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'What We're Missing,' out February 12, became a form of therapy for the band.

When Philly pop-punk band Grayscale dropped the first single off their record What We’re Missing (out February 12 via Anchor Eighty Four Records), it was obvious that lyricists Collin Walsh and Dallas Molster were penning songs borne out of their personal stories. “What We’re Missing is a collection of our thoughts, feelings, and stories from the past two years,” says drummer Nick Veno. “It’s a very personal record for all of us. It’s brutally honest and revealing of certain happenings in our lives ­ both happy and sad.” The fact that Walsh, Molster, Veno and the rest of the band Andrew Kyne, and Derek Parker revealed their deepest emotions on the record (mostly concerning “things that happened throughout our high school and college years,” Molster says) has set Grayscale’s latest album apart for its brutal honesty. (Their sound also brings back emo’s heyday!) Molster talks to Myspace about Grayscale’s extracurricular activities (“we watch serious amounts of WWE”) and the thinking behind What We’re Missing.

Hometown: Kennett Square, PA

Homebase: Philadelphia, PA

What’s the story behind Grayscale?

Collin, Nick, and I met in high school. We knew Derek and Andy because of another local band. We started the band because music is something we’ve all always done and it was time for all of us to try something new. We’re called Grayscale because this band Basement that rocks and has a song called Grayscale.

Your music definitely brings me back to the early 2000s. Who are your biggest musical influences?

Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, Rage Against the Machine, Slipknot and definitely System of a Down.

Why did you call your album What We’re Missing?

The record is simply about the what ifs and what could have beens, whether it’s about a girlfriend, a friend, a parent, or family member. The idea behind Collin and I really writing about things that make us uncomfortable, is so that the listener can hear what we have to say and know they aren’t alone in dealing with certain things. In my experience it is hard to come out and admit something is bothering you, but if you hear someone else talk about their problems, you may be more inclined to verbalize and get things off of your chest. In turn, helping you get closer to being a happier person. We want to help people through the tougher times in life.

I love your album cover. How did you end up working with the artist Daniel Fishel?

Thanks! We just saw some of his work a few years ago and reached out to him. He’s a great guy to work with.

What is your songwriting process like usually?

The way we do it is we will usually record out a scratch guitar in Pro Tools and we will structure out a drum shell with Nick. Once we have done that we will start chopping up the song into solidified sections and record all of our rhythm guitars, lead guitars and bass. Once we have a pretty solid instrumental Collin and I will sit down with some paper and try to start writing a story.

Do you usually write better songs after getting your hearts broken?

Everyone is broken in one way or another. We write about things that have broken us as a form of therapy to better ourselves. Also in hopes that a listener somewhere will find solace in not feeling alone.

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with?

DJ Khaled.

What's the best thing a fan has ever done for you?

We have a fan that got a Grayscale tattoo. That’s definitely up there in coolest things people have done for us.

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