Q&A with The Academy Is... by Amber Holubec

Wish you could have a Woodie? Although college students can't win a Woodie — MTV-U’s music award — they are the ones who decide who does. The Woodie Awards are the only awards voted on by college audiences. Top nominees for this year’s 3rd annual Woodie Awards include the Arctic Monkeys, Imogen Heap, Gym Class Heroes, Hellogoodbye, Taking Back Sunday, The Academy Is… and The Fray. William Beckett from the Academy Is sat down with The Battalion to talk about the inspiration behind their music, defining moments, and what its like to be a nominee.

Does it ever shock you to see how well you’ve done over the past year?
WB: When I stop and think about it and reflect on the past three years of my life, even the past five years of my life back in High School, its a real proud moment to think about it and to be on stage and see these fans that you know. The support over the past three years has been undying, unending. The most rewarding thing for me is when I’m in the crowd and I see familiar faces and the smiles. That’s one thing about us, we interact with our fans and it’s a positive relationship. There are two things that are important to us: our songs and our fans.

What do you like most about the music you guys are making?
WB: That it’s ours. Especially now we are right in the mist of making our sophomore record. Honestly, for the past two weeks we've been doing eight hour days, writing, jamming and rehearsing, and creating; its easily the best material that we've put out, easily. As far as the way it’s being made, it’s the most exciting time in my life as far as music goes. I've never been more excited about music and our future. I can't wait to get these songs heard. Its really almost a spiritual experience being a part of writing these songs with my brothers.

How do you feel the group has grown since the first album?
WB: its been two years and we've grown in more ways than I can even say. At this point we listen to different music — we are far more focused. Up until like two weeks ago I've never felt completely myself in writing songs, I always felt like its portraying who I am but these new songs are the closest things to experiencing who we are as individuals, as a listener and being a part of — Its been an incredible process. I believe I was put here to write songs. We weren’t cut out for interviews and press and pictures and glitz and glamour shit, so up to this point all we can really do is learn from other people who are good at that, so we can get by with it.

What advice do you have for struggling college bands trying to make it?
WB: When it comes right down to it if there is any advice that I can give anybody, be honest with yourself and be aware of what you are doing exactly and what your goals are. Be aware of how you are affecting other people through your actions. Be persistent as hell! The only reason why we are here is because we worked our asses off, toured incessantly and gained people believing in us along the way because we believed in ourselves. That’s pretty much all you can do: believe in yourself and be honest.

Go now and vote for your favorite artist at MTVU.com. The 3rd Annual MTVU Woodie Awards premiere November 2nd at 8pm