Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Being a kid in the early 2000s, I found myself watching a lot of MTV (and Canada’s version of it – Much Music). Many of my favourite childhood bands were discovered that way. I always gravitated towards the bass guitar so my dad taught me some basics and helped me learn some songs from those bands I’d seen on TV. He also introduced me to classic rock and early punk rock bands. Later, when I reached my teen years, I started going to small all-ages clubs around town to see shows. That really opened my young eyes to a whole new world of music that wasn’t played on the radio or on TV. Seeing regional touring acts that weren’t playing arenas, but rather packing small clubs made me feel like I could do it too. That playing in a touring band and having people like your music was something attainable.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover Texas King?
A: We’re a band that loves touring and I truly believe that the best way to experience our band is at a live show. When people hear our music I hope it makes them want to have a good time. That’s the same energy we try to bring to the stage. No matter what your day was like, it’s our job to make it better. It’s a party.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: The playlist in our van is super eclectic. Each member comes from a different music background and has their own personal influences. I think more than anything, inspiration comes from our own ambition and experiences these days. When you see a crowd’s reaction to your song or people singing along in the front row, it can inspire you to lean into that even more when writing new material.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, Capsize?
A: Sometimes when you overcome struggles or challenges in your life you can get comfortable and assume it’s all smooth sailing from here. But the waters don’t stay calm forever… and if you’re not careful, that boat will flip over.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: High-energy. Does that count as one word?
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording Capsize?
A: Every time we go into the studio we are faced with the same challenge, and that is capturing the energy and vibe of a live show on recording. For a band like ours, sometimes I feel like the studio can be our enemy in some ways. We’re used to playing together as a band on stage, moving around a lot, sweating, and feeling the crowd right in front of you. Often a recording studio is the complete opposite. We made a few specific decisions when working on Capsize, such as recording live off the floor with relatively minimal overdubs to capture the excitement of guys in a room playing off of each other. With each release I think we get a little closer to achieving that sound and I think this EP is the best representation of that so far.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I’d like to think people find messages of hope and optimism in our music. Sometimes songs can be dark, but I think most of Jordan’s lyrics have some kind of light at the end of the tunnel. Our goal is to share our music with anyone who wants to join us on this ride. We love getting to tour new places and meet new people.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: That one’s tough and I seem to give a different answer every time haha. Let’s go with Bruce Springsteen. I admire a lot about him. His song writing, his socially conscious viewpoints, and his dedication to the live show despite his age.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Don’t sit around and wait for someone to help you. You have to do everything yourself, especially when you are starting out. Booking your own shows, selling tickets, marketing yourself, making connections, recording your own demos… the list goes on. Very few people in the industry (labels, managers, agents etc) are willing to stick their neck out and take a chance on an unproven artist these days. And the truth is you can accomplish a ton on your own. If you create a buzz, eventually people will come knocking.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Don’t sweat the small stuff and make sure to take moments of pause to enjoy the journey.
