We had the chance to talk with Max Johl from post progressive rock outfit And The Traveler before their upcoming show at Garcia's on Friday, July 1. From transforming a school bus into a road warrior apparatus, to new lineup changes and additions, these guys never fail to showcase supreme passion and energy. Make sure to read up on the band, then grab your tickets to see them with Geometers and The Refectory.

1. You successfully fulfilled your dream of renovating a school bus and turning it into a tour bus. Can you tell us a little more about that process and will you be driving it to your show at Garcia's?

The process with the bus has been one of the most fulfilling of my life. This project has been three years in the making from countless talks, to planning, budgeting, and finally going through with everything. It was purchased down in Coney Island and renovated over the course of about two months. Almost every weekend, Donald and I would drive up to Newburgh. There, one of my best friends Josh works for habit for humanity, and we were able to work out of their garage. We would get up around 1PM or so and not stop with no breaks until at least 11PM. A lot of times we would have a friend or two come up and help which we have been so grateful for. The project definitely has been very involved and had a lot of planning and even more work put in. Without our friends, Josh, and the support of Habitat for Humanity's facility, we would have never been able to do this project, especially to this quality. We will definitely be driving it to the show and even park it out front all night to show people if you'll let us ; )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOKumRPFK5A

2. Last time you guys played at Garcia’s the place was at full capacity. What do you find special about playing your music to a packed house?

Yes it definitely was packed! There is definitely a different energy when you are playing to that many people and even more so when they are all so involved. Bigger than that though, it's all about being together and connecting even with one person. The show could be for a 3, 30, or 300+ audience but when we can get people involved and all be journeying together, that's when playing live feels the most special.

3. In January, you came out with your self-titled EP. Are you currently working on any new material? Will we hear anything at Garcia’s that is yet to be released?

We have been working on new material for sure. We have at least one new song to showcase on July 1st and will be cooking up some surprises and new takes on older material. We always like to try and push our songs whether they are new or standard to our set.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9-6l7dgkRQ

4. Since everyone in the band sings, how do you decide who gets to sing each part?

First I have to say I love that everyone in our band sings. To me, there is nothing more inviting than seeing all the members of a band singing their hearts out on stage. We normally start with the melody and then add from there. Normally we just ask each other who wants to sing what part. It could be the high part, low, double, something tricky or the melody. Everyone in the band is very selfless and we all just want to do what we can to make the part sound best.

5. It’s been almost two years that Adam and Harold joined the band to complete the four-piece group. How was it that you all met and decided to play together? How has your music evolved since the convergence?

It's pretty amazing because we all met through playing music. Harold used to play in a few bands that actually played in the old DIY basement venue (Edgewood) out of my house in Yonkers years ago. When I had hand surgery three years ago he actually approached us about filling in on guitar but we already had a friend doing it. After I got better and was playing guitar again we decided we wanted to keep two guitars in the band. Our buddy didn't work out so we actually asked both Harold and Adam to try out. Adam was still working in his band ILos that we had played with so he wasn't really available. Harold came in and killed his "audition" which to me was really just some sessions of jamming and hanging. After our champman stick player exited the band I approached Adam again and after jamming with some bass players that didn't work out, Harold offered to switch and we all couldn't be happier with the result. I think it's amazing how we were all sort of floating around and through time and music we were able to come together. I find that our sound now is more of a distilled combination of all of our tastes in music. We all have at least two of the same favorite bands which gives us a common passion for certain sounds but also we all have our own niches of music and bands that we like and show to each other kind of mixing it up. It's cool because we all expose each other to different stuff we think the others would like. It influences us and we go from there.

6. Your music consists of complex rhythms, pauses, and tempo changes, with the song “The Party” being a perfect example. How would you describe your music-making process? Do you guys write everything together or does one person usually bring an idea to the table?

Our music writing process is definitely a process. It normally starts with someone bringing an idea to the table and us all jamming on it. Sometimes the idea is just the catalyst and ends up not being used, showcasing instead the greater music it inspired. With us, it's a lot of jamming out, talking, jamming more, feeling, talking, jamming, jamming, emotionally exploding, being frustrated and tired but still wanting to go on. We all are really selfless as I said before so we are all always willing to drop something and move on, or re-work something just on a feeling to see what else simply "could be." In the end, I think we really find songs that sing and journey and flow, such as "The Party." Also because we are telling stories through music I always check in with the feeling of the music and place it in the story. It could be a character, scene, or moment, just as long as it fits, sings, and has feeling for all of us.

7. Writing and recording music is a lengthy process, however, you guys now have two EP’s and a double disc set released. How do you balance your music with other obligations?

It definitely is a very lengthy process. To be honest, we are all a little bit insane for sure. We are always chatting in our group text, rehearse three times a week, and now are playing at least once a weekend. We all just work hard, communicate, and are flexible. This is our life and also apart of our life, so by living wholly we can further just give back to anything (Music, love, work, family, anything). Its also done with a whole lot of love. We have all become pretty close. It's weird sometimes when we don't get a full week of rehearsals in. Lastly that love also refers to all our friends, family, and fans. We really all feel their support so much and it motivates us always.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uqMHg-rKfc