Plain White T's

Band gives music more than just beats - it gets real

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By Morgan Mitchener

Despite first being depicted as an emo or All-American pop group, the Plain White T's have cultivated their own unique and edgy style, delightfully shocking fans with songs ranging from "Hey There Delilah" to their newest hit, "1,2,3,4," which scored them a platinum title from new album, Big Bad World, by selling over one million digital copies.

The band is on tour this summer with their show, titled "Three Part Harmony: A Show in Three Act," which features the opening acts of Company of Thieves and Days Difference. The three "acts" include Act 1: rock, Act 2: acoustic and Act 3: medley of fan favorites.

With 12 years under their belt, no questions are left unanswered, as the Plain White T's are prepared to take their show to the Varsity in Baton Rouge on July 2. Tiger Weekly recently caught up with guitarist and backup vocalist Dave Tirio to talk about the band, its music, and life on the road.

TW: You have played in Baton Rouge before, right? What do you think about LSU and Baton Rouge?

DT: Yes. We have played a couple of times, and I really liked it there. We did a wildlife show one time where we picked up alligators; I just never forgot it. I thought that it was a pretty fun place. I'm also a baseball fan, I love the Chicago Cubs, and I know they have two former LSU players, and congrats on the win!!

TW: Since touring, have you noticed a difference when you go to college campuses versus other places?

DT: Very much so, we love playing in college towns because the atmosphere is great, usually laid back but still have the potential to get crazy. Everyone seems to be in party mode and usually drinking, which we like. I remember when I was in school and when a band came, it was like a release for sure, and we pick up on that vibe and try to make it memorable.

TW: Your songs seem to be directed at real people and life situations, is that true?

DT: Well, when we first started we would spin things, but now it's all real. After Tom (lead singer) got in a near death accident, it put us all in perspective. That situation was an inspiration for us to write more personal music and we have noticed that people respond more to that. The bride in "Last Call" is so truthful, but when we all write, we combine experiences and everyone adds their two cents to each song.

TW: Is there a message in your music?

DT: Nothing specific, it is more unintentional. Our songs are about life and the trials people go through; but it gets personal. Basically, though, you can interpret it how you want and whatever speaks to you.

TW: Where do you all find your inspiration?

DT: Well, generally it is just in our own life situations, everyone goes through things and it is a way of expressing ourselves. But, other bands also inspire us, like the ones we used to listen to when we were kids - like Weezer and Green Day.

TW: What kind of music does your opening act, Company of Thieves and Days Difference play?

DT: Company of Thieves are bold and soulful and play rock music, while Days Difference is a young band that are really good and have a pop feel but also have similarities to Ben Folds.

TW: What are three words that best describe the band?

DT: Hardworking - we have been touring all summer so it has been nonstop. Optimistic - that is new for me in particular, but we all try to look on the bright side of things. Fun - we are like brothers - we fight and give each other a hard time, but it is all in good fun.

TW: Any weird rituals you all do before a show?

DT: Not much, but we like to get come together and have a beer, warm-up a little and then just hang out and listen to music. We realized that it makes a big difference and connects us more before a show; it makes us play better.

TW: Give a couple words to describe each band member, including yourself.

DT: Tom Higgenson (lead vocals, acoustic guitar): Really corny. Mike Retondo (guitar, backup vocals): Strange as hell. Tim Lopez (bass, backup vocals): Beastly, muscle man. De'Mar Hamilton (drums, percussion): Metro-sexual. Dave Tirio: I like to watch sports and drink beer.

TW: What is your motto to live by?

DT: As a whole, I guess it is more to progress each year. I try to be a better person and as I have gotten older, I just try to make it a point now. I used to be an asshole. I've realized that by doing little things - being patient, kind, and thoughtful - it makes a big difference. You never know if life, our band's success could end tomorrow, so it is best to be a good person.

Originally Published: Issue 806 - July 1, 2009

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