Count To Ten is what I wish most of pop punk was these days. They have an uplifting sound that truly captures our teenage years. It's easy to hear the influence of bands like The 1975 and All American Rejects. As I always make a point to say, though, influences don't define a band. These New York based boys have refreshing music that I urge acoustic fans to check out.
LJ DeWitt: Please introduce yourself and tell me your roles in the band. And, to keep it
interesting, throw in a random fact about yourself.
Count To Ten: Jon Zaitz is the lead vocalist and he’s a lifelong Slipknot fan. Dan Wolf is the
guitarist and vocals and he produces on the side. Alex Desalvo is the guitarist and his friends call
him squid. Dan Koshulsky is the drummer and he is a Pennsylvania native.
LJ: The Long Island area isn't one I exactly think of as a rock town. What's your opinion on
your local scene? Favorite venue to play?
Count To Ten: The circuit we play in deals with a lot of pop punk acts. I wouldn't classify
ourselves as pop punk, but I still feel we have a strong crowd response and people show each
other love when they come to our shows. One of our favorite venues that we have played at
would have to be Amityville Music Hall. It's a fun little venue, easy to pack out, and we always
have awesome shows whenever we play there.
LJ: What's your favorite song to play live?
Count To Ten: Our favorite song to play live is "Neck Deep" which we will be releasing this Fall
along with a video that we are stoked for everyone to see.
LJ: Who's been your favorite band to play/party with?
Count To Ten: First off we party whenever we play, but it's always a good time when we see
This Is All Now on the bill! They bring a good crowd and a lot of good energy.
LJ: Who's the band trouble maker? Worst trouble he's gotten himself or the band into?
Count To Ten: Definitely Alex. One year we played The Great South Bay Festival with Taking
Back Sunday and Circa Survive and he had gotten his car stuck in the sand. We had to dig him
out and we were tempted to ask Anthony Green for some assistance.
LJ: What's the inspiration/message behind your newest song "Neck Deep"?
Count To Ten: Not to take the pitfall of any relationship too seriously. Life goes on and while
you can't choose to deal with pain you CAN choose to suffer from it.
LJ: Anything else in the works that you can give us insight to? (New content, tours, merch,
etc.?)
Count To Ten: We have so much in store that if we were to give you any insight you would go
blind on the spot. But, in all seriousness we have plenty of new content that we can't wait to
share with the fans.
LJ: What would be your dream tour lineup to be a part of?
Count To Ten: The 1975, Taking Back Sunday, and All Time Low
LJ: If there was any song you wish you had written yourself, what would it be?
Count To Ten: Jon says "Big Time" by Peter Gabriel because that record is bonkers. Dan Wolf
says "All Apologies” by Nirvana, and Alex says "Close To You" by The Carpenters.
LJ: Finally, are there any last facts, statements, or words of wisdom you'd like to leave with
your fans?
Count To Ten: On behalf of all of the band we would like to thank you for giving us a listen and
joining our journey. Not everyone takes the time to find new artists that don't have big label
deals and it means a lot to us that you gave us that listen. None of this is possible without the
support of our fans.
e. Tamara Grant