2/14 is a fantastic new pop-punk band hailing from New York, fitting the current revival of the genre perfectly. We reviewed their track, Crystal Ball, and I absolutely loved it. If you somehow missed the review, you can also find it at the end of this interview.

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a single titled Crystal Ball. What can you tell us about the track?

The song is about living it up and having the time of your life as a teenager, knowing that it can all come crashing down in a moment’s notice. I wrote the lyrics as a tribute to the best times in my life, knowing that I’ll never get them back but cherishing the memories nonetheless.

How has the reception to Crystal Ball been so far, and where can the song be purchased?

So far the song’s been well received by bloggers, reviewers and playlist curators. It’s drawn comparisons to some of my favorite bands, but most people recognise it as a modern renewal of the pop-punk sound. It can be found on most major platforms. CDs will be available when the full LP drops.

This is your debut single, making it even more impressive! How was the writing and recording process?

The writing process was really quick. It actually started from the pre-chorus just popping into my head while I was waiting for my friend to pick me up, and I finished the rest of the song later that week. I brought it in to our next practice and it clicked right away. We didn’t have to change anything about it.

Recording was also straightforward. We recorded drums and bass into a Neve 8068 console so the rhythm section sounds perfect. It’s easy to really overthink guitar tone, but I kept it simple with one amp and a couple of Gibsons for a tight, heavy sound that still has warmth. Almost all the vocals were first takes, and I’m really proud of how everything turned out.

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

Yes. I have a few songs in mind.

Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?

We have a full debut album already recorded and nearly completely mixed. It sounds so awesome, and I can’t wait to put it out there. I’ve worked hard on writing and producing it. It crosses a few different styles and flows really well.

Have you got anything exciting coming up this year that you’d like to tell us about?

We have our first opening spot for a cool disco-metal band called Makes My Blood Dance – they invited us to play in New Jersey on the April 12 date of their tour. The other bands on the bill are legit too. We’re also filming a music video for Crystal Ball in Brooklyn while I work on the remaining songs for the second album.

Your music has a punk rock sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?

When I was in high school, Enema of the State by Blink-182 started my journey into music. My other favorite albums were Insomniac by Green Day and All Killer, No Filler by Sum 41, which built the foundation of my songwriting approach and the kind of band I wanted to form. Some of my favorite albums after that were The Swiss Army Romance by Dashboard Confessional, What It Is To Burn by Finch, and Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled album. Lately I haven’t listened to much besides the upcoming 2/14 record, but the first two Oasis albums have been some of my new staples.

You’re based in New York. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?

It’s cool. We’ve met a lot of alternative rock and indie rock bands, but not as many pop punk acts.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

Not yet.

Any last words for the fans?

Thank you for listening – more coming soon. Stay tuned.