As we wade into the working week I’m sure you’re like us and need a distraction. Well here’s today’s – take it away Mr Highwind…
Simple things first – where are you from?
I’m from Asbury Park, New Jersey.
How long have you been playing as a solo act?
I started Highwind around May of 2018. I played my first show as Highwind in the following October.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
The band name is actually a reference to the video game, Kingdom Hearts! I was playing through the game at around 3 A.M. one night. I was at the part of the game where you race Riku to name the raft you are going to use to try to leave the island you’re on. If you lose the race, Riku names the raft, “Highwind.” I lost the race, saw the name, and knew it had to be the name of the project!
What are your influences?
For this EP, in particular, I had a lot of mixed influences such as Deaf Havana, James Arthur, Grayscale, and From First to Last. Some of my main musical influences, as well as songwriting influences, would be bands such as The Dangerous Summer, As It Is, Selfish Things, Anberlin, and a few others.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I like to think that our music is unique because there is something for everyone, both lyrically and musically. I don’t stick to one particular sound, but instead, use a mix of every sound and every situation that influences me. While yes, this an alternative-rock project, I like to think that we can float around that spectrum of alternative music instead of being stuck inside of one particular part of it.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Every song I write is about a situation I have been through or something I have felt. With these songs, I want to encourage the fact that it is completely okay to be open and honest with yourself and others.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
So far, I have only played one show under the new project. I like to have a lot of fun with my live shows, and like to encourage the crowd to have as much fun with the show as I am. I like to think I put on an energetic live show because I don’t stop moving.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I usually end up climbing on top of amplifiers, drums, or sound systems while I’m playing a show, as well as jump into the crowd and get involved with starting mosh pits and things like that.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I play guitar and sing during our live shows. The two guitars I play are a 2007 Epiphone Les Paul Custom with Seymour Duncan pickups, and a 2011 PRS Custom 24. I play through a Supro 1624T combo amp or an Orange CR60 combo amp. My pedal board currently consists of a Joyo Tai-Chi overdrive, a Solana overdrive, a Boss RV-5 reverb, a Boss DD-7 digital delay, and a Donner tuner.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
The How’ve You Been? EP comes out on January 11th, so I’ve been pushing that around like crazy because I’m so excited to finally share these songs with everyone. I also put out a music video for the debut single, “Afterlife (How’ve You Been?)” not too long ago. So those have been the main things I have been pushing at the moment.
What are your plans for 2019?
I plan on playing all along the east coast. I have two shows booked for February, as well as have other shows in the works. I would love to make a few weekend runs happen. I also have a few things in store as far as releasing new music after the EP goes, but I can’t say much about that yet.
From previous Band of the Day, Red Method: How do you approach writing a song?
Honestly? I just hear something in my head, write the lyrics, and play the song right then and there. Songs just kind of come to me. I hear a chorus or a verse in my head and just work with it. I let it all come to me naturally and let the song unfold on its own.
From another BotD, Not Ur Girlfrenz: What was the first concert you ever went to?
The first concert I ever went to was Switchfoot in Holmdel, New Jersey. That happened back in 2008. I remember it pretty well too. I’ll never forget seeing Jon Foreman throw his guitar at least eight feet in the air and catching it perfectly.
And from Machines On Blast: What venue would be the holy grail for you to play and why?
Having Highwind play at Starland Ballroom in Sayerville or the TLA in Philadelphia would feel like a dream come true for me. Every single one of my favorite bands has played those stages. I would love to play on the same stage that my inspirations have played on.
Highwind: facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify
