Senses Fail: The Oral History as Told by Buddy Nielsen
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ม.ค. 2020
- #SensesFail #LetItEnfoldYou #Emo
The Senses Fail founder stopped by APTV to recall the minutiae that helped launched his band and where he will go with its legacy.
Buddy Nielsen has always been painfully honest. Whether he’s throwing down against industry vermin or discussing his own personal horror stories, the lead singer for Senses Fail always delivers.
Call it “transparency” or call it “ownership of a mouth that needs shut,” Nielsen is keen to set records straight, even when he looks like the fool with the self-fulfilling prophecy. He stopped by the APTV studio to discuss Senses Fail’s history, specifically and honestly.
“After Let It Enfold You came the loss of freedom for me,” Nielsen says, reflecting on his band’s most iridescent release. “I don’t know if I ever got that back. At times at certain record cycles, there’s that not needing to live up to an expectation [feeling]. Once you’ve had success as an artist, it’s really impossible to defy the level of expectation or to recreate or to do any of the things you can do to have the success.”
In this candid chat with APTV’s Bobby Makar, Nielsen dives into the very early days of the band. He discusses his worldview as a punk in pre-9/11 America, from being in high school and trying to apply to college to trying to solidify a lineup at the same time. He talks about writing the one song that epitomizes what he wanted the band to be all about. (“It was this dark, sad, poppy thing-but it wasn’t like Alkaline Trio.”)
Nielsen is quick to disassemble the myths surrounding his band’s rise to notoriety. It was too early for a lot of social media platforms to kick in; Senses Fail weren’t getting radio play, and MTV still eluded them (“We were getting Fuse…”). But to his credit, Nielsen embraced his naivete more than his ego. “At that time in my life, I was just enjoying the innocence of performing music and traveling around the country,” he says. “There was no expectation. And that’s the most beautiful time in an artist’s existence. After that tour, everything changed.”
Later on in the clip, Nielsen discusses what Senses Fail’s next moves are, culminating in the big goal. At the top of that list, though, is making sure he enjoys what's happening. “I have to be happy with what I’m doing, and our fans need to be happy,” he adds. “I’m just trying to maintain what we have.”
Nielsen is one of the last honest men in the music scene. But don’t take our word for it: Point and click, friends.
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War paint
Well....I have been listening to these fellers since late 2002/early 2003...my musical tastes have shifted since then haha. But, back in my skater/screamo days my top 5 would be : Rum is for drinking, not for burning... You're Cute When You Scream...Priest and the Matador...Steven...Can't be saved.. Idk hard question, they were one of my top 5 bands back in the day and I truly loved every album and song.
Calling All Cars
187 duh
Lifeboats.
The Fire is one of my favorite albums. Bayonet album was also really good, love to see that again
let it enfold you
I’m 28 about to be 29, but if you’re close or around my age, and have been a fan of SF since middle school then you know how much this band means.
If you were 27 I'd ask if you were me!
I'm with you there, dude. 29 and going strong.
Yup. Been a fan since 2003. I turn 30 at the end of this year. When people compare my band (Havoc Faction) to senses fail, I get super giddy
27 going on 28 and this rings so true!
Woah, took the words right out of my mouth 😆
Let it enfold you is the greatest emo album of all time. One of very few albums you can listen to over and over.
Front to back!
The creativity and dynamics of it are stupendous.
YESSSSSS
@@againstme585side to side, vertical or horizontal ITS AMAZING
Was always perplexed by this guy. Such an intelligent, polarizing individual. So outward about his struggle, and he owns every mistake he’s made. Truly a great frontman, and artist. Thank you for inspiring me Buddy.
I’m only 20 but Senses fail and Silverstein are my favorite bands, glad they’re still doing music.
I saw both of them at The Crofoot in Pontiac, Michigan. Definitely my favorite concert I've ever been to. Icing on the cake was when Buddy told everyone to be safe and have fun, that's why we're here. Good memories.
