In this interview spotlight, we chat with Paper Chains about technology, their latest release, influences and more.
Full Q&A along with links and the video for Do It While We’re Young below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Stereo: I grew up between Allentown, PA. And spent a lot of time in New Jersey and New York as well.
Jonny: I’m from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We met in Brooklyn, NY and and started this band when we both moved to LA. We make what we call Indie-Pop. I don’t think to much about genre classifications and I hope that comes across in the music. We still have a consistent sound but that’s because we’re pretty honest in our lyrics and our sound comes from listening to MANY MANY different styles of music, marrying together the elements that stand out the most.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
Stereo: Music just sort of happened for us, especially working together. We had known each other for many years from NYC, and we had worked together in the past, but both of us moving to LA connected us to work together for real this time. But we both grew up within music. Jonny’s dad is a music teacher, and my mom was a singer/dancer. A lot of things in life motivate us to stay the course. Having dreams, seeing it, and then making a plan to bring it to reality is key. I think there is just a fire in both of us that keeps us going, that keeps us motivated to make shit happen. And until we make it all happen, we won’t stop.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
Jonny: This is our first release so that’s a big Milestone. We had written a full set of music to be played live with 4 Musicians, but we pulled the plug before recording and releasing, when we realized the sound was going in a different direction. Then we took the time to really create and perfect the sound, and after that the music and everything all came together. It was very magical.
Stereo: We set out to accomplish really great music. We want to make music that everyone wants to listen to. It needs to be catchy, fun, full of life, but meaningful. And I feel we really captured that in our EP, and especially in our new music we are releasing this fall. It’s a dream come true to be creating such incredible music, I’m very excited for the future and very blessed to have everyone support us in this journey like they do.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
Jonny: Technology absolutely helps! First of all, we all have portable recording studios in our pockets or backpacks and that makes creating music very easy. The struggle is learning how to focus that creativity when almost any sound is technically possible. Also with the over-saturation of the Music Market, artists need to set themselves apart from the pack. Our strategy to stand out, is too be ourselves and encourage each other to take risks and discover new sounds and ideas.
Stereo: And also for people to know that it’s cool to express yourself and be different.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our website are always updated with Shows, Videos and new music.
Anything else before we sign off?
Stereo: Keep an eye out for our new Video for “Close 2 Me”. We created, shot, and edited the video ourselves. It’s super fashion and art forward and def. different. I’m pretty stoked for it to come out! We have a remix for “Do It While We’re Young” coming out late August or September. Then we have two new singles coming out this Fall. So many exciting things coming!….Thank you for having us Middle Tenessee!
