It’s been awhile since I’ve done an interview – mostly because it’s always naptime. Since I really like the band, In the Presence of Wolves, it’s time to stay awake and do this interview. In the Presence of Wolves rhythm guitarist, Jim Ellis, provided the answers that you all want to know.

Have you read “In the Presence of Wolves” by Art Wolfe?

No, but I cried like a baby while reading “Into the Wild.”

Who has influenced you the most musically?

That’s so hard to narrow down. We all come from a relatively similar background but all of our influences have really seeped their way into the new album. Chris is massively into jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. Vini and Jim are fanboys of Circa Survive and Coheed and Cambria. Mason takes a lot of cues from The Dillinger Escape Plan. So, I supposed we’re a melting pot of sorts.

Why do you think people get so wrapped up in labels?

For the longest time, labels were really the only way to get your music out there to a mass audience. Now with the advent of the internet and social media, you can reach a kid over in Thailand who just so happened to stumble across your music. Now, getting signed by a label is a milestone most bands will never achieve, and while having the connections, tour support, and endorsements certainly help a hell of a lot, there’s no reason why a band doing the DIY thing can’t make a name for themselves.

Has anyone ever tried to put you in one category of music or another?

Of course, that’s what people do. Especially like promoters who have to book a “hard rock” or “prog metal” night at a club. It’s just easier to handle. We don’t really mind it all that much. It boils down to us not really fitting in too well anywhere haha, we’re either too heavy, not heavy enough, too rock vs. too prog. But because of that, we always stand out, and people usually dig it.

Who would you like to share the stage with?

We would love to support The Dillinger Escape Plan at least once before they’re done for good. Either them or a hologram of Prince.

What’s on your bucket list?

We’d love to hit Europe. We’ve made some friends in bands over there from some festivals we attended this past year. I’d say if things keep going the way they are, we might be able to do at least two weeks to a month in 2018.

Tell me something about Philadelphia that most people don’t know. Any great bars or coffee shops that people miss?

There’s a middle aged African American man that like to hang around South Street dressed up as Hulk Hogan. It’s amazing.

Favorite “Rocky” Character

A. Rocky

B. Apollo Creed

C. Clubber Lang

D. Mickey

Apollo Creed

What do you want people to know about In the Presence of Wolves?

We’d love for people to know the lyrics so they could sing along at shows. Also Vini like to get naked on tour. He calls it the naked worm. It’s uncomfortable.

Sleep Deprived Music Review: In the Presence of Wolves