Interview: Sleep Nation

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

Music is what saved me from severe depression. I lost my mother at the age of 12, and I needed to find an outlet for the pain and depression. I picked up the guitar at 14, and I haven't looked back since. If it weren't for the gift of music, I don't believe I would be here.

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

Watch horror movies, make stupid cat videos, cook, and help my wife take care of our 5 cats.

How long has your band been around?

Sleep Nation has been around for 12 years now.

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

We are based out of Nashville. It’s known as a country music destination. I directly believe that’s why Sleep Nation is out of control rock n roll in absolute defiance of country music.

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

I would stay up until the wee hours of the night writing music while the rest of the nation was asleep. Sleep Nation is a nod to bad sleeping habits and an uninformed society that is likened to that of the walking dead.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Playing the East Room Post-Covid, it was one of the first shows back. It was our official debut as a two-piece, and the crowd was loving it. I will never forget the feeling that night, knowing that we had made the right decision.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to

play that you have not already?

Hard Rock Cafe is really cool to play, but we would love to do Red Rocks!

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

U2. Nine Inch Nails. Nothing But Thieves. Foo Fighters. Mutemath.

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

If it is working, don’t try to fix it. This applies to both questions.

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

Trust in my own voice.

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

“SPACEman” because it’s our most diverse and experimental song to date. It describes all of my influences in 5 minutes.

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

“Crybaby” and “Deeper in Debt” are a fan favorite right now.

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

Joey and I work out a riff or jam, then I take that and write lyrics to it. Anyone can do it! Books, movies, and life experiences are where most of my inspiration comes from.

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

Love, healing, and politics suck.

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

The disagreements are no longer in the band! LOL!

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

New Album in 2022!