I am a 31 year old father from Brigham City, Utah. I have been following Buddy and Senses Fail since I was 14. The EP and “Let It Enfold You” were massively huge in my life and shaped a lot of my musical tastes and how I view music. Still Searching, Life Is Not A Waiting Room and The Fire made me really value cathartic, heartfelt and honest lyrics. It was so meaningful to me being a young person struggling with drug and alcohol addictions. I was young and oblivious to what alcoholism was and felt like I couldn’t tell a soul what I was doing and experiencing. So to hear someone openly address their addictions like Buddy had in his lyrics gave me a lot of hope that I wasn’t this uniquely broken individual, it was so nice to know someone else was experiencing the exact same things as me, and being close in age as Buddy and involved in the music scene as well I have always bought and listened to anything he has put out because for almost 20 years and have always related on a deep level . I can’t wait for this new album. Thanks Buddy.
Yeah I was shown them when I was about 15ish i know it was high school for sure and havent stopped listening sense and its gotten me through alot and I feel like you do on the whole connecting on a deep level I honestly feel like without them I wouldent be around today "because I feel like running head first into traffic"
Hey, thank you for that my friend..... Im fucking RIGHT there with u....... And i mean right there......
Slc here, I have follow your bliss tattood on my chest lol
Damn man this comment was poetic, i can tell lyrics means a lot to you. I relate to that statement. But i never found what i was looking for... i guess im still searching for my bliss.
I'm also 31, and been a fan since 13 with let it enfold you.
Man I only found this band 2 months ago and I'm obsessed, I'm so pissed I missed out
Discovered Senses Fail through guitar hero 3 that featured Cant Be Saved. Fell in love with them more in highscool and they are one of my favorite bands. Seen them 4 times, met Buddy once, have every record and they have been amazing record by record.
I also discovered them through guitar hero haha. Saw them twice daily never met Buddy
My Senses Fail is from Still Searching until now. I love every bit of it and I'm proud of Buddy for healing and finding his own journey
Turning 36 this month. Loved this band in high school. Played a show with them in a local high school music show. Almost 17 years ago
Same, I’m 32 tho 😥 literally lifetime ago
I didn’t realize Dreaming A Reality was their first song
17 years old, highschool party. Some kid I dont even know invites me on a blunt ride so he can show me this awesome new band he found. I remember hearing the heartbeat at the beginning of the track and the build up before "GOOD BYE!" completely remolded my musical taste in about 15 seconds. Not necessarily my favorite senses fail song, but definitely one of my the defining moments in my musical life.
Let It Enfold You is one of the best albums of this era is rock. It's absolutely beautiful
I thought Still Searching was better
its a post hardcore masterpiece
SF got me through tough times. The only band I always stayed with. I guess you can say I'm hung up on some band, but I'm okay with it
Buddy isn't lying when he says he had no enthusiasm for shows after Pull The Thorns came out. I saw them perform in NJ around that time and it was just disappointing. It was nothing like the show they played at Rutgers after Renacer where the band was full of energy and attitude. But Buddy got his passion back. They played a hell of a show this past September. They were doing a From the Depths of Dreams re-release tour and the spark was there.
John Lisowski i saw them on the same tour in stl at fubar, on a stage about the size of a small bedroom. it was fucking electric. was set to see senses fail, bayside, and hawthorne heights late may but that shit got cancelled.
The Senses Fail show with Have Mercy I saw two years ago was the best show I have ever seen. Buddy seemed like he was having the time of his life on stage. I'm glad to see it seems like his heart in it again. I only hope he has been okay during Covid.
I hope to see them live again. I was supposed to see them again for the Bayside tour, but Covid ruined that. I hope that show still happens when the pandemic is over.
Wait, they re-released From the Depths of Dreams? I'm listening to that record right now. I doubt a re-release would beat it... but still interested in listening to it.
@@ShaferHart Oh yes check it out. I like the original version better, but there are things I can really appreciate about the rerelease. Some of the guitars punch a little harder because it's mixed very well. And he has his mature, full throated screams on the tracks. Some of them fall a little flat, but there are maybe a track or two I actually prefer on the rerelease
@@ShaferHart I prefer the original just because I'm really used to hearing it, but the newer one is more crisp and they tweaked the sound.
