff as much, but rather dealing with booking agents and managers, trying to get on tours, and dealing with a lot more than we were before which in itself is stressful.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians in this genre?  Even more specifically, when it comes to signing with their first Label?

AOC: If you are in this genre to make money and become famous, then just stop now and start a pop rock band. Hardcore/metal music is definitely something you do because you love it and enjoy doing it. Being in a band consumes a lot (and I mean a lot) of time, money, and energy. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment to be in a band and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. But on the bright side, all your hard work and dedication is always worth it when you hit the stage and play your music in front of hundreds of kids.

For the label part, please make sure to read everything on the contract and ALWAYS have a lawyer read over it. Your first label will definitely make a big impact on the rest of your band’s career (it’s like choosing a college) so make sure to choose one that is the best fit for your band. You won’t see bands like Impending Doom or The Acacia Strain on Drive-Thru Records. The label you pick needs to work out practically and logistically.

Lastly, signing to a label is probably one of the strongest relationships your band is going to make (besides hiring a manager and booking agent). The people with the label will be helping your band put together and release your creative masterpiece, so you want to make sure you get along and are on the same page with the label that you are going to partner up with.