Interview: Collateral Beauty

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I've always been into music. But what got me into learning instruments or anything like that would be the first time I listened to Slipknot. I immediately wanted to learn drums.

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I'm a nerd. Always have been. If it has to do with medieval fantasy or lore sign me up. I also spend as much time as I can mountain biking and getting back to nature.

How long has your band been around?

Well it started as a side project for me right after the covid lockdown started. But then James got involved after our last project went on an indefinite hiatus.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

We are based out of Dallas Texas, I wouldn't say that inherently living here would change the music in any way. But the people that I've met definitely have influenced it.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

It initially came from a movie that was released around 2008. When i first heard the term Collateral Beauty i couldnt help but think how true it seemed. Like collateral damage but with a rebirth at the end. How life's most beautiful things and moments are often caused by the worst situations.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

Well we actually haven't played shows under this project due to covid lockdowns and various other reasons. But our basis to broke his leg at a show and continued playing the show sitting down 🤣

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?

The next venue is always my favorite.

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

I don't think I have a particular venue in mind but as far as a lineup, Tool, Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin, Nothing More

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Learn your instrument well. Even if it's vocals. Take vocal lessons. Invest in yourself.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Definitely learn musical instruments earlier. I didnt even pick up a guitar seriously till i was 20. That decision was a detriment to finally finding my own writing style.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Well of the one we've released its "Thirteen". Because it comes from my own experience watching my parents trying to destroy everything they had ever created. But the next one in May is called "Alone" and that is more meaningful to me because its about the lowest time in my life where I was struggling with mental health and drinking. I hated who i was. I felt like i deserved to be alone. It took alot out of me with that one. I am grateful that i got through that alive.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Well, currently our only single

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Generally it starts with an idea, A riff, beat or progression. We then just try and build off of that. Once we have drums and rhythm guitar we start adding layers and I start writing vocals. The refinement process is a lot less simple.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I really just want people to know that they're not the only ones to go through shit. We all do. Just listening to songs by Slipknot or Korn or tool whenever I was younger I was just relieved to know I wasn't the only one.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

It helps that we're just a Duo. We don't have many arguments or disagreements.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

Our second single "Alone" will be out in June. It is more energetic and a little bit darker than what we've released so far