Tell us about your band, how long have you guys been performing together? What inspired you to start?
We are mostly based out of Hartford, Connecticut and have been playing together for roughly 7 years. Several of us went to a music school in Hartford and starting making music together shortly after graduating. We were inspired to be a band that wrote and performed music we want to play and not have day jobs. I’m happy to report we still enjoy playing music together and we don’t have day jobs anymore.
The music industry is super competitive these days, was there a moment in your life that you wanted to give up on your music / band? How did you manage to stay focused and achieve what you want?
I agree – the music industry is damn competitive. Speaking from a limited perspective, it seems we are in an age of music where no one really has a proven formula anymore. It’s scary and it’s exciting. At times it can be discouraging, but it always feels like anything could happen at any time. Bands are breaking/being discovered across all sorts of new platforms. I’ve never wanted to give up music or not be a part of this band. It’s the challenges and how we approach them that separate the people who are afraid to get wet from the people who can weather a storm.
How would you describe your creative processes? Who writes the lyrics to the songs? Are the music and lyrics written in conjunction, or separately? Where does the inspiration come from?
I am the primary songwriter for the band and my song writing process is constantly changing. Often a melody or chord structure comes first. Lyrics are generally last for me – they take the longest time and I lose the most sleep over them. I’ve found over the years that the better I can organize my ideas – iPhone memos, lyrical scribblings and rough demos, the better I can connect the dots when putting together a complete idea for a song. My mind is filled with fragments of melodies and four word lyrics. As for inspiration, I wish I could pin point where mine comes from, but it’s always changing. I get inspired driving down a highway, meeting new people, shovelling my driveway, etc. There are a lot of unwritten songs hiding in the shadows of everyday activities.
What’s your favourite track from the latest album and what other bands/artists are you listening to right now?
My favourite song to play live lately has been “Light Me Up”. It’s a high energy song written from the perspective of standing on stage looking at a roomful of people looking at you. Lately my listening has been all over the place. I love all the access we get with streaming music services, but it makes me such a scattered listener. Growing up I would buy (or burn) CDs and listen to every song on the album. I’m afraid now that with so much new music happening all the time I find myself jumping around quite a bit more. Lately I’ve been listening to Bahamas, Rayland Baxter, Jordan Klassen, tUnE yArDs, The Tallest Man on Earth and The War On Drugs.
Which gig did you enjoy playing the most so far? Why?
Man, that’s a tough one. Bronze Radio Return has played a lot of shows and so many of them have been memorable and enjoyable for different reasons. Playing at summer festivals in America is a blast- so much energy and positive vibes. I have a feeling that our upcoming UK tour will yield some very enjoyable moments.
What do you expect from the tour and what do you plan to visit while in the UK?
I’m not sure what to expect and that’s part of the reason it’s exciting. I’ve heard from friends in other bands that they love touring through the UK and that people there really enjoy music. It’s going to be an adventure. We are looking forward to being in a new place and meeting new people. I’ve heard you guys have some really old buildings with a lot of spectacular history attached to them.
Your social links:
Website: bronzeradioreturn.com
Facebook: facebook.com/bronzeradioreturn
Twitter: @bronzeradio
Youtube: BRONZERADIOVEVO
