Tyler Reed and Lila Ignite- Interiew and Review!

TYLER REED & LILA  IGNITE 

  

  With an album cover fit for VH1 Classic and songs that are dripping with the venom of honesty, it isn’t hard to see that these tasty offspring of the Century Break Greats are hitting the nail on the head.

  

 While Lila Ignite is laced with the sweet influence of Greenday, among others, their claim to Punk is conflicted. Our motto at TWRAR is “We Are The Noise”, and that is exactly what draws me to this group. They aren’t the Punk you see tagging walls and chain smoking. It runs deeper. They earn the title of Punk through their values and ideals. They walk the walk and talk the talk. Mohawks and steel-toed boots not included.

 So enough ass-kissing, let’s get to what you people came for. Lila Ignite consists of 4 dudes. You got Jon Shackelton on the Drums, Dan Congdon on Bass, Tom Lewis on Guitar, who also does a little singing here and there, and lastly, our leading man, Tyler Reed, the Lead Singer and manager. Now Tyler isn’t your typical angry Punk, as I mentioned before, he’s more like the nicest guy ever. Even though yours truly delayed this very article as well as the interview you are about to experience, Tyler stuck with it.

  

 We are on to the Q&A!

   Q. So how long have you guys been together?

   A. It will be 4 years in August!

   Q. Are you planning anything big?

   A. Well, we will be on tour for the first half of August, and then we go home. We’re going to start really focusing on continuing to write a new album.

  Q. So what are your plans for the next album?

  A. We’re starting to explore some new sounds for this album already, it’s really fun. We already have a Doo Wop song that I really enjoy. I think we might resurrect some older songs and give them some new life.

   Q. With Not Punk Rock, what was your biggest inspiration?

   A. Hmm… I’d have to say just the ambition to do something bigger than we thought we could do. I’m a huge fan of bands that make huge, anathematic records, and I really wanted to create something like that. Bands too often play it safe and never really step out of their comfort zones anymore, so we wanted to do something to separate us from the attitude and content feeling of being mediocre.

   Q. Personally, what song off the record is your favourite?

   A. Oh, man. I’d have to say Connected Through Space or I’m Not Afraid both are super fun live, and two completely different vibes, but it’s fun to flow from one into the other.

   Q. What is your favourite venue to play live?

   A. The Space in Hamden CT. and the Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg PA. Also, we’ve only played their once, but I loved Anonymous Guitars in South Florida.

   Q. Is there anything you want the world to know about Lila Ignite?

   A. My favourite colour is blue!

   Q. I’ll be sure to add that!

   A. And that we love what we do and are excited to and so appreciative of all of the incredible opportunities and tours we’ve been able to be a part of as well as everyone we’ve ever met and everyone who continues to support this wacky thing we have. It’s a crazy, difficult career choice, but we all love what we do!

   Q. Do any of the guys have anything?

   A. Daddy issues and graphic novels mostly.

   Q. Can I add that?

    

There you have it! And if Lila Ignite is in the progress of coming up with something great, you can be sure that this is not the last you will see of then around here!

    

So, what do WE think of the album? Well the best medicine would be for you to go out and try it for yourself and their website: lilaignite.bandcamp.com but for the sake of conversation, let’s look at some choice songs off their album!

  

 Let’s start out with the jams that Tyler mentioned: Connected Through Space is The perfect song to start out with because it goes against the grain of what you would expect from a band of this calibre. The first half is sincere and dear. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that the soft vocals and harmonies were just for me. They say that the best songs do that to you. At nearly the half way marker of the song, we get into the heavy stuff which only hammers home the lyrics. I think that the line “I know that this is real” repeated throughout the song is relatable in anyone’s life. The fact that it is repeated adds to the reality of the whole piece. “Two hearts united, Connected through space” leaves a lasting impression, especially to me. I don’t necessarily believe in god, but I do believe in Grand Fate.

  I’m Not Afraid actually comes before Connected Through Space on the album. Again, another one that sits pretty in my emotional field, as well as anyone who has experienced life’s ups and downs. “Put an end to sleepless nights”, “I’m learning how to deal”, and “Down the drain with medication” are things that most Live Fast, Die Young Millennials have had to experience, be it personally or passively. Enough with that though, because this song looks to the positive effects of being twenty-teen-something. “I feel I’m getting better”, “I’m learning how to deal”, “Never felt this real”. I can go on all day quoting lyrics, so let’s talk music. The upbeat tempo is what really gives the song its power, but when paired with an equally upbeat guitar track, you get something that is really special (thanks, Lewis and Shacklton). There isn’t much I can say about this song because it is a very tactile thing that needs to be held personally in order to truly grasp its relatability to your life.

  Alright, let’s look at the title track before we jump into my favourites: Not Punk Rock. I’m just kidding you; this is one of my favourites. Screw the song, I’ll take a large order of those lyrics to go please. It takes balls to bash someone, but putting it into song is the ultimate burn, however, these guys have ‘em and can pull it off. Reed’s vocals add to the quick-witted vibe of the song. The best part is that if you added a sound bite of a mic-drop, this would be the greatest rap-battle of all time. After that point, we are left with the lingering sound of Congdon’s bass to let us know that the boys aren’t quite through. One more go at the course leaves a burning for more in my ears (Listen to the song and you’ll get it).

   When It Rains, It Pours is one that had me at the riff. It is reminiscent of our Classic Rock forefathers, but takes a modern twist with its clipped sound. By simply not drawing out the chords, you get a sound that is perfect for the modern audience. One thing that Tyler and the boys can give us that Rock’s predecessors can’t is a relevant angst. The title is pretty self-explanatory, and again, it is for those who know the rises and falls of simply existing in society. We know what it feels like to be stuck; we know how it feels to need someone. It is perfect for your physical or mental rainy day.

  

 So all in all, short summary: these are real guys making real music for real people. Check out picture for tour dates, and make sure to get their album!

       -Cheyenne Kline, Special thanks to Tyler Reed and his terrific band! http://lilaignite.bandcamp.com/