Interview – Micah Bentley of A Change Of Pace

I few years back I came across the video above by Micah Bentley. I figured he must have been signed artist, but I contacted him anyways. He wasn’t signed. A friendship was started and we began talking about a plan for his solo career. Micah was then asked by his high school friends in A Change of Pace to take over as their new lead singer. I recently chatted with Micah about joining ACOP, their new album, and a bunch of other stuff.

Make sure to pickup his two solo albums on iTunes The Impossible EP and The Height of the Fall EP.

A few years back you and I talked about joining A Change of Pace when you were offered the spot. Was it a pretty easy decision for you to make?

Yeah it was a pretty easy choice, they were all really good friends of mine and I loved the band and what they were all about.

In 2008 you officially took over as singer of ACOP, filling a spot of a very talented and well-liked singer. How has it been filling the shoes of the old singer as well as making your own mark in the band and on the fans?

It’s not easy coming into that role. People have certain expectations that in some cases are impossible to meet because I’m a completely different person. For the most part though I’d have to say the support from the fans and dealing with the member change has been incredible.

You were originally a solo artist. How has it been transitioning from a solo artist to a front man of an established band?

Well before I did my solo project in high school I was in several different bands so I knew what it was like. It’s just different when you’re working equally with 4 other dudes where with the solo project I handled everything myself. Things are both harder and easier. It’s been a complete joy though with ACOP because everyone contributes an important role and we have a very well functioning system. Becoming a part of this band has challenged me in so many ways to become a better singer, songwriter and all around performer.

You have a couple solo albums up on iTunes. Do you still write as a solo artist and can fans expect anything new to be released anytime soon?

Yes, I’m very proud of the solo stuff I’ve put out. I’m always writing songs whether it’s for ACOP or something else but I’m not really focused on anything but the band at the moment simply because it requires my full attention. You never know though, I might have some free time to put out something in the future!

The band released an EP independently with a softer pop sound shortly after you joined. How have the fans taken to the new sound?

That EP was not a fair representation of ACOP’s sound. It was kind of weak in some ways and didn’t have the energy our fans are used to. At the same time all of those songs were just demos we never intended to release but had to give our fans something. We’ve brought that energy back with the new record.

In January ACOP recorded their first full-length since 2006 in Virginia with Elvis Baskette. How was that experience for you?

It was life changing for me. I’ve wanted my entire life to record with multi platinum producers like Elvis Baskette and Dave Holdridge. I was in complete paradise and it was so rewarding to have them bring our years of hard work to life.

The band spent the previous two years writing a lot of songs. How many songs did the band write and how many did you go into the studio with to record?

Haha we wrote A LOT of songs. Because our guitarist Dan records for a living, we were able to constantly demo what we were writing. Some songs had 4 or 5 versions before we were even content with them. When it was all said and done we had writing well over 70 songs. We picked 12 or so track.

Was it hard to narrow down the songs to what you have now and how many tracks will be on the new album?

It wasn’t too hard. It was obvious at the end which songs were the strongest. There were a lot more that I wish we could have recorded but we only had so much time and wanted to be able to focus on the ones we were doing. There are 11 on the record.

Can we expect to hear more of the same pop-rock sound?

Yeah it’s still a pop rock sound for sure. We just wanted to make sure our songs still had the balls from previous records. We wanted to maintain a rock sound but still have the catchiness. I think that was achieved.

Is there a release date yet?

Not a confirmed date but we’re looking at January

Will the album be self-released again or with label backing?

Haha TBA

What are the plans for ACOP following the release?

Tour tour tour!!

ACOP has a very large and supportive fan base. How have you kept such supportive fans while being off the road and not releasing new material for so long in the current music market?

I don’t think it’s a mistake that so many people still love the band and are awaiting this new record. The band’s always been all about our fans. They’ve treated us very well and we only hope they understand we’ve been taking our time on this record to give them the absolute best. Were very lucky to have so much support still.

What’s the one question no one has ever asked you, but you wish they would?

will you please take this suitcase full of a million dollars off my hands?!?! haha

Would you like to add anything else or say to your fans?

Just that I am a very blessed individual to be able to make music and travel around the world and I can’t wait to do it more with the release of this new record!! Come say hi and stay updated on my facebook page or http://www.micahbentley.tumblr.com/. thanks

Thanks for your time Micah! Everyone make sure to pick up the new ACOP record when it comes out early next year.