Interview with Broadside

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

Music was an escape for me as a teenager. My childhood was lonely and music was the only friend I had for a while. Without music I’d just be lonely.

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

I also write short stories. I would say that the two go hand in hand. They both challenge me to present my or any story in a different format, but are equally funneled through the power of words.

How long has your band been around?

Since 2012.

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

Richmond, Virginia. I would say that it’s influenced our band only in the sense that there were a lot of bands in RVA. So, there was always an opportunity to create and be around likeminded musicians. It’s a predominantly hardcore scene, so that also influenced us in the sense of just not fitting in. We stood out.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

I’d say playing in Germany for the first time was a total culture shock. Hundreds of kids in Germany singing your little heartbreak songs is a total mind fuck.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I would love to play Red Rocks someday. But The Rave, The Palladium, Canal Club and the Beat Kitchen are a few of my personal favorites.

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

Daft Punk, Post Malone, Bright Eyes, and The Cure.

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

Stop being afraid and stop trying to impress people who don’t even know you or your band… find your people by creating the bridge to get them to you. You’re always in control.

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

Heartbreak is part of it all man. You’re not being tested, everyone is.

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

Probably Clarity or Seasons. They both deal with the lack of control I feel unfolding within me as I get older.

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

Coffee Talk, Laps Around A Picture Frame, and Heavenly probably get requested the most. My favorites to play are those or any that songs the crowd has a good response to. I don’t perform for me anymore, I just want them to have a good show.

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

I think just seeing the whole thing come together is the most inspiring thing. It starts with something so small… an idea and then if you’re lucky… kids overseas will be singing it right back to your face.

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

Perseverance – there’s only one way through it and that’s through.

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

We are all grown enough now to just lay it out on the table. That, or leave it up to a band

majority vote.

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

We are focusing on releasing songs at our own pace to kind of test the waters. See where we even exist in a post Covid world.