Following the release of their hard-hitting single and video Heartsunk, we caught an interview with Atlanta pop-punk rockers The Carolyn to find out more about their journey so far as a band, and their hopes for the future. Here’s how it went.
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Hi guys – congrats on the new video. For those who don’t know, how would you describe your sound and your approach to making music?
I would best describe our sound as “singer-songwriter” delivered in a pop punk format.
Who does what in the band?
Andrew – Vox/Guitar
Oliver – Vox/Bass
Dave – Drums
How did the song Heartsunk come to be, and what does it mean to you?
Patrick (Vocalist): It was written about a transitional phase in my life in which I moved from the town I had been living in for 5 years. I had a close group of friends, but each of us slowly started to move on to bigger and better things, which entailed packing up and leaving. As much as change is necessary, this song is about trying to hold onto a time in your life that you’ll never get back.
There’s an obvious rock and punk-pop influence to the sound, what would you say was your main musical inspiration, and do you have any unexpected influences between you?
Our inspirations have changed so much over the years. When we first started this band, I think Brian Fallon’s approach to writing songs was particularly inspiring. Of course, Oli and myself are massive Lawrence Arms fans, and I think they’re a major influence and have informed our song writing for many years.
As far as unexpected stuff goes, I’m just as inspired by the Gin Blossoms and the Goo Goo Dolls as I am any of the “punk” bands I grew up on.
Do band members ever disagree creatively, and if so – how do you overcome that?
Often! Being in a band is no different than being in a relationship with someone. Its all about communication and compromise. We are a lot better at doing that now than in the past.
How do you find the live performance process when compared to that of writing and recording?
Completely different. When we play live I mainly care about having fun. When it comes to writing and recording my OCD manifests itself in many ways; a little too perfectionist at times.
What’s the live scene like where you are, and how is the response to this kind of music lately?
Atlanta is a pretty diverse place musically. The DIY scene is really welcoming to our sound, as well as many others.
What are your thoughts on mainstream rock and punk in recent years, and your hopes for the future of the genres?
I’m not even sure what constitutes as mainstream rock these days, but all of the “punk”bands we grew up on continue to put out good records which gives me hope.
What sort of values do you hope to bring to the scene?
Fun (if that can constitute as a value, ha) and treating our peers the way we want to be treated.
What can you tell us about This Will Begin to Make Things Right?
This Will Begin to Make Things Right is now available on www.59xstore.com The vinyl will be available December 6th and we are really proud of it.
If you could sit down to lunch with anyone at all, past or present, who would you invite – and what would you ask them about?
There’s so many. I’m actually reading Kitchen Confidential for the first time and it has reminded me of how much I enjoyed Anthony Bourdains work. I think I would ask him to elaborate on what kept him going and pursuing his passion in the darkest of times.
How important has networking proven to be for you as a band in 2019?
Networking is vital to any band in 2019, especially at the national level.
If you could play any event or venue in the world, which would it be, and why?
Royal Albert Hall. Enough said.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of time, which would you choose, and why?
Metropole by the Lawrence Arms. It encompasses everything I like about music sonically, melodically, and lyrically.
What’s the best thing people can do to support you?
I think in 2019 spreading the word goes a long way. If you dig the tunes, share!
Any advice for new bands just starting out?
Get a degree.
Is there anything else we should know?
This Will Begin to Make Things Right will be available on all streaming platforms on December 6th, in addition to being available on vinyl.
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Find & follow The Carolyn on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
