The Undecided Majors are a Pop-Punk Alternative band originally from the Destin, FL area but now residing in the Austin, TX area. The Undecided Majors sound, instrumentally, is Blink-182 meets Foo Fighters, and vocals/lyrics are like Green Day meet Third Eye Blind. Every song has a phenomenal sound, whether it be guitar tones/effects or bass riffs that bring the song together, The Undecided Majors have got a refreshing new sound.
In this interview feature, we chat with Scott and Jake about their influences, the new project and much more.
Q&A along with links and streams can be found below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into The Undecided Majors and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Scott – It honestly started for me when I first heard the band, Blink-182 and then eventually into heavier styles like Four Year Strong, A Day To Remember, and more. Wanted more of a blend between the two styles, pop punk meets post hardcore.
Jake ⁃The energy of the heavy guitar rifts along with the double bass pedal playing along to a fast meter/tempo.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Scott – Probably 10 years. We were the only band in middle school/high school that had a mac and knew how to work Garageband I guess (haha) but we put out the most “professional” sounding recordings on Myspace
Jake ⁃ Since we were both in middle school. We started our first band together and released music about 10 years ago by posting our first songs on a Myspace band page.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Scott – What influences me has to be my personal life events and I also have always loved the idea of writing the music/melodies very upbeat but with a ‘downer’ style of lyrics. My son motivates me to keep going. I want to be a role model for him in a way that shows that your aspirations and dreams can happen with the right amount of work behind it.
Jake ⁃ We try to get our influences from all artists and genres. For me, I can find motivation in pretty much any song whether it be rap or bluegrass. The thought of making a living doing what we love is our real motivation for making music.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Scott – We kinda wanted to redeem ourselves from the “Redemption Rule” release. That release was very alternative rock style and was not the route we initially wanted to go, but with the producer we had, there wasn’t much choice. This project was like our “break free from the cocoon”, do what we initially wanted to accomplish.
Jake ⁃ We really wanted to broaden and transform our sound from an almost classic punk sound to a more modern pop punk sound with a few electronics thrown in. And it was quickly influenced in that way due to a Swedish band called, Abandoned By Bears.
What was the last song you listened to?
Scott – last song I listened to would have been BRB by SWMRS
Jake ⁃ The last song I listened to was Man Of The Year by Schoolboy Q at the gym.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Scott – Vinyls if I’m at home, but REAL vinyls. The classically made ones. The ones today are not as authentic. CD’s were great when I had my CD player or no aux jack in my car (haha) but for the most part, MP3’s.
Jake ⁃ Thats tough, they all have their pros and cons. MP3s are awesome to have everything in one location. However, you can’t beat the sound and feel of a classic vinyl. And CD’s always take me back to when I was a kid.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Scott – Standing out for sure. You have to tour more than the other band, and you have to have great music that sounds good digital as well as live. And its all about connections. You have to make the RIGHT connections at the RIGHT time and things will start to fall into place.
Jake ⁃ Trying to stand out from the crowd. You really need to be something unique and new to break through these days. Long are the days of copying a look or a sound as there are a hundred other bands just like you out there.
Tell us a little more about your EP, In Spite ? What are you looking forward to the most with the release?
Scott – The EP is kinda of a concept EP, its a storyline of Cindy. I’m looking forward to the response from the music world. We work every day at new material to master our craft and experiment with different ideas.
Jake ⁃ Really looking forward to hearing how people respond to our newer sound as we become better and better at recording and producing our own sound.
What’s your favorite song on the album?
Scott – My favorite song has to be Cindy’s Struggle, it literally was a struggle for me vocally to hit some of those notes (haha). Plus, it was the first time I was able to record a gang vocal of my friends, so that was a fun day in the studio. Great memory.
Jake ⁃ As the drummer, my favorite song is Insanity. It was song most fun to record.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Scott – Facebook or Twitter. The Facebook needs more love than the Twitter account (haha). It’s hard to work Facebook, but we’re working on both every day.
Jake ⁃ Either Facebook or Twitter. We love tweeting either funny tweets or clips of our songs. Check it out!
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Scott – Work with what you got, for now. Do the research, be an artist, but know the business and you’ll be fine.
Jake ⁃ We’re just really excited to premier In Spite and see the reaction. Never lose your hunger for anything you truly enjoy doing.
