A Place To Bury Strangers (APTBS)

Oliver Ackermann (guitar / vocals)
Jonathan "Jono MOFO" Smith (bass)
Jay Space (drums)

From Brooklyn, New York, this Psychedelic / Experimental Rock band, came onto the music scene in 2007, with their self-titled debut, A Place To Bury Strangers. In just a short period of time, their unique sound already landed them spots on the 2008 Nine Inch Nails tour. Guitar player / vocalist Oliver, tells us a bit about the band and the tour.

mym: How did A Place To Bury Strangers get started?
Oliver: People fall victim to a lot of shitty things and don't really care. Most people are lazy. I really like writing new songs to listen to.

mym: What's the story behind the band name?
Oliver: Not much of one, it is religious or a poem or something like that. I always thought it was kind of shit but it doesn't really matter to me too much of a bands name. I much prefer listening to music than listening to haircuts.

mym: Have you always been into Electronica or Experimental music? When did you decide to be musicians?
Oliver: No not really. I much preferred punk and 50's and 60's rock and pop mostly when growing up due to my brother and parents introducing me to those kinds of music. I guess at their own time a lot of those bands were experimental but just turn into commonplace when a lot more similar bands come out doing the same thing. I think I decided to be a musician after going to shows and seeing bands and having a good time. When you just get that feeling seeing a really rad band play a good show you can't help but want to do the same thing.

mym: How do you hope your music will affect others?
Oliver: I hope it will help people not kill themselves.

mym: Music Idol? Or favorite band?
Oliver: No, not really.

mym: Being on the road together it must be difficult. How do you manage to find personal time?
Oliver: It is really good. I think we are very lucky to have this opportunity and if we were to complain we would be assholes. There isn't much personal time but fuck it.

mym: How do you deal with stress on the road?
Oliver: Being out is so much less stressful than being home in NY it is easy.

mym: How's touring with Nine Inch Nails been?
Oliver: Great, those guys are so nice. It is really ridiculous though. I just don't even know what we are doing in these venues and playing with a band like NIN. It is really unbelievable.

mym: What do you do to relax and have fun when you're not doing music?
Oliver: Circuit bending, build light controllers, control systems, organization systems, make out.

mym: Greatest advice anyone's given you?
Oliver: Do what you love and you will be happy. I don't know if I've ever had anyone tell me this but it sure as hell is the best advice I can give anyone.

mym: Any words to live by?
Oliver: Stay in school and be cool.

http://www.myspace.com/aplacetoburystrangers

http://www.aplacetoburystrangers.com/