This month we had a chance to catch up with one of Birmingham's brand new lineups "Caliber Session". We were able to catch up with the guys during a practice session, the following was both fun and disturbing.

1. Tell our readers who's in your band and what kind of sound to expect.

Thomas: Myself (guitar/vocals), Daniel Bryant (lead vocals), Brandon Tucker (drums), Aaron Thrasher (bass/vocals)and Brandon "Jager" Singletary (guitar/vocals).

Daniel: I think our myspace description describes us best. Coldplay being syphoned through a hose with a cheese grater on the other side. Then, it falls into a pit of rabid Minks with heavy artillery, right, and the Minks fight amongst themselves as to which one gets to transport the remains down to the research facility to create a new "Faster Weightloss-Incredible Energy" Pill. Yeah, that's what it sounds like.

2. Let's get this out of the way, where did your band name originate?

Thomas: Well, I brought up "Caliber Session" a few years ago with another band I happened to throw it out there with these guys and it just kind of stuck.

Aaron: We were sitting around smoking "herb" and hanging out with strippers and I said, "I just love a good session with women of this caliber."

3. Give us a brief history of the band and any releases that are available.

Daniel: We started putting the band together in December of 2005.We will be heading back to Dreamcatcher's Studio June 26th to record two more songs for the EP.

Thomas: Actually, the band was a "complete" lineup in February of 2006. Currently, we have a three song EP that is that is available either by downloading from our Myspace site or you can pick up a free copy at a upcoming show.

4. Does your band have a website? And where can we check out your music?

Daniel: Calibersession.com is our main site. However, it is currently being redesigned. You can listen and/or download the first three songs from our EP on our MySpace page. We will be putting together a Press Kit as soon as possible.

Thomas: Mike Turner, of "Shatterd Faith Media" will be working on the redesign over the next few weeks.

5. Where do you see the band 3 years from now?

Daniel: In three years, I hope Aaron will be buying a belt and facing reality.

Thomas: We would really like to take it to the next level. Start touring the southeast and getting into bigger clubs.

James: I'm just happy to be here.

Aaron: When Thomas grows his balls back ask us again. Seriously, in three years I see us having sex with hookers and doing lots of drugs.

6. Tell us what you like best about the Birmingham music scene and where you think it could use some improvement.

Thomas: I would love to see Birmingham be less of a "cover band" scene. I mean, we understand that there are times when you have to play covers for your original music to be heard. Hell we played a couple of covers at our debut show at the Nick. I would just like to see more venues open up to original bands.

Daniel: What I like best would have to be the way that the local bands work together and support each other. It's a good feeling being on stage and seeing the other bands in the crowd supporting you. As far as improvement..I think Birmingham definitely needs more Emo haircuts.

7. Do you think your Birmingham connection shows in your music? If so, how?

Daniel: Well.. we live here. I wouldn't really say we have a southern connection because we don't "sound" southern in our music, but I definitely think we have a Birmingham sound.

Thomas: I was influenced alot by Birmingham natives Virgos Merlot. I feel alot of the music I write sounds very similiar, just not as many effects.

8. How do you promote your music around Birmingham and beyond?

Brandon: MySpace, our website, and Pure Volume are great tools for helping promote our music, but word of mouth has really been a big factor in helping us promote the band.

9. If you could rock the stage with any other two bands/musicians throughout history, who would it be and why?

Aaron: Iron Maiden - I derived most of my bass ability from listening to those guys. Killswitch Engage - they are really talented musically and I love their melodies.

James: Alice in Chains - I love their harmonies and their lyrics.

Brandon: 311 and Sublime - Chad Sexton is a drum god, he's great and Bradley Nowell is just a incredible vocalist and song writer.

10. What's the best show you feel you've played to date? Any distinct magical moments?

Daniel: May 6th 2006 was our debut show at the Nick. Aaron was hanging from the rafters and had his legs wrapped around me. It felt so wrong, yet so right.

James: Most memorable moment had to be at our debut show. I was talking to this girl and Aaron said, "Ask her how she feels about running a train."

Thomas:We had a blast at our first show, then again its always going to be a great night when you are playing with a solid local band like Halfdown Thomas.

11. What are some of your favorite local venues, and why?

Daniel: I love playing at the High Note it "Feels Like Home".

Aaron: For me, The Nick is pretty much THE venue to play in Birmingham. It has great sound and all the history of past bands that have been there.

12. Where do you like to drink or hang out in Birmingham? And what's the best night to go out?

Daniel: Fletcher's Tavern on a Saturday night.

Thomas: Any place, any night that I'm not having to pull a double shift.

Aaron: The High Note, nothing like watching drunks do karaoke. Oh! can't forget the mason jars.

James: The High Note, for me also. I know everybody there so it's just a great place to kick back.

13. Recommend some other local acts you think our readers should check out.

Daniel: Definitely Halfdown Thomas, they put on a great show.

Aaron: Definitely, Victim of Thought.

Thomas: Year and a Day for sure and The Influence, but there are loads of great bands in town for people to check out.

Brandon: Year and a Day, Muff is a helluva drummer and cool as shit.

James: I agree with Aaron, Victim of Thought is a solid show to catch.

14. That about wraps it up. Is there anything else you want our readers to know? 

Brandon: Thomas has extremely large testicles and wants the world to know it.

Thomas: We are heading back into the studio June 26th and 27th at Dreamcatcher's. Also we will be appearing on WOTM 19's show "Birmingham Nights", on June 6th at 6:00pm.

Daniel:Our next show is June 16th at the Highnote. We would love to see everyone come out, but if you can't make it out to our show, make sure to check out one of the other bands and help support the scene.

15. One last question. After a show, do you prefer Waffle House or IHOP?

Daniel: I prefer Chuck Norris's House of Crepes.

Thomas: Neither, give me Hardee's.

Aaron: Formagio's , but I do like the "special sauce" they use at Waffle House.

James: Hardee's and Waffle House together.

Brandon: Taco Bell for me.

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