It’s been a meager 2 years since Ryan Rockwell (guitar, vocals) and Maura Weaver (guitar, vocals) came together to write songs. And then with Michael Remley (bass) and Boone Haley (drums) on board, they continued to put their music out there and have recently been signed to No Sleep Records.
Bandbucket briefly caught up with Ryan, who filled us in on the band’s beginnings, doing what they love and loving what they do . Read on the learn more about Mixtapes:
1. Let's begin with a brief intro on how you guys came together.
Well Maura and I started writing songs acoustically with no particular plans. One day the band Fireworks was staying at my house and Tymm their drummer said he'd like to play on the songs. We, at the very last minute recorded what would be ‘Maps’. After that came out Dear Landlord offered us a tour so we thought hey let's drop out of college, quit our jobs and do this all the time!
2. Where or what do your draw your inspiration from?
For me it comes from bands that mean a lot to me and all of my surroundings. I know Maura and I write in similar styles. The music that influences what I write in Mixtapes is an assortment of The Counting Crows, The Replacements, The Promise Ring, Dillinger Four, Superchunk, Gin Blossoms, Barenaked Ladies and The Hold Steady or somewhere in between all of that!
3. Your latest album, 'Even on the Worst Nights' will be out very soon. How do you feel about your upcoming release?
I couldn't be more excited! This is our first proper album, we are all proud of it and I am excited for people to be able to listen to it. Hopefully they like it although if they don't they are wrong.
4. You have also released, 'Songs to Start a Revolution,' this year, free for download. Personally I think it's an awesome idea to put some of your freestyle random songs out there. How did the idea come about?
Well honestly every day in the studio we would warm up by just recording goofy songs. 90 percent of them are freestyled. It puts everyone in a good mood and we could kind of warm up our voices. We never planned to put them out but after the album was done we were like "wow we have a lot of these, let's just put it out for free. Some people will think it's funny and some people will say it's stupid! So it's a win win!
5. What do you enjoy most about live shows?
Just the spontaneous things and the energy. We have alot of fun live and I think it shows.
6. Finally, could you send out a little message to all our readers?
Thanks for reading this and checking out or band and or being our friend, we are extremely lucky!
For more information on Mixtapes and stay up to date with all that’s going on with the band, watch this space, and check out the following websites:
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