It took me about 10 seconds to fall in love with this 5-piece rock band. ‘Speak Softly’ jumps so quickly into the music that I nearly fell off my chair, but it grabbed my attention and kept it. The band are touring with Secrets, Palisades and Too Close To Touch later this month and took the time to answer some of my questions.
How did the band form? Were you all friends before?
Kyle: Long story short, is that I went to school with Robert and then I went to a different school with Dylan. Robert, Dylan and myself were playing music together and Zach came to a show to meet us because he wanted to book us at his venue. I met Cole through a video game. Everyone met through me!
How did you choose the name for the band?
K: We made a list of about 50 different ideas and it was the only one that seemed like it fit us and the music!
What inspired each of you to become musicians? Was it what you always wanted to do?
Kyle: I started singing at a young age and really enjoyed the local show community.
Zach: Angus Young
Robert: Played guitar hero, wanted to learn the real thing.
Cole: My older brother started playing guitar and got involved in the local scene. He encouraged me to play the drums and we started a band together. After playing our first few shows I knew it was what I wanted to pursue.
Dylan: Metallica, si.
The debut EP really feels like an expansion on the three songs released prior, the sound is much more developed; was this a conscious decision? Will the new music follow this feeling of evolution?
K: The new EP is definitely an expansion on the first EP. I feel like we gave a taste of what the evolution would entail with “Just Exist,” and we’ve had some really solid feedback specifically with that song. The new music is a mixture that as well as the relentlessness of “Speak Softly.”
How does the writing process work for you guys? What’s the easiest and hardest part of a song to write?
K: It’s always changing. Sometimes we will start with a chorus melody. Sometimes we start with a guitar part. Sometimes drums. The hardest part of writing a song for us is starting.
What would you like to achieve through your music?
K: For kids to have something relatable that can help them through whatever hardship they’re going through.
I knew from the first 10 seconds of ‘Speak Softly’ that I loved you guys. What song would you recommend to someone who hasn’t heard your music before?
K: “Just Exist” for sure.
Who would you say are your greatest influences?
K: The old post-hardcore greats + Garth Brooks.
Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with?
K: Kendrick Lamar
If you could create a band out of any musicians, living or dead, who would be in the band?
Dr. Teeth – Keyboard, Vocals
Floyd Pepper – Bass, Banjo, Vocals
Zoot – Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Tuba
Janice – Lead Guitar, Tambourine, Trombone, Trumpet, Vocals
Animal – Drums
What apps do you have on your phone and which one is your favourite?
K: Clash of Clans is the best app ever. Other than that, I just have social media apps.
Has there been a moment so far on your musical journey that’s really stood out to you?
K: The first night that I forgot to close the windows in the van when we were sleeping in below freezing temperatures.
When can we expect to hear new music from Picturesque?
K: Sometime in 2016!
I love these guys and highly recommend buying their EP and keeping an eye out for new music. If you live in the US try to get down and see them live – you won’t be disappointed.
Check them out on social media:
Twitter: @picturesqueband
Facebook: Picturesque
This interview took place on 2/2/16.
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Are there any questions you’d have liked to see? Let me know below. I’d love to hear what you think.