Both are fine.
You did help at least one person heal, and grow into a productive person, Buddy. Thank you
I love Senses Fail. Their music resonates with me. Life Is Not A Waiting Room has the deepest meaning to me and "Yellow Angels" always gets me feeling strong emotions. I know it's cliche, but this band has really helped me get through some hard emotional times. I'm so proud of how far they've come.
Senses Fail is a once in a lifetime sort of band. They are amazing beyond words.
The Fire was one of my most influential albums that screamed about alcohol abuse, abuse in general, and wanting to find one's self before ìt took me to my grave. There's songs on that album i still cry to when hearing. It's rough to hear someone vocalize all the turmoil and chaos someonebis going through. It'll forever be one of my favorites. Thank you Buddy
Being from NJ I was able to see these guys 6 or 7 times starting in 2003 or so. They are one of my favorite bands. I hope they keep making music for a long time.
LUCKYYYY
Been with Senses Fail since their first album. I see them every time I can. Buddy has gotten me through a lot of bad times and I feel like we've grown together. I'll be listening when I'm 80! Love Senses Fail!
I’m 34 and have been a fan since drive thru records had a sampler with 187 on it before depths of dreams came out. This insight is something I’ve always been curious about thank you Buddy!
Honestly, this band is still one my favorite bands. I have listened calling all cars, 187, and The Priest and Matador 1000s of times!
First time I saw senses fail was before they had released any albums. They opened for Finch and blew me away. Seen them several times since as well. Always an awesome show
best part of my day is watch buddy's instagram stories ♡
Also, the most recent record came at the perfect time in my life. My wife and I had just lost our son to SIDS at just six weeks old. The themes of love, loss, and suffering on that album resonated with me so deeply and truly helped me through the hardest year of my life.
Thank you, Buddy. Keep doing what you're doing.
Every day is a struggle...say no more.
This band has saved my life multiple times ever since I started listening to them in 7th grade. I’m 26 now. Still listening almost daily.
Between the mountains and the sea, all the best cowboys, the ground folds, four years, headed west, jets to peru, omg so many songs so many albums all amazing! Seen them 3 times
I’ve seen Senses fail so many times, at so many venues, and under so many circumstances. The fire came out my first year of college and made a road trip to see them my very first time. Long overdue at that time, but it was amazing. Forever my favorite group overall.
Senses Fail will always be my favorite band.
This is such an honest and truthful glimpse into senses fail. Very existential. I really like hearing the unfiltered way he talks.
Jesus.... I wish this had the view count i think it deserves. Thank you Buddy. Truly appreciate the time you gave for this
Been a fan of SF since I was 14, I’m going to be 30 in a couple months. By far my favorite band ever. My favorite songs are “Lady In a Blue Dress”, “Wounds”, “Stay What You Are”, Canine”, and Tie Her Down”. Can’t wait to hear the new stuff!
Bite to Break Skin is hands down my favourite track, that guitar riff is so good
Get the original line up together and make the best record ever.
Fr
That's what every fan of every band wants
Someone should definitely make that happen.
Imma come back to this comment when this happens
I’d be happy if Garrett, Dan, and even Heath came back
Love Buddy! Can’t Be Saved always gets me hyped!
A friend of mine gave me Let It Enfold You then I lost it. In 2014, I purchased it. I still come back to that album. It's still good!
Bless you Buddy. Thanks for being real.
Man, this was so great. Still Searching is one of my all-time favorites so it’s wild to hear the history. Buddy is so authentic and real, thanks for sharing and the creative inspiration!
I'm in the younger part of SF's audience, being almost done with college now, but I discovered the band when I was a freshman, and it really opened me up to new styles when I'd really only listened to just a few rock and metal bands. They were also my first concert, also in freshman year. It's so cool to hear Buddy talk about the band's history. Looking forward to *Hell Is in Your Head*
While “Let it enfold you” is a classic of the genre, “Still Searching” is the masterpiece!
