Between Kings – Antidote

By starrymag | March 16, 2020

By: Matthew Pepe

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? How has it evolved since your first album?

 

A) I’d say our sound is a blend of stadium size choruses that people can sing along to and music that sets the tone whether it be sexy, dark and viby or uplifting and happy. We feel like we have found our own signature sound with this album. We aren’t trying to replicate anyone, we are letting it come from the heart and whatever happens, happens.

 

Q) How would you describe your creative and writing process?

 

A) We usually start with music. Jordan [Coyne], our guitarist, will put together demos and we will sit down and think about what the vibe is and what we want to say. Then, I (Nic) will sit down and listen to the music and write melody and lyrics. Then, we put it all together and give each other notes and go from there. We work well together so there is no ego involved. Whatever the song wants, we give it.

 

Q) Talking about mental health still comes with a taboo in many circles. What do you hope people take away from a song like “Antidote?”

 

A) I hope people start realizing we have a serious problem on our hands. So many people dead with mental health issues and don’t know how to cope and don’t get the help they need. Whether it be prescription medication or some form of self-medication, some of us need help. We need something to get us through the day and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

 

Q) What would you want to express to your fans about mental health?

 

A) I want people to know that it’s okay to ask for help. So many people reach out to us asking for advice. It’s not always easy for us to help but reaching out to a professional is a step in the right direction. Sometimes it seems like it won’t get better. If you let it, it will.

 

Q) Do you have a favorite track off your coming album?

 

A) I think each of us have a different favorite song. I think we are all really happy that “Antidote” is the single as it holds a special place in our hearts. But songs like “Bad For Me” and “Too Young To Give A Fuck” are so much fun to play live. It’s too difficult choosing a favorite! Like choosing a favorite child!

 

Q) What are some themes you’ll be exploring on the album?

 

A) This album deals with a few different themes from mental health issues to nostalgia to love to lust. We touch on subjects that reflect human emotion. These themes are close to home for so many of us. We also have songs like “Too Young To Give A Fuck” that are tongue in cheek and rebellious. We cover quite a few topics on this album.

 

Q) You have described the new songs off of your album as now “coming from within.” Is this album the first work of the band that shows the true authentic you?

 

A) We have matured a lot since our last album. We are able to write music that is completely pure and from within. We haven’t let the people we learned from and look up to influence the sound of the music we have made. So, it’s safe to say that this sound and these songs are authentically Between Kings.

 

Q) You recently headlined at the world-famous Whisky a Go-Go, a venue that has launched so many iconic acts. What was that like?

 

A) Headlining the Whisky A Go-Go was amazing! Growing up outside of America, you hear stories about how legends made their name playing places like the Whisky A Go-Go and fantasize about playing those iconic venues. So, for us to be able to headline a show there was a special moment for us.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song?

 

A) That’s a tough one! We all listen to such different music. I would have to say just any artist that is making great music that fits the sound that we love.

 

Q) What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

 

A) We hope our fans who listen to our music feel the honesty and emotion we put into our songs. We want to make music that makes people move at the same time as not being afraid to deal with subjects that aren’t always easy to talk about.

 

Q) What is your favorite moment from one of your live performances?

 

A) We have played some great shows. Headlining The Triffid in our hometown to a sold-out crowd was amazing for us. We turned off all lights and everyone lit the whole place up with their phones. It gave us all goosebumps. We also played a show in Big Bear that made it snow during our last song, which was pretty special. And, of course, headlining the Whisky A Go-Go was insane too!

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Between Kings performance?

 

A) Energy!!! We leave it all out there when we play live. So, if you come to one of our shows, expect to dance, have some fun and maybe even cry! Who knows!

 

Q) When will you know you have achieved the “world domination” you hope for? 

 

A) We want to play our music for as many people as we can. We want to tour the world playing great music with great people. If we get to do that for a while, we will be happy.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of your music?

 

A) We want to say a huge thank you for all the love and support we get. We have the best fans in the world and we owe it all to you. If you ever see us around or at one of our shows, come say hey! We are always down for a good time and to beat you at hacky sack. [winks]

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Vocalist Nic Machuca