Email interview with Circus Dawn, Colin Roemer-lead singer
August 29, 2006

www.circusdawn.com

Since October 2004, a raw musical force has been taking the Chicago music scene by storm! Their music: passionate, heavy and creatively unique is not complete until it has been experienced live! They have been said to have one of the most dynamic and energetic live shows to date! But their unsurpassed charisma and passion does, however, shine through in thier music. With cryptic lyrics, melodic harmonies, pounding drums, and rythmic guitars, they have captured the power in their music with ease. While touching on more agressive styles, they have continued to write songs with great hooks and unbelievable emotion. So step right up and experience CIRCUS DAWN for yourself!

Dennis: I know everyone hates this question but how did you come up with the name Circus Dawn?
Colin: Mark and I have been friends since high school, and ever since then we have devised code words for various things. "Circus dawn" was one of the first. We would say, "I had a 'circus dawn moment' today," which meant that something extraordinarily bizarre had occurred.

Dennis: There are some obvious musical direction changes from your debut album to your latest release on YoungSide Records. In my opinion a VERY good musical change. What led to the focus in change?
Colin: We have never sat down and said, "This is what we should sound like." We just pick up our instruments and if what comes out is good, we use it. "Avant Garde" was more of an experiment. I never really sang anything prior to recording and I wrote most of those songs on guitar when I was 16. The directional change on "Lines" was a very natural one for us. With the loss of a member and the addition of a second guitar, our sound was going to change whether we liked it or not. I think "Lines" is a very accurate statement of who we are and where we are going as a band.

Dennis: You guys have been on the road all over Florida. How has the response been at the shows and any favorite spots you want to talk about?
Colin: The response was overwhelmingly positive! Much better than any of us had expected. My favorite shows were our last two. Cornerstone UMC and Jack Rabbits had the best crowd response.

Dennis:  There is always controversy revolving around bands labeling themselves as a Christian band or a band of Christians. It seems like a pointless argument but what isn't pointless is how we can bridge the gap from secular to Christian. Seems like your CD has a wide variety of fans. How do you keep the spiritual aspect at the front without pushing away
non-Christian listeners? 
Colin: Our music and how we chose to present ourselves is not a marketing tactic in any way. We decided that the best way for us to reach people was to make the music secondary and our lives the message. There are people who get turned off by bands who are very forward about the Christian message. I have enormous respect and admiration for those bands. I know their approach works-- I have seen it work. But I also believe there is a need for both types of bands.

Dennis: Why did you choose Jesus and why should those reading this?
Colin: I can only share my experiences and tell you what I did. I can not-- nor do I want to tell anyone else what to choose or what to think. For me, becoming a true follower of Jesus was the most simple and clear way to live my life.
Dennis: Seems like I guess we differ there.  I do want all our readers to choose Jesus since according to the Bible He is the only way to an eternal life and salvation.

Dennis: I know boredom must sit in while you guys are touring...so tell us one embarrassing road habit about each member.
Colin: Oh man, now you're going to get me in trouble. OK, Tyler snores and talks in his sleep, Ricky talks about what Between the Buried and Me ate for dinner last week, Mark will probably draw on your face if you fall asleep next to him, and Chris makes us pull over every 20 minutes to eat. As for me, I'm probably pretty anal about my personal belongings.

Dennis: If you had to pick a life motto what would it be and why?
Colin: Can I give you a Bible verse? 
Dennis: Yeah, sure.
Colin: This verse pretty much sums everything up right there. Matthew 7: 7-8, Ask and it will be given unto you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.

Dennis: What is the greatest strength and also weakness of Circus Dawn?
Colin: I think our greatest strength is our marketability. For some reason we appeal to a very diverse audience. Rather than say a strictly hardcore band or a strictly Emo band. I also think another one of our strengths is also our weakness. We are an extremely dedicated and hard working band. Because of this there is the possibility to get caught up in that side of things and loose sight of the 1ultimate goal and message. But i believe if we know our weakness before hand we can overcome it.

Dennis: How do you fight the temptations of the road?
Colin: Boredom is the main avenue for temptation. Keeping busy with anything is the best way to fight it. Also being aware of situations that could lead to trouble. Don't go near it and don't even entertain the thought.

Dennis: If you could tour with any band who would it be and why. 
Colin: I would have to pick Blindside. I just think that would be an all around perfect match.