Interview with On Top's Jaron Gulino

This past Monday I covered "Top to Bottom" which is the latest 

EP from Philadelphia's own On Top. Now I'm happy to present an

interview that I did with On Top front-man/bassist Jaron Gulino.

Jaron, who is currently out on the road with his other 

band Mach22,is not only a fantastic lead singer/bass player, 

but an all-around nice guy and I want to thank him for chatting 

with us about On Top's past and their future plans! Be sure 

to pick up a copy of On Top's killer debut-album "Top Heavy" 

and keep an eye out for their soon to be released new EP!

 
Andy-This is probably a question that you've been asked before,  

but (for clarity sake) how did On Top come about? 

Jaron-On Top started as a creative outlet in 2008. 

At the time I was playing in thrash and death metal bands 

and wanted to branch out and do something more rock related.
 
Andy-Your band's first album, "Top Heavy", is one of my 

all time fave debut albums. Can I just say that?
 
Jaron-Thank you very much. A lot of time and effort went 

into that album and we are very proud of that release.
 
Andy-Has On Top ever been more then a part-time project? 

Three years is a long time between releases after all!
 
Jaron-During the release of "Top Heavy" we were fully 

committed to running full time. After a little while we 

were beginning to have a conflict of interest with our guitarist 

and it soon fizzled out into a lull. We had begun work on what 

would later become "Top to Bottom" within a year after the 

release of "Top Heavy" but our guitarist ended up 

leaving halfway through the recording process. At the time we 

didn't have anyone to replace him so we took some time off to 

work on our other projects until the time was right to resume 

working.
 
Andy-Talk to us about your new guitarist would you? 

Where did you find a musician of that skill-level? 

Especially one who seems to have such a distinct style?
 
Jaron-Brian Davis was actually the very first person to ever 

get involved with On Top back in 2008. He played on the band's 

first demo and also engineered both the first and second demos. 

He is known locally as a great player and teacher, though he 

wasn't interested in perusing any band commitments for a long 

while. He taught everyone I know from back home how to play the 

guitar and is respected by just about everyone. His skill comes 

from years and years of playing and teaching. He is 

multi-talented at many instruments as well. He and I have 

always gelled musically and in taste for the most part, so 

it was a natural step to ask him to be a part of 

"Top to Bottom". He was originally on board to engineer and 

help produce, as well as appear on the album as a session player. 

He ended up loving the end result and asked to join the band.
 

Andy-While it's true that I love both On Top releases the 

new EP sounds less like a follow-up and more like a statement 

that this is who you are and this is what you stand for. 

Was there a conscious effort to give these four tracks 

their own identity?

Jaron-I appreciate that. I think the difference with this 

album was obviously the change in guitarist. We also wanted 

to take what we did on "Top Heavy" and make it bigger and better 

in every way we could. I think we have finally found our groove 

and know exactly how to get the best out of each other. 

The identify simply shows it's true colors, there was no 

specific label or sound that we were looking for. We wanted 

to make music that we could love and still be excited 

to listen to after the completion of the album.
 
Andy-Well, you're not the only ones who ended up loving the 

final product Jaron. I've now listened to the EP a half dozen 

times in just a couple of days! 

Jaron-Right on! I'm glad you like it. 

It feels great to see something that we have worked so hard on 

being well received by people. 

Andy-New guitarist in place and all can we now expect a more 

formal version of On Top? More shows and more studio works? 

Please say yes to both! 

Jaron-Absolutely! We are gearing up to record another EP in the 

next month or two. We want to keep cranking out material and take 

whatever gigs seem of interest. We rehearse and write together 

like crazy but don't feel any pressure to chase gigs if they 

aren't there. Hopefully the more people that hear the releases 

will help generate a demand for us to come play.

Andy-To the point, but what would it take to make On Top a 

full-time band? I know I've said it before and I'll say it 

again-The scene needs On Top. Rock and rock needs On Top. 

We all need On Top if we are going to survive! 

Jaron-It wouldn't take much. We play because we love it and 

aren't doing it for any sort of fame or fortune. We work 

full time behind the scenes already, so if a full time 

schedule of gigs appears, we will by all means pursue them. 

Help us get the word out so we can take the world by storm!
 

Andy-What can people do to keep the On Top dream alive and 

rocking then Jaron?
 
Jaron-Just check out the music and support us. Shoot us a 

line on our Facebook (Facebook.com/ontopofficial) or 

web page (Www.ontoprocks.com) and let us know where we should 

come play. 


Andy-Well, you should come to my part of Ohio to say the least!

How about my back yard for my birthday on July 11th?

Seriously though, any last words for fans of old and those 

who are new to the band?
 
Jaron-Keep the scene alive by supporting new bands and 

spreading the word. Buy, steal, or bootleg... Whatever it takes. 

The more ears it reaches, the better! Check out our newest 

EP "Top to Bottom" available on our website and on iTunes 

starting June 3rd. 

Andy-Thanks Jaron! As for you readers, what are you waiting for?

You heard the man! Check out the band's latest EP asap so that

you'll have pleanty of time to get caught up with what will

most likely be one of your new fave bands!