Interview: The Word Alive (Slam Dunk Fest Preview)

Over the coming days and weeks, Already Heard will be previewing this years Slam Dunk Festival in detail through a range of interviews and features.

This past March, Phoenix, Arizona’s The Word Alive returned with their most engaging album to date – ‘Dark Matter’. It sees the quintet not at only their most ferocious but it’s also their most expansive so far. The band, made up of Telle Smith (vocals), Zack Hansen (guitar), Tony Pizzuti (guitar), Daniel Shapiro (bass), Luke Holland (drums), have played alongside a plethora of notable metalcore names such as Killswitch Engage and The Devil Wears Prada and are now set for their third appearance at the Slam Dunk Festival.

With a new set of engaging songs in their arsenal, The Word Alive’s return to the festival with plenty to offer, and also sees them reuniting with various former touring buddies as they’re on the Atlas stage.

Already Heard grabbed a quick word with vocalist Telle Smith to briefly reminisce about past Slam Dunk experiences and to discuss ‘Dark Matter’.

AH: So this is going to be your third time at Slam Dunk. What are your highlights from previous appearances?
Telle: I would have to say our highlight was the first time we played, playing for a packed to capacity room of around 5,000. It was one of our first times playing the UK and it was incredible.

AH: This will be your first visit to the UK since the release of ‘Dark Matter.’ For those who have yet to hear the album, how does it compare to previous albums?
Telle: I would say it’s our best album, and the album I hope unites our fans old and new. We put more time and energy into this record than any others.

AH: How has the general response been to the album?
Telle: It’s been unbelievable. Both live and online we have had nothing but a great response. I think that is indicative of the album we made.

AH: You’re going to be on the Atlas stage alongside Of Mice and Men, Issues, Memphis May Fire, The Amity Affliction, Miss May I and We Came As Romans. Are you looking forward to catching up with friends?
Telle: That’s really the best part of playing festivals; being able to see so many friends. The fact that we have known so many bands on our stage for the majority of our career will make it even more enjoyable to be a part of.

AH: This is Slam Dunk’s 10th anniversary. Having played the festival a couple of times, why do think the festival is still going strong?
Telle: Well it’s ran very well for starters. It’s organized from the inside out and they bring talent that the surrounding countries all want to travel to. They know how to put together an amazing experience for fans and artists alike. We are happy to be playing our third time!

‘Dark Matter’ by The Word Alive is out now on Fearless Records.

The Word Alive will be playing on the Impericon stage:
Slam Dunk North (Leeds) – 2:10 – 2:45pm
Slam Dunk Midlands (Birmingham) – 2:10 – 2:45pm
Slam Dunk South (Hertfordshire) – 2:10 – 2:45pm

View more of Already Heard’s coverage from Slam Dunk Festival 2016 here.