INTERVIEW: The Classic Kids — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Cory Ingram

The Classic Kids

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I am staying in America as I chat with The Classic Kids.

The guys talk about their start and what the story is regarding their new single, Better Days. I was curious to learn if more material was being worked on; if Better Days, to them, is their strongest cut; what the vibe is like in New York/New York City – they tell me whether there are plans regards U.K. gigs.

The Classic Kids discuss musical tastes and some newer artists that are worth some further study; how they spend time away from writing and recording; what advice they would offer fellow songwriters emerging – they share with me their favourite memories from their career so far.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello, Music Musings and Such. First off, thank you so much for having us. This week has been excellent with the release. Just a lot of running around but we are very grateful.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

Hello. We are The Classic Kids - Eric James, Max Dean; Matty Boy and Mikey G.

Better Days is your new song. Can you talk about its story and inspiration?

Better Days came about through, honestly, trying to nail a positive, happy song. While we do have some songs that are uplifting, we have more recently been living in a more serious tone as far as our music is concerned.

The concept was born of an idea our producers Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta had initially. We took the concept and made it into what it is now, which is a positive message that you can make your Better Days through your actions and words - that no unpleasant moment is permanent and that adversity can only strengthen your convictions.

Do you think it is the strongest thing you have created? Can you feel the music getting more ambitious?

We tend to treat our songs all equal...

We love this one but we also love all our music. They all are characteristic of that that time in our lives and have defined who we are up to this point. We do feel, though, that Better Days is a song that can be applied to many different experiences and situations.

How did The Classic Kids get together? When did you start recording together?

Eric and Max have been working together for almost ten years now in previous bands. Matty isn’t too far behind that - he also was working with them in some of those acts. Mike joined us back in 2012. So, it’s safe to say that all members have been working together for quite a long time and know each other very well.

Is there more material in the pipeline? What are you working on?

There is always material in the pipeline for us. We absolutely love writing more than anything and probably have more songs than we know what to do with. We have some songs that we feel are likely candidates for our next releases but we will remain silent for now until the time is right.

New York is where you are based. How important is the city and its people in regards your music and creative angle?

New York/New York City is such a creative place to live because you’re literally surrounded by creatively-minded individuals who inspire and captivate the mind. It’s easy to see why we all got into this form of art when it’s literally everywhere. The sad part to us is that not enough really talented people ever get recognized for their efforts but, also, at the same time, a lot of people don’t wish to be spotlighted.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

Our touring plans at the moment are mainly East Coast (U.S.) but that’ll depend on how far our music reaches. So far, the reception is excellent, so a lot of good things could be born of that.

Do you reckon you’ll come to the U.K. and gig here at all?

Of course. We love the U.K. and have friends who live there. We love the culture and feel our music would be well-received. It’s something we really hope to accomplish in the near-future!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We hope that our music reaches as many ears as possible in 2018. We have been working so hard for so long and it feels like we're finally accomplishing what we set out to do. Of course, the future is something we can only wait to see unfold - but we’re very confident that 2018 is going to be an excellent year for us...

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Eric: Oh, man; there are so many memories it is nearly impossible to really settle one. That’s why we love doing this so much. You make stories that stay with you and make you who you are today; from touring to really nailing a song that you feel is truly captivating. One thing that stands out the most is the long-lasting friendships you make along the way. Those stay with you and definitely make for some of the best memories.

Max: All my ‘favorite’ memories usually comes from the touring. Although every tour is different, there are always certain people you meet that are working on the road with you and develop a genuine connection/friendship together and have certain (usually silly) memories together that you will never forget.

Matty: There are so many great memories, but one that sticks out would be the first time we went into the studio as The Classic Kids. We had such a great vibe going into it and we were excited to start the new chapter in our music careers.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

We would love to do a tour support with The Night Game (Martin from Boys Like Girls’ new project). That would be such an awesome tour together!

As far as our rider list, we are pretty easy-going...all we need is a case of water, Welch’s Fruit Snack; a pizza and maybe a bottle or two of Jack Daniels to keep us going. Oh, and Coke Zero...gotta always have the Coke Zero!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just put your heart and soul into your work and never miss an opportunity. If you make what you do fun then it will never feel like work. Don’t be afraid to meet people and let them know what you’re all about.

But, honestly, this can be applied to anything in life.

IN THIS PHOTO: Hotel Apache

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There are a bunch - and one plus side to this new era is that new music is plentiful and easily recommended through the apps. Right now, we're listening to a lot of Young Rising Sons, Hotel Apache; KYKO, lovelytheband; Weathers, LUXTIDES and many more.

IN THIS PHOTO: LUXTIDES/PHOTO CREDIT: Betsy Newman

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

We all have diverse interests outside of music when we’re not working together. We try to keep busy but we also love watching movies and playing video games when we have downtime. We also love the beach and getting out because sometimes that can inspire new ideas. We also try to take vacations to get away and decompress.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Of course!

Eric James: Weathers - The Night Is Calling