Letter Kills
By: Sara Tajalli

Mix one part screaming with one part sentiment and you have the perfect formula for major label recognition. Island Records new band, Letter Kills, is just that. The band, which formed in the summer of 2002, has already attracted a huge following with the release of their debut album The Bridge. The band cites influences ranging from Bob Dylan to Motörhead and has even been compared to Rage Against the Machine by some critics (AP March 2004). Unfortunately, none of this reflects in their music. The band has fallen into the category of most groups that play on MTV: Pop Punk with an Edge.

Despite their common sound, the quintet manages to bring a considerable amount of passion to their live performance. Energy is brought to the stage that invokes an enthusiastic reaction normally reserved for headliners. Despite the short shelf life of their album, every young face in the crowd was devotedly singing along. Lead singer, Matt Shelton makes the little girls scream as he mixes line dancing with his text book hard-core moves. The crowd reaction should be pleasing as the band has stated that their goal is for a more unified scene.
Recently, Smash Magazine had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Letter Kills via e-mail. Here are their informative answers:

Smash Magazine: Describe one of your live shows for someone who hasn’t seen you before.
Letter Kills: It’s like a beautiful train rock....a stadium show in a theatre size venue or in your backyard

SM: How has the audience response changed throughout your touring?
LK: There's been a lot more involvement and crowd participation as awareness about Letter Kills grows.

SM: You've been compared too a lot of different bands. What's your favorite and least favorite comparison?
LK: My favorite comparison would be anything from U2 to the Beatles and Guns ‘N Roses.

SM: How do the scenes differ between Texas and Temecula?
LK: Temecula is in California, there are kids there who think they are cool....in Texas the kids know they aren't cool

SM: How did you get the name Letter Kills?
LK: Our name is a biblical reference in the New Testament....it refers to the law of the Old Testament and how Jesus came in the New Testament to overcome the law (letter)... so that we could have life...."the letter kills but the spirit gives life"

SM: What has been your favorite band to tour with so far?
LK: Touring with Story of the Year has been great.  We are on tour with them now.

SM: What's the hardest part about constantly being on tour?
LK: Probably not being at home

SM: Your lyrics are constantly being commented in reviews/articles. How do you find yourself writing them and what inspires you?
LK: Life inspires me, love inspires me...hope inspires me.....I just write what I see and how I feel at that time.

SM: Assuming you've all grown up attending shows, and are now playing large ones; have you noticed a change in the atmosphere and in the attitudes of the attendees?
LK: The audiences definitely seem more excited about shows nowadays.

SM: Your fashion and music styles appear to be very distinct. Who are your individual influences?
LK: Johnny Cash, George Strait, Pedro the Lion....Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong....and Jimmy Stewart.

SM: The YOUNG ladies seem to love you boys. Have you gotten any requests that made you uncomfortable?
LK: All the requests make me uncomfortable.....

SM: What bands have you been listening to while on tour?
LK: Dixie Chicks....Brad Paisley

SM: What would you be doing right now if your band didn't have such immediate success?
LK: Probably be working at Carls Jr. back at home in Texas

SM: What's the worst city you've played in so far?
LK: Loaded question :)

SM: Who would be the ideal band to open up for?
LK: Definitely U2