We have had the opportunity to speak with Adam Henderson, lead singer and bass player of Dropout Year. They come from Owing Mills, Maryland. The band also includes Brandon Reter (Guiter / Vocals) and Adam Goodman (Guitar / Vocals).
Check out their MySpace Page to get a preview of their music or purchase their new EP.




I'm sorry to hear that your drummer, Justin, left. Are you currently in search for a new one? If so, How can people audition? Did you ever think of holding a YouTube contest for one or something?

A: Yes, we are currently searching for a permanent replacement for the drumming situation. People can audition by messaging us through MySpace or contacting us personally. We are trying to audition everyone that has a serious interest in the band and its music! Various people have put visual recordings of themselves playing to a multitude of our songs.

What other bands/artists have had the most influence on you?

A: Every member of Dropout Year has their different taste in influences, but collectively I'd have to say The Starting Line, Hit the Lights, and Cartel.

How long have you guys been together? How did it all start?

A: We have been together for about 3 years now. It pretty much all started back when Brandon and I were finishing up high school. We would always sit and write together, but I was still in a different band with our ex-drummer. So I brought everyone together for a jam session and it kinda clicked.

What was it like starting out?

A: When i think back on how we started out I can't believe how much we didn't know about being in a band, like how sloppy we all were and how important promotion was and just everything you have to do to be in and run a successful band! It was definitely hard starting out. No one really took us seriously. We were kind of a joke, but over time I think we've done an ok job of convincing everyone that Dropout Year is here to stay!

Where did the name "Dropout Year" come from? (Did you have any alternates that you decided against?)

A: Dropout Year came about by each of us just coming up with random words. I wish I could say that there’s some deep meaning behind it, but to be honest every other name was taken. We used to be called Far From Home, but that was taken. So we just picked 2 words and went with Dropout Year and we did it last minute in the studio.

What is your favorite memory from recent touring? What made that so memorable?

A: From recent touring, my favorite memory was when we went back out for our last week with a fill-in drummer, Jon Watson. I don't think we've ever had that much fun and we somehow became closer as friends!!! I think sometimes rough situations can make people closer!!

What have you liked/disliked the most about touring?

A: Hmmm... I love seeing how people are the same and different in different parts of the country. And I love playing every single day! There's nothing I don't like about touring that i can think of.

We here that you are in this month's Alternative Press magazine; how does it feel?

A: Wow.. Words can't express what it means for us to be in "AP", not to mention how it feels to be in the kind of company were in – a lot of our favorite bands are in the same issue as us. It’s a bit surreal! There's been so many great bands that have been featured in "AP" and to get our name mentioned was more than we could ask for!

Could you compare Seven Unreturned Phone Calls to your new EP, Best Friends for Never? What is so different about this one and makes it stand out?

A: No, I don't think I could compare the 2 records except for the fact that the style of music is the same. The differences between the 2 that I can think of is that there is so much more vocal work and guitar work in this record. I also think the writing is more mature, which makes sense since we have grown since our last record! Also, these songs off of "Best Friends for Never" are much more up-beat and fast-paced!! I think it stands out because with the subject matter of most of the songs it comes across as a very honest and polished record. We worked very hard to make sure there were no flaws, or as little as possible.

Where can fans find Best Friends for Never?

A: You can find "Best Friends for Never" on iTunes, SmartPunk.com, Our Myspace Page, All Maryland area record and tape traders, and select Hot Topic Stores!

If you could choose a label to be signed to, what would it be?

A: We all have our own opinions on this. I think collectively, Fearless Records would be a smart choice for our style of music. We love how they handle the Plain White T’s and now Mayday Parade, both similar styles of music. Of course, any band would want to be signed to a major label, but i think for where we are right now an indie label would suit us just fine!

Is there anything else you would like to say?

A: Yes, if i may, for people that listen to us in different states, but have never gotten the chance to meet us, thank you all so much. And to everyone that stands in our corner day after day, year after year, we thank you so much. All of your efforts do not go un-noticed. We appreciate you as fans, friends, and generally as people. Thank you all so much for everything! We love you!

Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to speak with us!

A: No, thank you for your interest in our band. It’s been a pleasure answering your questions.