A few months ago I had the pleasure of reviewing The New Futures EP called “Radioactive“. I have to say when I first read the title of the EP all I could think of was Imagine Dragons and their major hit called “Radioactive“. But this group is nothing like Imagine Dragons, and that is a good thing. They are still in the Alternative genre but I can’t help but think of the different sound they have compared to what is out there right now.
I had the pleasure of getting to know the band a little bit more by asking them a few questions. Here is what they had to say.
First I would like to say thank you for taking the time and answering these questions for Catch My Ear. I have been in a Alternative genre mood lately and when I heard the EP you guys released called “Radioactive” I feel in love with the whole thing! So how did the three of you find each other and how long did it take for you guys to know you had a music chemistry?
Hi Thanks so much! There are actually 4 of us… Sammy J. Riddle (Myself), Chip Reno, Gustavo Carmo, and Robert Ray Baker Jr. Chip and I have been playing together since we were in High School. We grew together and have a gigantic and awesome history. In the spring of 2012 we were on the hunt for a new drummer because our last drummer had to abruptly move to CA. I had known of Baker for about a year or so before I asked him if he’d be interested in auditioning. We knew right away that he was a good fit. Literally a week after Baker joined, I met Gustavo Carmo. I had wanted to add a second guitar player to the lineup for years, but it had to be the right guitar player, and I could never really find it. I’m very particular, and it honestly had to be a super specific type of player for it to work. I couldn’t believe it when I met Gu. His attitude, his musical maturity, and his ability blew me away. We clicked immediately. I don’t think I could ever play guitars with anyone else. He’s very special.
How did you come up with the idea to call the group The New Futures?
Well, we had a running list of band names for months when we set out on this last incarnation/ lineup. Everything we liked was already taken… It was ridiculous. It is crazy how many bands are out there right now. Granted, many of them are not making true careers of it, but if they had the domain and were already using the name, we didn’t want it. I have this genius artist friend… one of my best friends. He handles the entire direction for our artwork pretty much. One day we were talking and he just spit it out… I was like, “what? what did you just say?”. It sounded rad and resonated with me for some reason immediately. I brought it up to the rest of the band and they all LOVED it. It felt right, it felt like us, it was us… and nobody else had it! For me it means a few different things, but it’s all about where we are going in life, and that journey can look very different than you perhaps once planned. If you embrace whatever curve-balls are thrown at you and keep moving towards a positive goal, you grow and progress. We also ironically love everything that’s vintage, analog, whatever… There is a cool and interesting dichotomy there, and we feel like it works very well.
What is the song writing process like for you?
I (Sammy J.) will typically create the bones of a song on my own with an acoustic guitar or whatever, and then bring it to the band to work up. We can polish it and finalize arrangements and accents together. Everyone has strengths and everyone has a job to do. It sounds like The New Futures when we’re done. There is no “set” process though, perhaps we will try some different things here in the near future.
What is each of your favorite song you have written so far?
Sammy- “Ocean“, “My Own Crime“, or Everything… Perhaps… That’s an extremely difficult question, I love them all.
Chip- “Paramedic Parade” (will be on our fall release)
Gustavo- “Sunshine”
Baker- Probably “Paramedic Parade” (will be on our fall release)
Are you guys going on tour soon?
We are planning a West Coat Tour right now. We hope to be able to complete it before 2013 is up. We have our work cut out for us though.
If so is there a certain place you want to play at?
There are a bunch of clubs actually. A few in San Francisco and San Diego that are probably up higher on the list.
What has been your favorite place you have played at?
The Crocodile in Seattle, or the 7th Annual Imagine Fashion Show at the Museum of Flight. Both shows were absolutely amazing with huge crowds.
When did you know you wanted to make music your career?
All of us knew very young actually, like before age 11. We all come from musical backgrounds and have it in our families. We were exposed really young. I (Sammy J.) knew this was what I would spend the rest of my life on when I was 9. I’ve been very serious about music ever since. It’s my life… It’s all of our lives.
Besides you own music what are you listening to? Also how does this music influence the music you write?
There are so many different styles and eras that we all listen to. If I could say anything, it’s that this is like the ultimate melting pot of influences. From Classical to Metal to Hip Hop to Experimental to straight up Pop to whatever else.
How would you describe your sound?
Power Soul Pop… totally
Beside music what doe you guys do for fun?
Nothing is as fun as music, but I love traveling, designing and renovating homes, and I love gear and equipment. I buy and sell a lot of gear. Chip loves business and actually has an MBA. Gustavo loves computers and is pretty much a genius. Baker makes custom drums, and they actually sound great.
What would you tell someone thinking of starting the music industry?
You better really believe in what you’re doing. If you do, work on your craft… be the best you can possibly be. Work very hard at it. Prepare yourself for a long grind. If you get good enough and work hard enough and don’t take “No” for an answer you can find success. Always remember that rewards come in different forms.
I would like to say thank you again to the guys! And make sure to check out their video for the song “Sunshine” below!
