CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your music, what would it be and why?
HW: We’ve always considered ourselves Surf Pop because of the vintage gear and tones, mixed with catchy melodies.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
HW: NYC. Hopes. Mistakes.
CH.89: What made you want to start a music project and how did you come up with the name?
HW: Starting a music project came naturally. We were a group of friends and creating together was an excuse to hangout. The name was something I had scribbled in a notebook as a possible band name someday.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new album?
HW: “On Ludlow” was a collection of years of ideas whereas “Sick of Saying Sorry” was deliberately written.
CH.89: What would you want people/ the listener to take from your music?
HW: We want listeners to openly express themselves and hope our music is the key to that door.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
HW: Home life versus tour life can be drastically different. Show mode starts as soon as you get out of the van until your head hits the pillow. At home it’s catching up with friends and family, working gigs and finding some normalcy in creating in our spaces. Embracing the ever-changing environments makes for an inspiring journey.
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?
HW: There’s no wrong way to create. I think our ideas spawn naturally and then get organized.
HW: Process management and direction is wonderful but the best ideas happen naturally. Embrace everything at once and be deliberate about your final thought.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist?
HW: The value of teamwork.
HW: We’re never done learning.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
HW: Not really? Hard work and kindness is of the highest importance.
HW: Without taste, we have no target for our talents.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
HW: Not giving up on your dreams.
HW: Balancing expectations with reality and defining what success looks like.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
HW: Every day is different and we get to carve our own destiny.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artists that inspire you in any way?
HW: Separating influence from inspiration, let’s put artists we don’t know personally aside. We’ve been so lucky to have been joined by incredibly talented friends in our endeavors, who just so happen to be artists along the way.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
HW: First off, I can’t imagine touring without GPS and google maps. I don’t know how bands did it before the tech. And secondly, without social media, email, and cell phones everything would be a struggle especially connecting to friends and fans.
HW: Quantizing and autotune is a wonderful tool but there’s nothing like a stripped down piano or guitar to reveal what you’ve really got going on.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
HW: Differently yes, better no. Our influences can give us a unique perspective.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
HW: We visit so many places when on tour. I think our favorite cities are based on the friends we have there. We love Austin, Nashville, Fayetteville, Chicago and LA.
HW: As Jess said, it’s all about the people. Also, driving is meditation [for me].
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
HW: I love books by musicians. Like Viv Albertine, Carrie Brownstein, and Chrissie Hynde.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your music?
HW: To keep writing and growing musically and to reach more people.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
HW: I couldn’t imagine being anything else.
HW: Playing music in this part of my life has brought me closer to who I’m supposed to be.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your music?
HW: We hope people brew a cup of tea, cozy up and put our new record on.
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