It’s a story from beginning to unfortunate end, and like a good movie takes you on highs and lows with no real break from one moment to the next as all the songs flow directly into the next as you take a troubled journey with a person suffering from depression, using vices to ease the pain, only to be pulled into the world of medication to finally say I’ve had enough.
You can bounce around songs on Let it enfold you, but once you start Still Searching you just let the whole thing play so you can really feel the ebbs & flow of the story as it plays out over beautiful lyrics, bass, guitar, and drums that guide your ride.
Flat out a PERFECT album.
I use to see every show in the northeast so much buddy and shawn would put us on the guest list. I remember meeting dave at a rancid show in nyc randomly too. Went into addiction in like 2010 ,got sober and had a family. Had a dream about a senses fail show last night and dug back in today with such nostalgia and cant wait to listen to the albums ive missed 😢🖤
I have several favorites: The Rapture, Buried A Lie, Double Cross, The Importance Of The Moment Of Death, Calling All Cars, Glass, All The Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues
Let It Enfold You got me through a lot of heartache. Senses Fail rule!
Thanks for your honesty Buddy! I loved to hear your idea of what you want the legacy of Senses Fail to be. Thanks AP for recording and publishing this interview.
A "Let it Enfold You" tour could be a thing forever. I will always show up
X2
I wish I knew it happened at Joshua tree
You are in luck my guy, this is happening this year!
SUPER HAPPY ABOUT THIS. Thanks for this. I luuuuved it.
Sebastian Ziegenbein So glad you enjoyed it!!
Buddy your music has given me strength in the darkest hours of my life. Please don’t stop.
I used to listen to senses fail while cutting self and crying. Sometimes the music was like a friend when i had no one. Just trying my damnedest not to kill myself... to hold on... went through so much shit and into drugs and alcoholism but here we are 15 years later im still here and im over it... i love myself now, i am my favorite person. So glad to be here so glad to be alive.
Had the awesome opportunity of seeing the “From the depths of dreams” tour. Seeing them perform that whole album and Let it enfold you was a dream come true. In all honesty I was expecting to be let down but wasn’t in the least. Prior to that, I think the last time I saw them was at A taste of chaos in 05
I love all their albums up to the fire. The others I can't really get into. Saw them twice though. Still listen to them daily
I am about to be 44, and this band has meant so much to me.... the music resonated with me, even though I'm a Gen X'er. My favorite songs (because I can't pick just one) "Can't be Saved" , "To All the Crowded Rooms", and "The Fire".
Got to see them live last December in Seattle. One of the best shows I've ever been to, just phenomenal.
How am I not seeing any "one eight seven"?! That was my favorite In highschool .. and every local band tried to cover it
David Low Hell yeah. I remember they used to close every show with that one.
I grew up in NJ and was the singer/screamer in our band, tried to cover it, we come off stage and dude came up to us and said we literally ruined Senses Fail for him. Best insult I've received.
Bro! Same!
Cute when you scream will always be my jam
The Senses Fail show with Have Mercy I saw two years ago was the best show I have ever seen. Buddy seemed like he was having the time of his life on stage. I'm glad to see it seems like his heart in it again. I only hope he has been okay during Covid.
I hope to see them live again. I was supposed to see them again for the Bayside tour, but Covid ruined that. I hope that show still happens when the pandemic is over.
Lost and found. My favorite song. My name is ocean and I always felt abandoned calling for help with no one answering
Renacer gets no love but it's my favorite album of their's
Thank you for saving me :) this band has stood the test of time. my favourite song is hair of the dog :)
Lucky enough to see them for the anniversary tour of Let It Enfold you and I’ve seen many acts live, usually it’s mid… Buddy live was epic, heavier than the recordings but just really awesome and sounded amazing
Turning 30 this year and still love this band. Senses Fail shaped my music taste and me as a whole since the first time I heard 187.
