Escape Directors formed in 2009, in Colin Rieser’s basement as a way for Steve Carter to perform his acoustic material with a band.

They released their debut album “Ladders”, as a free download in 2010!

Who is Escape Directors? And what’s your musical background?

Steve Carter- Vocals, Guitar, Piano

Nick Wilson- Piano, Guitar, Vocals

Colin Rieser- Drums, Vocals

SC: I’ve been playing music for about 4 years and my background is self-taught.

CR: I’ve been playing the drums since I was 7 when my dad gave me his 1960s Slingerland drumkit and I took drum lessons for 11 yrs.

NW: Started on my fisher price keyboard when I was 7… still prefer that keyboard over anything else.

How would you describe your sound?

I would say we’re an indie rock band with pop sensibilities.

What is the best piece of praise you have received so far?

We played what we feel was our best show at Mexicali Live in Teaneck a month back. The energy from the crowd after we finished was enough praise for us. We’re fortunate to have great people who support us and want to see us succeed. We also surround ourselves with lots of influential individuals who give us great critiques on how to improve. It’s important to us to have both sides.

Honest Man

You’re involved in ‘The Project Matters’, what can you tell us about it?

The Project Matters is a foundation run by a wonderful woman named Karen High. TPM supports local New Jersey bands under 21 by providing resources for musicians to keep doing what we love to do. Our involvement in the project has given us opportunities that we never could have gotten without TPM. We owe a great deal to Karen High in believing in our band.

How do you promote your music?

Shows, free downloads, newsletters, advertisements, word of mouth, licensing, radio airplay, podcasts, anything and everything. We love getting our music in people’s ears, so whatever we can do to accomplish that is how we promote.

How important is it for you as a band to have a relationship with your fans?

Fan relationships is a priority for us. Without them, we wouldn’t have the encouragement to keep going. It’s important to nurture those relationships, listen to them, see what they think, and take them on this journey of breaking through the noise together.

What are your favorite track(s) at the moment?

SC: At the moment I’ve been listening to the new Kanye West album on repeat. I just got into Sleeping At Last and Caspian. Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra’s solo project Right Away Great Captain! has also been a staple for me lately. Jon Brion’s score for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, my favorite film.

CR: currently, I’ve been listening to Kevin Devine, Wakey! Wakey!, Local Natives, Dirty Projectors, Travis, Sufjan Stevens and Bassnectar and Rusko for my partying dubstep vibes…

NW: I’ve been all over the place lately, from Coldplay to Incubus to Damien Rice to The Who to Paper Rival.

Do you think it’s been easier for unsigned bands to be heard?

It’s easier for unsigned bands to be heard but it’s increasingly more difficult to sustain an audience. These days a well versed crowd has seen everything musically. Bands need to be more creative so they can give fans experiences and not just the same old rehashed show/album.

And lastly, what are your plans for 2011?

Our main goal is finishing writing then recording our next album. We just set a recording date for March and this album is going to be a major opportunity for us because we’ll be working with an esteemed producer. After that, it’s promoting, playing shows, licensing to TV/film spots and writing. The process never stops for us, we’re always working on every aspect of the band as much as we can. We’re looking to make a lot of noise in the upcoming months.

Follow Escape Directors on We Love Your Songs, Facebook, YouTube, and download the debut album for free here!