#I wanted to draw mutant CJ so bad

[matchstique]

Comic redraw of a scene from Cass’s Apocalypse AU

Storyline and original comic panels by @somerandomdudelmao

Storyline and original comic panels by @somerandomdudelmao

[pupfresh]

Pup and Coming: Persona

Persona Genre: Indie/Pop Rock/Pop Punk

What’s your hometown?

Persona was born in a Bethpage, NY basement

How did you become a band?

Costas: We had music written before we had a name. We felt that there was such a diverse and bi-polar sound, that this music needed to have a name to fit its many faces and multiple personalities.

Sam: We became a band after realizing we had a musical connection through alternative indie vibes and were all Greek!

Tom: With this band we didn't want to cater to one sound or put ourselves in a corner like most bands do. When I think of Persona its almost bi polar and so is the sound we developed. We have songs that sound like pop punk anthems and then there's songs that are dark, indie and progressive. When our bassist Sam popped out the name Persona we knew it was a done deal.

CJ: We used to play gigs together in the music scene with other bands. Talked about jamming one day and fell in love at first sight.

Where did the band name originate from?

Costas: We were sitting in our practice space throwing names out one day and Sam said something along the lines of “It needs to fit in the Persona” and I turned to him and said “Persona”. We all looked at each other in agreement that the name just found it self.

Sam: The band name came from the latin word for “Mask” and our endless need to show whats hiding under the mask and monotony of the mundane everyday life.

CJ: I'm not sure, but it’s pretty damn cool. Great play of a word if you ask me.

Where do you guys draw your influences for your music?

Costas: My influences come from past and present experience, the feelings that they have made me feel. Persona collectively is a group of 4 guys who come from different backgrounds and different personal experience. Persona is driven by life, vibes, emotion & heart.

Sam: Third Eye Blind, Minus The Bear, Taking Back Sunday, American Football, Blink -182

Tom: If it wasn't for Blink 182 I don't think any of us would be playing music today. We also draw influences from bands like Third Eye Blind, Cartel, Motion City Soundtrack, The Dangerous Summer, As Tall As Lions, Circa Survive, Minus The Bear and so many more!

CJ: All around. We all grew up with bands like Blink-182, Sum 41, Green Day, and Third Eye Blind. Personally I ventured off to more of the metal/hardcore scene… but still love my roots

What sets you apart from all the other bands out there?

Costas: I think what sets a part from other bands is the fact that you never know what you’re going to get. In my opinion, each song is its own entity and sparks a completely different emotion. Some songs may touch you more on cloudy days, some songs make you want to party on the beach. That’s the beauty of Persona. I feel there are too many bands and records out there that stay within this one element, which is great and all but it doesn’t leave much room for diversity in that sound. Too many bands out there trying to sound like the other guy, who is trying to sound like the other guy.

Sam: We are set apart from other bands with our own natural mix of instruments and vocals. Persona original songs come from our collective personal experiences: when listening or watching Persona play live, one can get a sense of each band members individual experiences through how they play their pars

Tom: What sets us apart from bands is like I said with our name, we don't cater to one genre or sound. Lately during the summer months we've been releasing very bright pop rock songs that make you feel like your being uplifted. During the fall and winter months we plan on releasing darker more progressive and vibed out songs. Usually bands find there sound and are pinned to a corner. With us the options are endless with a name like Persona.

CJ: We are all Greek and handsome so that stands out. Might as well have John Stamos in our band!

What’s your favorite part about being in a band?

Costas: I love the whole process. But I’d have to say writing and jamming. Taking nothing and making it something. Or taking an idea and watching it become something special. Watching a feeling become a song and watching that song come to life is such an incredible experience.

Sam: My favorite part about being in a band is always stumbling upon the perfect mix of musical ideas and influences once we complete a song. There is a unique and natural energy given off by each of our songs that always reveals itself once we pool all of our ideas together.

Tom: The best part about being in a band is expressing your soul through sound and impacting people from the music you make. Getting comments like "I was having the worst day until I heard one of your songs and my day is better" is probably the most rewarding feeling. Playing a show and getting that feeling and vibe reciprocated by the fans has no words to the feeling I get.

CJ: Favorite part of being in a band is just the impact you put on other people. The feeling I get is indescribable when someone writes something positive or even them personally writing to us and saying you changed their life. That’s what special about music, it not only connects people. Its brings out the best in all of us

What are the bands future plans?

Costas: September is a busy month for us! We are playing at Amityville Music Hall on September 29th with Emarosa, A Lot Like Birds, & Jule Vera, which is presented by East Coast Collective. We’ll be back in the studio finishing up 3 more songs we started recording last month! We are trying to keep constant with song and media releases. We will also be announcing some exciting news about a new EP. We are looking to hit the road and bring our live show to you!

Sam: Our future plans include showing the world our music, one interested listener at a time

Tom: To impact as many people as we can through music. We are starting to cross over into the darker sound with the fall/winter months ahead and plan to release a new music video each month and playing with some awesome big names like Emarosa and A lot like Birds. The options are endless and we can't wait what's ahead.

CJ: Planning on putting our hearts in this band, rocking the stage and have the world hear our songs. #believethehype #letemknow

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

Costas: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Darkwing Duck, Eek The Cat

Sam: Hey Arnold!

Tom: My favorite cartoon growing up had to be Rugrats. I would get home from school, drink some apple juice and put on Nickelodeon waiting for the Rugrats to come on.

CJ: I would say Rockos Modern Life, Close second is courage the cowardly dog. Ill never forget when the first episode was released and it scared the shit out of me

Favorite pizza topping?

Costas: Pepperoni with Cold Cheese

Sam: Buffalo Chicken

Tom: Bacon! or should I say pineapple to anger society for fun?

CJ: We are from LawnGuyLand New York baby! The best pizza and bagels there is! Actually maybe favorite topping is extra cold cheese on top! (little vincents represent)

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Costas: I’d have to go with flying

Sam: Flying so I can be one step closer to becoming super sayian

Tom: Invisibility so I can see everyone naked!

CJ: To be able to shit out money, cause I shit like 5 times a day and I would never have to work a day in my life again and just be a road dawg cruising gig to gig

What's the first album you ever bought?

Costas: Blink-182 - Enema of the State

Sam: Limp Bizkit significant other edited version

Tom: Bustah Rhymes mixtape from 1995 but, I would say the first real album would be Third Eye Blind's self titles from 1997.

CJ: First album I ever got was Austin Powers: the spy who shagged me soundtrack. First album I believe I bought was at an FYE and it was Sum 41 “All Killer No Filler”. There is not a single bad jam on that record. I think I melted the cd cause I listened to it so much on my discman.

What's the last show you watched on Netflix?

Costas: The Dave Chappelle Special

Sam: Its always sunny in Philadelphia!

Tom: Twinpeaks

Anything else you'd like to say?

Tom: Lets party!