OF MICE & MEN

The metalcore mavens join BFMV in arenas this autumn

How’s your summer going so far?

AARON PAULEY (BASS/VOCALS):

“It’s cool to have downtime in the summer. It’s been years since we had that. But we released [recent album] Defy, we’ve toured Europe and the US. We’ve toured with In Flames and Five Finger Death Punch… It’s been a good year.”

wHat are your main touring Habits?

“Touring is kind of like Groundhog Day, so I guess technically everything we do is a ritual when you’re on tour. I like playing videogames and drinking coffee.”

How do you make a tour bus feel like Home wHen you’re on tHe road?

“It’s the people you’re with. I don’t know if the tour bus ever feels like home. It always just feels like the bus. But it’s the people you share it with. That and I guess just trash in my bunk – putting all my dirty clothes in the corner of my bunk!”

wHat’s tHe best tHing about playing tHe uk?

“The fans! You guys go so hard. Nobody is worried about looking cool – everyone is there to have a good time. The last Download was hard to top. It was just massive. I think we played at about 3.30pm and the crowd was just amazing.”

you’re about to tour witH bullet for my Valentine. do you know tHose guys?

“I think we’ve met before and I’m sure we played shows back in the day, but this is one of those things that a lot of people have said should have happened a long time ago. Now it’s finally working out. I think we share a common fanbase with regards to the music we make and the stuff we discuss in our music. We’re easygoing, we get along with everybody, so I’m anticipating more friendship.”

you’ll be playing arenas on tHis one, including a stop at london’s Historic alexandra palace. are you excited?

“The Ally Pally gig is wild. I’ve seen videos of Architects and Bring Me doing it. I wanna play there, so the fact we’re going to get to do that is pretty sick. We’re gonna start some moshpits methinks!”