We chat to solo rock artist from Nashville Color Out about the imminent release of his new EP, influences and “dirt emo”.
Interview by Jane Howkins
How is 2020 treating you so far?
It has been great so far! My twin boys turned one years old a couple weeks ago and I have a new EP coming out in a week. A lot to be excited about and really looking forward to sharing these new songs with everyone.
Have you released any music so far this year? If so, what can you tell us about that?
Nothing yet in 2020, but have a new EP set to release on the 13 March.
Are you working on any new music at the moment? What are you working on, and when will it be released?
I just finished recording for the new EP titled Perspectives out 13 March. It will feature six total songs, two of which were previously released singles. I am really excited about these new songs and where Color Out is going. There is something for everyone on this EP and I tried to incorporate several rock genres on this one. Although this EP has some serious Pop/Punk vibes, it also has one of the slowest songs I’ve ever written called With You. I don’t write a lot of love longs, but after having kids you see the world a little differently and this one certainly captures that. The title track, Perspectives, is one that I feel a lot people will connect with. It’s a fun, upbeat track about living life to the fullest.
Have you got any upcoming tours planned? If so, where are you playing and where are you looking forward to going most?
As a solo project, touring is a challenge as you can imagine. I don’t have any shows planned, but that is always subject to change. My dream is to one day hit the road and play some of these songs live.
Who/what has influenced you the most as musicians?
This is always a tough question because so many artists have influenced me over the years and new one’s do every day. I grew up listening to ’90s country and I didn’t even get into rock until I got my first guitar. From then on, I was all about ’90s rock. I think the early 2000s rock and emo scene really had the biggest influence on my songwriting style. When you listen to Color Out, I think it’s pretty obvious my songs are heavily influenced by that time period.
As far as specific artists that have influenced me? Death Cab for Cutie, Third Eye Blind, The Dangerous Summer, The Beatles & Fleetwood Mac to name a few. I really value quality lyrics and raw emotion in songs. I guess that is why I am drawn to emo so much because you feel that emotion in the songs. Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie is probably my all time favourite songwriter. Some of their early stuff is just unreal, so creative and songs like Tiny Vessels have a brutal honesty.
What have you been listening to recently that you can recommend to our readers?
Love this question! Ruston Kelly for starters, amazing songwriter and love that he has created this “dirt emo” sound. I just found out about PLTS and I have been hooked on them for a little bit. Other than that, I have been listening to a lot of A Will Away, Jason Aldean, and The Early November as of late.
Why do you think people should pick up one of your records or come and see you live, and what can people expect from one of your shows?
Hopefully people connect emotionally with my songs the way I do with my favourite artists. I try to bring a lot of energy to these songs and show real emotion in them. I know the rock genre as a whole isn’t the most popular right now, but I believe there is still an appetite for this type of music and hopefully Color Out has a little bit of that throwback sound they’ve been looking for.
Any last words for the fans?
All I have to say is thank you! Thank you for this interview and allowing me to dig deeper into what Color Out is all about. Thank you to all the fans across the world that have listened and shared my music with a friend. I have been able to accomplish quite a bit as a solo project that doesn’t tour, and that is not possible without word of mouth. I love hearing from fans so please check out the social media and send me a message!