By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Wednesday, November 14, 2018
America Part Two is the newest collaboration between Alex Fabio, Fred Koechlin and Sam Weingarten. The group recorded their first EP, Pure, back in 2017 and have hit the ground running since then. AP2 is one of the hardest working bands I have ever seen in my life. Their energy is unmatchable and they tour relentlessly. Luckily for me, America Part Two was sweet enough to let me bug them with a few questions and I am endlessly grateful they did so. Thank you guys!
How did you guys come up with the name "America Part Two"?
The name America Part Two means literally everything to us. America Part Two is a concept already in the minds of this generation’s revolutionaries, we're just putting the pen to paper. Freddie wrote the song, "America Pt. II" first, and when the magnitude of that title hit us, we had to pursue its power.
Influences?
Fred: I’d say some of my biggest influences as a songwriter are Robert Johnson, Lead Belly, Link Wray, Simon and Garfunkel, Creedence, Biggie, Linkin Park, So Wrong it’s Right, Paranoid, Red Bank, The Orb, Gillian Welch, My Family and Friends in Music.
As a Collective Energy, I think we take a lot of influence from huge electric guitar rock and music with soul. We take influence from everything from Jimi and Janis to the early CBGB groups to a lot of 90s alternative. The political and social climate of the world is probably our biggest influence.
Alex: In middle school, I got enveloped into the late 2000’s Bamboozle scene. All Time Low was the #1 band that, not only stole my heart, but also taught me that I can do this. Also love 90’s bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and Rage Against The Machine. That era saw 6-figure contracts and artistic freedom. What a combination!
Sam: Biggest influences personally are My Chemical Romance, Enter Shikari, The Beatles, Sublime, and August Burns Red.
Favorite song to play live? Why?
Alex: “Freedom” & “Split.” Not only are they the newest, but the messages of these songs lyrically and instrumentally resonate with us so much as the band we are right now.
Fred: “Freedom.” It’s one of our newest songs. We exert so much energy in our live set and we’ve been jamming it since the last tour. I feel on top of the world screaming a song this important to us. With it being unreleased, it’s nice to hit people with something they don’t expect during the set.
It’s also so important to me on an artistic level because at the time of writing... Alex, Jake [Newcomb] and I ripped “Freedom” out of thin air. We all had such equal and powerful roles in creating this song. Looking back it really felt smooth, effortless, GIANT and in-control. Like the song was already there.
Sam: “Freedom.” The song is a full journey that somehow ends right where it began. It’s impossible to "go through the motions" playing that one. Raw power, generated by each of us individually, cycling back and forth between our 3-piece dynamic at every note.
Tips for going out on tour?
Fred: BUY A FORD VAN. Pack extra Undies and Socks!!! Extra EVERYTHING! Extra cables, instruments and anything for hygiene/safety and whatever you need to live out of a van. Don’t pack anything unnecessary (30 t-shirts). Depending on how long you’re on the road… always save as much as possible! Duh! If the van can’t make it home, neither can you! We always stock up on protein bars, granola, cereal and Peanut Butter Sandwiches. Always have extra water and a spare tire. If you need to sleep in the van, sleep at Walmart Supercenters.
Sam: We haven't done this yet but a Planet Fitness membership to get a nice shower every day. You're probably gonna wear the same shirt for 3 days straight so load up on undies and socks. Clif Bars, bananas, WATER, GOOD food for energy. You can get your fast food anywhere. It's usually a marathon, not a sprint. And lay it down every night when it's time to play, regardless of who's in the room.
Favorite place to play?
Alex: The original Asbury Lanes will forever have my heart as the best venue in the world! But since that’s long gone, I really love Mohawk Place in Buffalo and Fubar in St. Louis. Great stages and great sound.
Fred: My favorite places to play in NJ are the Asbury Brewery, TCNJ and our spot in Red Bank. Traveling around, we love to stop at State Parks, too. Recently we stopped in Ithaca and really enjoyed our time there. Some of my favorite places I’ve played elsewhere are the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, The Alleyway at Augie’s Coffeehouse in LA, Gold Sounds in Brooklyn, a barn in Iowa. Boaz, Alabama! Fubar in St. Louis, Oregon, Denver and Webster Hall Underground rip!
Favorite America Part Two song?
Alex & Fred: “SPLIT”/”Freedom”
Sam: “Hoedown”
Three albums that you think define your sound?
Alex: Nevermind — Nirvana, Blood Sugar Sex Magik — Red Hot Chili Peppers, Floral Green — Title Fight.
Fred: ILL COMMUNICATION — Beastie Boys, G.L.O.S.S. EP — G.L.O.S.S., Floral Green — Title Fight.
Sam: Evil Empire — Rage Against The Machine, Is A Real Boy — Say Anything. Those are the only two I could think to say because we're indescribable.
Upcoming shows?
We’re heading on tour to support “Split,” so if you’re reading this outside of the Garden State, we’re coming for you!