James Howard, John Landino, Andi Wright and Zach Stout have joined forces to share a creative vision.
Individually, their musical journeys are diverse and well-seasoned. Together, they strive to provide familiar tunes with a fresh perspective that indie/alt fans have been craving. James, John, and Zach have all formally studied audio engineering. Their trained ears are earned from decades of performing and producing various genres of music. Andi’s musical roots have been self-driven from a young age and have grown alongside her professional career as a mechanical engineer. The group is enthusiastic about sharing their 11-track debut album, No Brains, No Blood., with those who wish to delve into an introspective sonic experience.
How would you describe your music?
It’s always hard to put ourselves in a perfect box, but we feel our band fits snugly between alternative and indie rock. Think The Killers meets Brand New. We don’t care if you dance, headbang, or do the Macarena at our shows. We just want people to have fun and move around as much as possible.
What is your creative process like?
Our creative process for songwriting usually stems from an idea James has dabbled with on his acoustic guitar and then presents to the full band. We’ll jam on it for hours if we like it enough. Each member will start dropping in their own flair and originality, and sooner than later we have a new song idea. Sometimes the best fuel for songwriting and creativity is taking a step away, walking around downtown, grabbing some drinks or food, and just talking about it.
Who are your main musical influences?
Between the four of us, we have very different musical interests, but there’s also a lot of overlap in what we enjoy. That’s why we think we have such a strong musical connection. Some of us lean more into pop punk and others vibe more with indie and classic rock. Bands like Taking Back Sunday, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers all very much influence what we’re trying to capture when we write new songs.
What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?
We’re looking to play a bunch of shows and go on tour in the fall. We’ve started writing our next album, and we plan to release new music and a music video by the end of this year.
What is your current music project about?
Our album No Brains, No Blood. was written mostly throughout 2020, so a lot of the lyrics reflect what most people were feeling at that time. There are themes of anxiety, anger, and self-doubt while also trying to stay optimistic and resilient through those dark times. Overall it’s sort of a trip through all the emotions life can throw at you on a daily basis. Musically it’s pretty diverse, and we love dynamics, so at any point you can be either rocking out to heavy riffs or floating through a shoe-gazey breakdown.
What is the most useless talent you have?
James: I honestly don’t know, but I’m sure there are more than a few “most” useless talents I possess.
Zach: Well I can sorta hacky sack.
John: Growing up with minimal supervision turned me into a legit prison chef Guy Fieri, meaning I can cook literally anything using just a microwave. I’m talking eggs, pasta, tacos, etc…shit, I could probably throw a fillet in there if I really had the balls.
Andi: I can make bird calls using my hands.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name be?
James: Infinite Intelligence – not sure of the name, any ideas? Haha.
Zach: Movin’ Melvin – Moves mere matter through the medium of mind
John: I’m not religious, but having all the sick powers of Jesus Christ would be pretty sweet. I’d turn A LOT of water into either white wine or Coors Light. I’d be John The God.
Andi: Airbender Andi
What would be a good theme song for your life?
James: “Parting of The Sensory” – Modest Mouse
Zach: “Mind Mischief” – Tame Impala
John: “I’m On A Boat” by The Lonely Island. The vibe of that song is a mindset I try to slip into at least once a day.
Andi: “Souk Eye” by Gorillaz
What makes you nostalgic?
James: Video games, movies, and really long drives.
Zach: Today, if you’d be so kind as to ask me that again in the future
John: Purple ketchup. IYKYK.
Andi: Nintendo 64 games and AIM sounds
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
James: Don’t let the little things burden you so much. Focus on what you can do to achieve what you want to in life, and you’ll find it.
Zach: Breathe, man!
John: When life gives you lemons, don’t always be so quick to put those in your Corona. A lime may be just around the corner. Ya feel me?
Andi: Listen to your gut. It’s right.
https://nobrainsnoblood.ju.mp/
https://www.instagram.com/theinsideoutband/