Thank you for saving my life buddy
Hair of the dog, yellow angels, Angela baker and my obsession with fire, Landslide, between the mountain and the sea, still searching. Such a great band
Love this Band been listening to them ever since 2003 their lyrics hits the heart and the instruments hits the soul but I do surely miss garret and heath vocals and guitar riffs with Jason or mike funky bass and dan crazy legs dual pedal kicks and drums
Idk, Let It Unfold You had some hits but for me, it’s Still Searching that was the defining album
Been a fan since from the depths of dreams but thank you for putting all of this out there. This is very insightful and very interesting to listen. As much as I love the days of old with the gang (buddy,Garrett,dan,&mike) In my opinion I feel like the band really found their sound with the fire,and life’s not a waiting room . It’s crazy to me when buddy said they they almost broke up from the searching and life’s not a waiting room. Like I said for me I felt like they really found it then but you really don’t know what it’s like when you are living it like senses fail did at that time.
Oh and I also walked out to the cover of rum is for drinking,not burning by vitamin string quartet at my wedding on 11/10/2018
1)the fire
2)life’s not a waiting room
3)if there is light it will find you
4)let it enfold you
5)from the depths of dreams
6)the searching
7)pull the thorns from your heart
8)renacer
Love you all and can’t wait for more
This was awesome! Buddy did a great job here, and was so open about everything.
I have a ton of favorite songs. I love the song Blackout, War Paint, Snake Bite. I really love a ton of their songs! Buddy is great and so is the band! I have seen so many shows and they all rock! Keep it up and look forward to seeing you coming up in Dallas. I cant wait for new songs but If there is light it will find you. A very powerful song. I love the emotion in the songs.
Here in November 2022. Turning 33 in Jan. It still enfoldes me.
Senses Fail one of my best, favourite band ever just right behind Silverstein. I just wanna thank to SF and Buddy for what they have done and hope still will be doing it.
Also, especially I just wanna say that song "If There Is Light It Will Find You" will always have special place in my heart. That song is only one of few ever brought tears to my eyes. Pure beauty, this song is something more than just simply song it contains one of deepest lirycs and heaviest emotions, feelings I've ever experienced listened to music.
I've listened thousands of songs since 2000 mostly in pop punk/punk/melodic hardcore/post-hardcore/metalcore scene.
And "If There Is Light It Will Find You" always catches me and opens my heart, I feel something more, something beautiful, it gives hope.
I remember seeing them at Skate and Surf 2003. Incredible! Buddy dove on to the section I was in. Band was full of energy. Saw them again in 2018 after the latest record came out and although it's almost entirely a different band minus Buddy, the energy was still there, the performance was great. Glad to see he's still active and creating.
i saw you guys at house of blues orlando last year and in Port St Lucie probably in 2006! Still awesome!
I found senses fail when then toured with The Amity Affliction for the Misery Will Find You tour. I know I’m a bit late to the party but seeing this band live made me a fan. I went back and listened to their discography and loved it. Even the ones that aren’t the “normal” senses fail like Pull the Thorns and In Your Absence. I can’t wait to see what they do in the future cuz even if it’s not what I’m used to, they’re even good when experimenting! (Also can’t wait to see them live again since I missed the last tour)
Welcome to the party! Way to give the not so popular albums a try. So many people slept on Renacer and Pull The Thorns when they are absolutely incredible.
I was a latecomer as well, I joined around when The Fire" came out. I also saw them live for the first time when they Toured with TAA, and discovered that I like those guys too.
Senses fail was my first concert at 12- 13 around 2002 in a small bar in Daytona fl. Such a great memory and an imprint on my life
Saw them on their very first real tour and too many others to count over the years. Met Buddy a couple times in person and he is super nice and has the memory of an elephant. For example last time I saw him in Tampa he said "Yoooo!!! It's dude from our first show in St. Pete at the green room you were with Matt Good right?!". I said yep! Lol. Very awesome humble guy! I did not think I would like the most recent record but I love it a lot. Long live SF!!!
