Bay State College Graduate and Boston-Base Band Rebuilder Take Part in Boston Tradition

Bay State College Alum, the bass player in Boston-based band Rebuilder, and all around nice guy; it’s hard not to route for Dan Carswell. We caught up with Dan this week to talk a little bit about what he’s been up to since Bay State, and learn more about Rebuilder and their upcoming performance at the Rock N Rumble competition this weekend. 

Tell us about Rebuilder.
Formed in January 2013, Rebuilder is a group of friends with the common goal of creating our own fresh and invigorating take on punk rock music. We just released our self-titled EP on our label Refuse, Rethink, Rebuild Records and we’re ready to take over the world! We have already cultivated a following here in Boston and across the country – opening for Dropkick Murphys , The Dead Milkmen, New Found Glory, Saves the Day, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Down by Law and performing on Warped Tour and Pouzza Fest.

How would you describe the type of music Rebuilder plays?
I would say we have a modern punk sound and old school roots.  I guess you could call it “safe” because my mom likes to listen to it too.

What is Rock N Rumble and how do you get to participate?
Rock N Rumble is a competition that began back in 1979, and remains a means for New England bands to gain visibility. Each band invited to participate has to be well established and consistently playing in the local area. To be invited to participate in the event is like a Boston band rite of passage, you will only ever get invited once, and we’re excited to be part of it.

While it is technically a “battle of the bands,” and the longest running one in the country, it has grown into far more of a 9-night Boston music festival than a competition. All involved have an amazing experience of meeting new people and gaining new fans.

What was the best part about attending Bay State?
The atmosphere was great.  I wasn’t always a “classroom guy” but when I was out learning about the industry hands on was when I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.  The faculty are great, too.  One day in Venue Management class, someone mentioned something about an on-campus venue and all of a sudden we had one in the works.  It’s the benefit of going to a small school where people are really listening to what you have to say.

Do you find yourself using what you learned at Bay State in your day to day life with the band?
Yes. From looking at contracts, to promotion, to Entertainment Law and Ethics. It’s all applicable.  And networking – I always thought this was some buzzword that everyone just said. Now, I realize that the way I network is by creating relationships with other bands and people in the industry; just being a nice guy. Some people call it networking, I call it hanging with new friends, but we’re all talking about the same thing.

Thanks to Dan for taking some time to talk with us! Wishing you and the Rebuilders the best of luck this weekend!

If you would like more information about the event, visit the record label’s website.