What are your names?
Patrick Keenan, Paul McKenna, Corey DiBiase, Joe Reilly, Jake Haggard
Can you tell us the story behind the name The Winter Sounds?
We were recording the first album in Athens, GA. The music had a feeling, but the band didn’t have a name. There was a list of “contenders” but ‘The Winter Sounds’ seemed to perfectly capture the mood of the album we’d recorded. It felt simple and pure and best of all, it wasn’t already a band name!
How would you categorize your genre of music?
I usually say New Wave / Indie Rock / Dream Pop. I think ‘dream pop’ is very fitting to describe the ethos of the band (thanks HIP for that)
Give us a little bio about you as a duo and as individuals.
Hmmm, about the group… We actually live in different cities and right now New Orleans is probably the band’s home, but everyone just has a deep love for music and music performance …
How did you meet each other?
Friends of friends and Craig’s List
Are you a signed to a label?
We are a part of Logica Sonica Records
Can you tell us about your new single “Earth After A Thunderstorm”?
The song was an experiment to try and reflect on some very very old childhood memories. In particular, I can remember playing hide and seek in the park when I was young. I’d made a friend, perhaps I’d just met her that afternoon. I’m maybe 4 or 5 and she hides and before I can find her, what probably happened was that she left with her family… So, I didn’t find her and I wasn’t really upset since these dynamics are normal for kids, I think. But, each time I’d return to the park I always figured she would be there, that she would show up. I reflected on this old old memory, which was really just faded snapshots and distant feelings, but as I tried to capture the essence of that moment, it was disorienting … because at that level of introspection, you really cannot trust the imagery of your own mind. The memories are too faded; they’ve lost some of that initial feeling. And I think in writing this song, I wanted to preserve a bit of what was left. I really only ever had a few images, hiding in the leaves, the sunset, the park, and so I kept the song as simple as I could
What was the writing and recording process like for this song?
I had only ever played it on ukulele and Paul (the guitarist) has a studio in New Orleans called Fine Cutlery. One day, he and I, and our friend Joe Lilly (one of the first drummers and whose brother was the original guitarist) demo’d the song there. That session was eventually sent to Jason Kingsland and he just took it to the next level. He actually revamped it completely and a lot of the instrumentation changed from guitars to synthesizers. He did an amazing job and honestly, it was a different song after his mix, but I loved it even more
If you had to describe the song in three words…
Nostalgia, dreaming, synthpop
Can we expect a EP or album anytime soon?
Yes, if by soon, you mean one month ago 😉 Our 4th full-length album came out January 12th, 2018! I also release new music every other week on patreon at /patsgonewild and these are demos and b-sides and random snippets of ideas, but some are expansive songs which might eventually be taken to a proper studio (versus my apt.)
You have an upcoming US Tour… where will you be heading and where can tickets be bought?
We just finished a big tour where we covered most of the USA in a month. In the summer, we’ll be touring Europe and possibly the US again. Keep in touch through our mailing list www.thewintersounds.us
Would you be up for collaborating with other bands or artists, if so how could they contact you?
thewintersounds@gmail.com – – – always up for collaboration
If you could collaborate with one UK-based artist or band who/what would it be?
The DRUMS
If you could collaborate with one US artists or band who/what would it be?
Hmmm, The Dodo’s
Who are your major musical influences?
I’d have to guess at the other guys specific influences but I think we all share some pretty heavy degree of 90’s punk like NOFX, Bad Religion, Strung Out, Bouncing Souls, Goldfinger, Rancid …
How do you get inspiration to write your songs?
I’ve been doing this for so long that the music comes naturally now, even if I’m “working” at it, there’s no shortage of inspiration – I’m very lucky like that. But I tend to be aiming at trying to create a kind of music that is an expression of kindness and wonder. I want the music to reach people and make them feel better, even – or maybe especially – when I personally feel bad. It is comforting to write and I always hope that other people enjoy what I write and it brings them a kind of peace or clarity or whatever they are looking for. Loads of people out there believe they’ve “figured out” the world and how the world actually is. I believe that is completely wrong; it is mysterious and vast and unknown. So, in that sense, I want my music to challenge the ideas that reduce the world to simple human terms and comfort those who might feel overwhelmed facing this mystery; its ok to be lost
Where do you see yourself now in 5 years?
Terraforming Mars with AGI’s
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Philosophy, cats, wife, DS9
What would your dream venue to perform at be?
On a barge in a crater in Iceland with Sigur Ros
What would be your dream show be to have your music played on?
DOCTOR WHO.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
My grandmother told me: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” So, that’s always stuck with me, maybe because it rhymes 😉
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I really shouldn’t give advice
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Hmmmm, I think this quote probably describes my life: “I wouldn’t be a part of any club that would have me as a member” – – – Woody Allen movie that I can’t remember
You get off a plane in your hometown…
1/ where is the first place you visit?
I don’t have a hometown
2/ where is the first food place you go?
I guess Joe’s Ice Cream Parlor, Easley, South Carolina … that was my first thought
When you’re at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
5 things is a lot to remember
lock the van
set up the merch
warm up your voice
whiskey
not too much whiskey
Where can new fans find you online?
