Mayfly are a catchy nu-metal band with huge potential to snag a widespread audience. They’re also a very tight and entertaining live band. Tuned Up was introduced to these guys from Northwest Ohio via our writer Topher Parks, who has been known to champion Mayfly swag at many a show. Live, I personally saw them at Scarlet and Grey Cafe (home to the first Tuned Up show) opening for The Letter Black, and later alongside electropop groups Danger Scene and LNYX at King Avenue 5 (home to some subsequent Tuned Up events).

Along this same time frame, I’ve had the privilege to get to know vocalist Jared Lacey. I’ve run into him as a fellow spectator watching bands like The Chariot and Beartooth, and we’ve bonded over a love of My Epic. He agreed to do this Q&A in anticipation of Mayfly’s performance on the brand new Golgotha Stage at Audiofeed.  Enjoy, and jam the new single “The Line That Separates” while you read:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPgjrYDMOmA[/youtube]

Who would play your ideal festival and where would it be?

dc Talk headlining at Cornerstone Festival would be pretty sweet.

What is your favorite music released this year thus far? What are you looking forward to?

I’ve only heard a few songs, but I am digging My Epic’s new album so far. Their lyrics always give me the chills. I just saw a teaser for Jesse Smith & the Holy Ghost’s new album. It kind of has a raw Norma Jean kind of sound to it. For those who don’t know. Jesse Smith was the founding drummer for Zao.

What summer movie are you most looking forward to?

I have no idea what movies are coming out this summer. I usually wait til movies come out on DVD before I watch them.

Assume I know NOTHING about your band. In one sentence, why should I listen to you?

You should listen to Mayfly because we draw from a variety of influences including bands like Deftones, Underoath, P.O.D. and Blindside, we speak against the greatest evils in our world today and we bring an high energy and engaging performance to our live audience.

Who on the Audiofeed lineup are you most stoked about this year and why?

I think I am most excited to see White Collar Sideshow again. They are one of the most visually entertaining bands I’ve ever seen. They’ve got sweet costumes that are used for the purpose of illustrating their message.

If your band had a mission statement, what would it say?

Mayfly is a band that strives to bring entertaining live performances and a message of hope in spite of the darkness in this world through our music. While we do not consider ourselves to be a ‘ministry band’ we do pray for opportunities to minister to the people who come to our shows and listen to our music on a more personal level.

What band from your area do more people need to hear? That most Audiofeed attendees (and beyond) would not have heard of.

Our friends in New Haven (https://www.newhavenohio.com/) just released an EP recently. They have kind of an alternative metalcore vibe.

What song do you hear and you immediate think “Summer!”?

We’ll Never Say Goodbye by Children 18:3.

What is something you’ve been learning on your life or faith journey lately?

Lately, God has been teaching me to say no to more opportunities presented to me and to patiently wait for Him to open doors in my life instead of forcing myself through them. When my brain says stop and my heart says go, I know I should wait because God has something better in store for me.