Hiya (Josh, Dylan, Andrew), thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music? Josh: Interestingly I grew up playing competitive soccer. That is where I met my best friend and guitarist, Dylan Hornaday (co-founding member). Dylan: Always been into music growing up in a record store (Schoolkids Records in Raleigh) but never picked up a guitar much until after my Dad passed away in 2011 and I got his guitar and decided to learn how to play. Andrew: Normal kid stuff sports/video games, I started playing music around 12 years old.
What’s the live music scene like in your area right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)? Josh: Ah unfortunately there is not a lot popping in the music scene around Raleigh, NC. However, we’re aiming to change that. Dylan: Favorite local band is American Aquarium not much I’m into otherwise locally currently. Andrew: Its pretty small but there are plenty of great musicians around Raleigh.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this? Josh: Personally, it’s a love hate relationship. There are so many negative elements of social media. However, it is obviously a necessary evil. Andrew: It is nice to be able to get your name out there without relying on labels or print media.
How do you manage engagement on your socials? I try to be as responsive as possible! Josh: We love our fans and if people are willing to take the time to share love with us, the least we can do is give that love back! Andrew: Josh takes care of that haha.
What’s your view on the Music industry today? Josh: It’s pretty nasty. Music to us is an artistic expression to be shared and loved. We don’t create music to become financially wealthy but to enjoy ourselves. If others share in that enjoyment and it happens to become a means to end, then that is just icing on the cake. Dylan: It’s great to have so much accessibility to all types of music and influences but to make it into the music industry seems like either a real grind in terms of touring and constantly putting out new music. Andrew: It’s a rat race but at least with the internet anyone can make it.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry? Josh: Oh, we are nobody for sure at this point, but we’ll see what happens. Andrew: Square one.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music? Josh: That less is more. When you first pick up the guitar you want to play as many notes as fast as possible and shred. However, I’ve learned that playing the simplest rhythm or melodies can prove the most challenging as you must be intentional on delivery. Dylan: just playing what feels good and try not to take things too seriously.
What was your best experience on stage? Josh: Getting lost in the music with the band and forgetting you are even performing in front of an audience. Andrew: Just the adrenaline rush you get from being on stage every time.
What was your worst experience on stage? Josh: Tossing my Rickenbacker bass off stage after what I thought was a poor performance (I was scared to open my guitar case for weeks afterwards to see the damage!) Andrew: Being unprepared to play my best.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about. Josh: I didn’t start playing music until I was 17-18. Dylan: I’ve never really played anywhere in a live setting more so just jamming and creating with our group. Andrew: I hate peanut butter.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it? Josh: So, we just released our debut EP, This is Only a Test. You can find it on all major streaming platforms, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc. But it’s been described as “a refreshingly authentic rock experience and a no-nonsense collection that thrives on its rawness and straightforward execution.” Andrew: It’s a labor of love many years in the making.
What was the recording process like? Josh: All done in my parent’s basement that we grew up in, losing our virginities and a couple braincells, so it was a nostalgic experience. Andrew: it went surprising well, I think what we were able to capture turned out great.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes? Josh: Just reminding myself to keep it light and fun. I tried not to take the experience to seriously and I hope that vibe translated into the recordings. Andrew: Taking time to go back and retool stuff can make a huge difference.
Would you change anything now it’s finished? Josh: You know, we had been jamming to some of these songs for nearly a decade, so it felt great to finally get them out and cemented. I don’t know how the other guys feel, but I’m pretty satisfied with the results. Andrew: No this was a long time coming just glad to finally get it finished.
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