I saw Senses Fail for the first time at Warped Tour 04 and have seen them many times since. I have a lighthouse with a banner reading "Darkest Before Dawn" tattooed on my arm because of "Saint Anthony".
Buddy's eyeliners screaaams bloody romance
lol yea
Let it enfold you one of my all time favorite albums
really respect buddy’s vulnerability and he seems to be doing some of his best work judging by their latest album
The 1 dislike is Chris Fronzak
do they have beef?
😂😂😂
Who?
We love you buddy.
This is my story how I came across/heard of Senses Fail.
I was just jumping from Myspace page to Myspace page on random people's top 8 back back in ...2005 or 2006 back when Myspace was cool and I was mainly listening to people's song right when you click on someone's page a song starts playing and this one guy who I dont remeber his name just jumping from one page to another lol he had the music video to Bloody Romance start playing and I stopped what I was doin and the intro just got my attention and of course I listened to the whole song and from that point I went to iTunes music and bought From the Depth of Dreams.
J Z 2004 a girl I liked made me a mix cd... I discovered that day senses fail and early November... thank god I met her
saw them in stl at a venue with 500 people in october. it was fucking amazing. buddy is a huge inspiration
I loved this band in high school and I got to see a small show of theirs and it was absolutely killer
As someone who's struggled personally and had my heart broken so many times, this dude has written some of the most relatable lyrics I've ever heard. Really helped me get through the darkest times of my life.
Same heree
As a 21 year old I’ve adapted my music taste a lot. I was hugely into rap music as a teen. But bans like SF, MCR, blink 182, descendants, no fx, etc is my taste. Midwest emo, punk all that is really where it’s at. And the reality is what they talk about is real life issues that many of us deal with day to day. Love buddy and all the members of the bands I listen to. All of them are talented beyond this world🤙🏽
Such an inspiration
Catch me at EVERY Senses Fail show in Seattle doing front flips off the stage! This band gets me so hyped! They don’t have a bad song, been jamming to this band since middle school!
Still putting out great music
What a good guy, I appreciate the bands music.
Still searching is one of the most important albums to me in my life!
In every band I've ever been in it was always a collective writing process.
However, the primary song-writer was always the guitarist. He would write entire songs on his own, and bring them to us pretty often. I was the bass player in many of those bands and so I had the least writing responsibility.
But then as a singer I had a lot more influence over the structure of the songs.
But as a general rule the guitarist would bring you the base ingredient of the song, and then we'd work out the details together.
I'd say guitar, drums, vocals, bass are the structuring in that order.
You can tell by the way he talks about SF that the band really means a lot to him. Respect.
I am a really new fan of senses fail, I thank a lot this beautiful game saga called Emily is away (a game about texting on AIM) It's amazing how their songs are so mentioned, Buddy is truly a sweet guy really glad he once texted me, he was really awesome
I love the eyeliner and shirt
Amazing band. Discovered them in 2014
I had that let it enfold you pre release from a local kid. I remember thinking why it took so long for everyone else to have it since it took so long.
Love this band still to today
He seems like such a lovely dude
The origin of the name of Senses Fail being based on buddhism is actually really cool
This is probable the band that I will listent to till the end of days. Let It Enfold You, Still Searching and Life is Not A Waiting Room will be the best albums for me but song wise, probably Family Tradition, at least for the moment.
This should have more views come on guys. Everyone knew SF back in the day. They didn't sell out.
So many underrated songs:
American Death,
Handguns and second chances(that whole EP is awesome)
B side of Still Searching - Mason's Revenge, Cinco De Mayo
Bite to Break skin
Still Searching
Irony of dying on your birthday
Choke on this
Four Years
B side of Life Is Not A Waiting Room - DB cooper, The Martyr.
So many more. SF stepped up their game when Heath came, Garrett got so much better at guitar. Dan was always beast, Glita had that hype stage presence, and Buddy is just lyrical genius.
I liked Early Graves
If There Is Light, It Will Find You album was awesome.
Renacer, The Fire, Pull the Thorns from your heart was an awesome grunge sound.
Its cool bands are re recording their old stuff too.