Local act By The End Of Tonight recently signed with Portland’s Temporary Residence label. Home to bands like Austin’s Explosion in the Sky and Fridge, among others, the label specializes in gaining expsoure for bands that otherwise would fall underneath the radar. A lot of their bands tour around the world, and their website often offers specials on merchandise.

Right now, the label is offering its limited-edition Thank You compilation for only $10 postpaid. Not only do you get 11 new songs from TR’s roster–bands like Fridge, Howard Hello, Kilowatthours, Tarentel, Rumah Sakit, Explosions In The Sky, Kammerflimmer Kollektief, Sybarite, Parlour, Halifax Pier and Sonna–but you also get a 24-page full color book. Visit the label’s website for more information. There are plenty of free MP3s at the site as well.

I recently saw that By The End Of Tonight is opening in Houston for one of my favorite Chicago bands, Local H. They’re playing with The Detachment Kit at Fat Cat’s on Friday, May 7th. Tickets will be available at the door. This is sure to be an excellent night of music so make plans to attend.

I recently emailed the band a series of questions for Houston Calling. Drummer Jeff was kind enough to respond. Enjoy.

Ten Questions for By The End Of Tonight

HC: How did By The End Of Tonight get started?

Jeff: In 1997, Jeff (drummer) and Stefan (guitarist) got together playing heavy metal. They went through many second guitarists, bassists, and singers. Finally, in 2000, Josh (guitarist) joined for good. Then bassist James joined in 2002. Soon after, we kicked out our singer becuse he did too many drugs and couldn’t keep up. We began looking for a singer, but in the meantime, we played shows instrumental. We came to realize we liked that better, so we stuck to it. That’s about it.

HC: What do consider to be your primary musical influences?

Jeff: Well, we were listening to basically all the Temporary Residence bands before we got signed. I hope that answers that one.

HC: You guys recently signed with Temporary Residence. That’s a pretty impressive label if you ask me. How did that come about?

Jeff: We sent them a copy of our full length CD (…in a letter to the sandbox), they listened and liked.

HC: Your music is a real interesting mix and you guys seem really tight. How do you best describe your music?

Jeff: Instrumental, rock and roll, and fun. It’s all about fun.

HC: What do you think of the Houston music scene?

Jeff: The Houston music scene has its ups and downs. There are some really good bands and some not so good bands, so it’s kind of hard to say.

HC: If you could have any band cover one of your songs, what song would it be and what band?

Jeff: The song would be “Sleeping While Driving Prevents Old Age,” and the band would be Rumah Sakit if they got back together.

HC: What’s your take on the state of the music industry? Are you for or against the MP3 “revolution”? How are you (or are you) using the internet as a tool to market yourself?

Jeff: We are all for the MP3 revolution. It’s a good way to preview a band before you buy the CD or pay to see them live. Plus, it helps you get your sound out there. And we promote ourselves on our website (www.bytheendoftonight.com). It has all the information you need to know about us, plus MP3’s and stuff.

HC: What is the one description that you hate to hear about your music?

Jeff: We hate it when people say we sound like some other band.

HC: What’s next for By The End Of Tonight?

Jeff: Want a lot of shows, some touring, and publicity. We basically just want to get our name out there as much as we can.

HC: What is in your CD player right now?

Jeff: Well, since we’re all listening to something different, for each of us it would be Ben Kweller, Radiohead, Marty Anderson, Sonna.

Be sure to get By The End Of Tonight’s CD and visit their website. And please remember to come out and show your support for local music when By The End Of Tonight opens for The Detachment Kit and Local H at Fat Cat’s (formerly Mary Jane’s) on Friday, May 7th. This is going to be an amazing show–I cannot wait.

Now Playing in My iPOD: The Pleased — [self-titled]