American post-hardcore band, Our Last Night, will for the very first time perform in South Africa this February during the Rocking For Rhinos Tour. The band is famous for their songs, ‘Same Old War’, ‘Diamonds and Sunrise’, as well as a multitude of cover songs that they regularly release on social media. The band consists of Trevor Wentworth (vocals), Matt Wentworth (guitar and vocals), Alex “Woody” Woodrow (bass) and Tim Molloy (drums). Wouter Pienaar of Potchefstroom Herald caught up with bassist Alex “Woody” Woodrow for a pre-tour chat regarding their upcoming SA tour, and their music in general.

  1. We in South Africa cannot wait to see Our Last Night perform live in South Africa! Have any of you guys set foot in South Africa before?

We have never been to Africa before and we are very excited.

2. How did the tour happen? What are you guys expecting of South Africa? Any specific places you would like to see?

A long term communication turned into opportunity. We’re expecting to see some of the most beautiful places on the planet. We’re excited to see the big 5 and cage dive with sharks.

3. What are you guys most excited about for the upcoming tour?

Playing for our South African fans.

4. What is your opinion of Rocking for Rhinos. What is your standpoint on conservation at large?

It is a great organization doing great things for preservation and continuation of a species that needs help.

5. Do you believe that music can create that awareness? How important is it to stand up for various issues with your music?

Yes, music is very powerful and with it comes a responsibility. It is very important because if you don’t stand for something and you’ll fall for anything.

6. Our Last Night has released four studio albums and a number of EP’s as well. What is next for Our Last Night? In what direction do you take your music creatively with each album?

We are working on a lot of new material at the moment. We create music we love, always.

7. Give me a quick summary of the writing process for an album. Who writes the lyrics and music for Our Last Night?

Matt and Trev collab on the lyrics, Every song comes about in a different way, sometimes a melody or chord progression or a groove. From there Matt works with it.

8. Studio album that you are most proud of in your career and why?

Oak Island and Younger Dreams, both were produced and mixed by Matt.

9. What inspires you as a band?

Our fans inspire us. The level of energy and commitment they show us all over the world keeps us inspired.

10. What is the best part of being in a band? Any advice for aspiring bands?

Playing music, traveling and getting to connect with our fans. Work hard and create music you love.

11. You guys are well known for the cover songs you release on Youtube. In my opinion some of the best covers I have heard. How does the process of selecting a song to cover work for you guys? Any artists you would like to do a cover with?

We choose songs that sonically match our vibe and fit well in our style. We also do our best to cover songs as they are still rising in popularity. So many to choose from, Chainsmokers, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, One Republic would all be rad.

12. Do you guys have any knowledge of the local hardcore/alternative rock scene in South Africa.  Are you excited to hear some of our local bands?

Since its our first time coming there we do not have a lot of knowledge but we are excited to learn and hear!

Top 5 with Our Last Night:

• Top 5 songs you love to play live?

Sunrise, Same Old War, White Tiger, Prisoners, Home

• Top 5 places you have performed?

Moscow, Prague, Budapest, Australia on the whole and Germany on the whole.

• Top 5 favorite albums of all time?

We all have much different ones but The Beatles are up there with 2pac.

• Top 5 Foods?

Mexican, Ramen, Sushi, Acai, Guacamole

• Top 5 movies?

Home Alone, The Goonies, Inception, Interstellar, Any Will Smith movie.

• Our Last Night will be performing three shows of the tour on 3 February at Sundowners (Alberton), 4 February at Arcade Empire (Pretoria) and 11 February at Mercury (Cape Town). Tickets are available at Webtickets.co.za. Local heavyweight acts, Facing the Gallows, Climate Control, OneDaySky, Set For The Sky and Bombs & Issues will support Our Last Night during the tour.