By: Jennifer Vintzileos
Q) How would you best describe your sound?
A) I generally fall under the folk/country category, but for this upcoming EP I changed up my sound a bit. The songs are full band rock arrangements with loud electric guitars and a driving rhythm section. I’d say it still has a rootsy, Americana feel…But I tried to incorporate a timeless heartland rock sound into the mix as well. There are also some influences from my youth that definitely come through including punk, indie and 90’s alt-rock.
Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?
A) This is a really tough question because I listen to so many different types of music. If I can narrow it down to my biggest influences while writing this EP I would have to say Tom Petty, The Menzingers and The Wallflowers.
Q) Tell us the story behind your latest single “Lyin’ To Yourself.”
A) “Lyin’ To Yourself” is kind of a message to my younger self. It deals with self-sabotage and making excuses. I spent way too much of my twenties wasting time at the bar or doing things that took away from my actual goals. Don’t get me wrong, I still like to have a good time, I just seek more balance now. I think everyone has periods in their life where they aren’t living up to their potential or aren’t doing the things that make them happy. Many times it’s self-inflicted. This song is about realizing that you’re getting in your own way and that only you can change that.
Q) You also released a music video for “Lyin’ To Yourself.” How did you come up with the concept for the music video?
A) I was in my hometown of Lancaster, PA to shoot two music videos with my filmmaker friend Alejandro Zapata. I knew I wanted to do one at my favorite bar called The Pony Club. We brainstormed ideas and decided we wanted to have a scene of me drinking at the bar and then one later of me walking home while seemingly intoxicated and kind recognizing in real-time that my choices are self-destructive. We then added in shots of Andrew [Burton], Nick [Lowry] and myself playing live at the bar which sort of signifies what I really want to be doing with my life.
Q) Since its release, what has been the response from fans and listeners to “Lyin’ To Yourself?”
A) The response has honestly been incredible. Many folks have told me it might be their favorite song that I’ve ever written. Several tell me it makes them cry. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing but hell…I’m just happy to make people feel anything these days.
Q) “Lyin’ To Yourself” and “Drunk On Leaving” are singles off your upcoming self-titled EP coming out July 11th. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on this EP?
A) Driving. Changes. Introspection. Booze. Growth. Love.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can begin crafting lyrics?
A) I always start all of my songs on an acoustic guitar. Once I have a chord progression and some vocal melodies that I like figured out, I start working on lyrics. I usually end up just scattering gibberish along to the melody until something that makes sense comes out. Once I have a solid line or two, I can build from there. After I have the bones of the song pretty much fleshed out I then go on to figuring out arrangements and bring other instruments into the mix.
Q) You worked with producer Alex Newport on the EP but how hands on were you when it came to the production side?
A) The band and I had the songs mostly figured out by the time we hit the studio. I definitely knew what I wanted the songs to sound like and I kind of directed everyone in the writing and recording process.
However, Alex was amazing to work with. He was also very hands-on during production. He had a ton of great insight and brought a lot of fun ideas to the table. Him and I worked together over email in the months prior really trying to lock in the song structures and lyrics. In the studio he dialed in some really awesome tones and helped improve the final product quite a bit. He’s also just a really nice, chill guy and really made us feel comfortable during the recording process.
Q) You recruited pals Andrew Burton and Nick Lowry (both of Super Vehicle) for guitar and drums. What did they specifically bring to this beautiful new EP?
A) They’re both great friends and really talented musicians. I could have hired session guys, but I really wanted to have people I’m close with to be a part of the project. I had played with them years prior and I knew they would be a good fit. They really listened to what I had envisioned and helped bring it all to life in the writing and recording process.
Q) Which song was your favorite to write and record for the new EP?
A) “Drunk On Leaving” – I wrote it just days after moving across the country from Pennsylvania to California. I was ecstatic and inspired by the road trip and the song practically fell out of me. It’s also probably the most driving, upbeat song on the EP so it was a blast to record.
Q) With the release of the new EP, are there any plans to tour to promote the new music?
A) I plan on doing a bunch of shows within the next year in support of the release. Both solo acoustic and full band. To be announced.
Q) Which song is your favorite to perform at live shows?
A) Probably “Lyin’ To Yourself”
Q) If you could collaborate with anyone on a new project, who would you love to work with and why?
A) I never really thought about that too much. Maybe Justin Vernon of Bon Iver? Everything he touches is incredible. Willie Nelson? Turnstile? Umm…Post Malone seems like a really nice, genuinely fun dude? Maybe write some pop songs with Charli xcx? IDK, HMU.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?
A) THANK YOU. I see you and your support means way more to me than you can imagine. I really hope you dig these songs as much as I do. I’m just getting started and there is a lot of new stuff in the works for this coming year. Hope ya’ll will come along for the ride.