When you decide it’s time to make a new single, is that more exciting or stressful?
When we write a song that we all feel passionate about it is extremely exciting. Yes, there are stressful times that come when trying to release the single, but creating something that’s great is second to none.
You write all of your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?
The great thing about our band is that we have many different influences from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and Soundgarden. Our songwriting generally shifts depending on what we are listening to at the time. The best thing is when inspiration aligns with what you’re experiencing in life and you, as a musician, can find your voice within that combination.
What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?
The best musical experiences are when the right song hits you at the exact right moment. When a piece of music stops you in your tracks because it describes exactly how you are feeling; even when you are unable to. It could be a cheesy pop song, it could be an instrumental, but there has been at least one time in everyone’s life when his or her feelings have been perfectly expressed through music. Those are the best musical moments, and why we love it so much.
How do you balance your music with other obligations in life? How does it get affected if so?
It’s extremely difficult…especially being an independent band. We are constantly trying to figure out how to balance everything. If you have any tips please let us know. We do thank all girlfriends (past and present), family members and bosses for putting up with the craziness.
What is your favorite song to sing live?
That’s like trying to pick a favorite child. We like them all but at the moment we would have to say Something Strange. It’s fun because all of us get to yell during the verses.
Do you have any events coming up or recording going on right now aside from the newest record release?
Right now we are focusing on the release of the new album and the release party on July 8th at HopMonk, Sebastopol. We will be releasing some fun promo things here and there between now and July that all revolve around the songs and the album as a whole.
At what age did you start singing and what inspired you?
I didn’t start singing until I was about 15 or 16. The only reason I started was because I had songs written but didn’t have a band. I was so horrible at first but would practice in my car singing along to songs until I got a little better. At one point, when I was just starting to get heavy into music, my Mom tried to convince me to just be a songwriter and have other people sing because I sounded so bad.
How easily do songs tend to come to you?
That’s tough. Every song is very different. It depends on the inspiration. Some songs take 15 minutes and some can take months to perfect. Most of our best songs were the easiest to write. They seemed just waiting to be played.
If you had a soundtrack to your life what song/songs would have to be on it?
Oh man…another tough one. We could go on all day but here are some of our essential tracks:
Don’t You Forget about Me by Simple Minds
The Pirates of the Caribbean theme song
When The Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin
Goin Down by Freddie King
Have a Cigar by Pink Floyd
Things Happen by Dawes
Xxplosive by Dr. Dre
Consolers of the Lonely by the Raconteurs
For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words?
Urgent, authentic blues roots rock & roll (don’t forget the roll).
