Who are we talking to, and what do you do in Waking Ashland?

This is Jonathan and I play the piano and sing in waking Ashland.

When is the new record coming out? and what stage are in right now?

The record is now done and we are waiting for it to be mastered this week. It should hit stores in April.

Is there an overall theme to the record? If so, what?

The record is based around the idea of change. The music is a step forward for us in the manner that everyone wrote for this record. I believe the quality of the songs is a reflection of that. Our style took a turn to.

Is there a name for the record yet?

We have been having a hard time coming up with a name

Why the move to Immortal records? Are you guys still on good terms with Tooth and Nail?

Immortal just seemed to be a better fit. There are fewer bands on immortal and they seemed to be more excited about our music. We are not on bad terms though with tooth and nail. We had fulfilled out contract with them before we chose to move on.

Who is recording the new record for you guys? Any specific reason for the choice?

Chris Shaw did our new record. We wanted to take a different approach than our last records and Chris was the guy. His previous works speak for itself. He added a lot of character to our sound.

Is Waking Ashland big in Japan? Is that why the telescopes EP came out in Japan first?

I think “big” is a relative term, but we have done well over there and touring there is always a good experience.

Why the split with the band members and adding new ones?

We lost two of our original members about a year and half ago due to the strains of the road and differences that we could not really work out. We have two new members now who are a full part of Waking Ashland. Tim Vary plays drums and Nathan Harold holds down the bass duties.

With the year coming to a close, what are you top 3 records?

Sufjan Stevens (Feel the Illinois), Tom Petty (any record), and the new Damien Rice record.

Any other bands or thing you’d like to promote and give a shout out to?

We love our boys in Sherwood and think theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢re going to be huge this year.

Thanks to Jonathan for taking the time to do this interview with me