CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your music, what would it be and why?
DS: We call our music heavy fuzz pop. We like hooks and loud guitars.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
DS: Mostly from other bands and music in general, but I’m also influenced by minimalism. I’m constantly trying to make the most out of the least.
CH.89: What made you all want to start a band and how did you come up with the band name?
DS: Well Jaye (drums) and I are cousins, so we’ve always been in bands together since we were kids. But I guess for me it was seeing a Beatles documentary when I was about six that made me obsessed with starting a band.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new album?
DS: Usually I become very focused and somewhat manic when writing. But we don’t really ever really sit down and start a new album on purpose. We just come up with basic song ideas over a period of time. Then once we think there are enough good ones, we sift through them until we have enough for an album. I really enjoy the process of taking all the ideas and molding them into 12 songs or whatever.
CH.89: What would you want people/ the listener to take from your music?
DS: That we are just a band writing songs without any sort of agenda. We’re just trying to create something cool to the best of our ability that we like, and we hope someone out there likes it too.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
DS: My lifestyle has changed a lot over the years. Things are pretty stable right now which is a welcome change from years of sleeping on couches and being broke and hungry every day. I think no matter what sort of lifestyle you live if you’re committed and drawn to creating art or music, you’re going to do that. It’s taken me awhile to figure that out though. The more regimented my day is the more I write and get done. I’m pretty OCD and the more I plan things out the better and the more time I find to sit down to write or play guitar.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
DS: I think it’s better to act on impulse at first. To let the universe speak through you or whatever. Then see what sort of direction it’s taking on its own. Then you can see what’s happening and start to plan it out.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist?
DS: Trust yourself. I know everyone says that but it’s hard to do sometimes, so you have to keep that in mind as much as you can.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
DS: Not of the highest importance. But I think everything you do is connected and goes hand in hand with expressing yourself musically.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
DS: Maybe finishing something. Once it’s done you can’t really go back. It’s over. There it is for the world to see.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
DS: I quite enjoy being a bit insane.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artists that inspire you in any way?
DS: Oasis and Nirvana.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
DS: I think it’s cool. If it helps you create then I’m all for it. I love my iPhone for recording song ideas.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
DS: I don’t really know to be honest. Maybe? I think so, yes.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
DS: I like traveling, but sometimes it stresses me out. I’m a creature of habit so the constant change can be a struggle for me. Though I do enjoy seeing the world outside of my little reality. My favorite city is New Paltz, NY.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
DS: No favorites, but I’ve been reading a lot of Guy Gavriel Kay lately.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your music?
DS: The main goal is to keep going no matter what. Keep writing songs and recording them. Playing them live and putting them out there. That’s really all that matters in the end.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
DS: It means everything I suppose. It’s who I am. I can’t really see myself in any other way than a guy who plays guitar in a band. That’s kind of scary.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your music?
DS: Honest. Pure. Minimalist. Loud.
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