This past month I worked on a special project for one of my favorite bands: Cage The Elephant. I got to work with fans all over the world of all ages who wanted to make a piece of art, write a short story or poem or make anything they considered to be creative, and they also included a written reason why they liked CTE. I then organized and designed a 40 paged book that I had the pleasure of giving to CTE this past weekend at KTCL Channel 933's Big Gig 2016. I had a wonderful time hanging with the band, along with their friends and families backstage. Thanks to everyone who participated in the project and made this idea come to life, I'm really proud of how it turned out!
A couple of day ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Kyle Morris from The Unlikely Candidates, an alternative rock band from Fort Worth, Texas. The band will be playing Channel 933's Big Gig 2016 along with Young the Giant, X Ambassadors, Misterwives, Vinyl Theatre and headliners Cage The Elephant on July 9th, 2016. With hits such as Follow My Feet, Howl, Trampoline and their latest single Your Love Could Start a War the band is definitely on the rise across the country. Read the full interview below:
Please introduce yourself and what you do in The Unlikely Candidates? My name is Kyle. I sing and occasionally dance in The Unlikely Candidates. What’s the one thing you want people/fans to know about your band and yourselves as musicians? That we really enjoy hanging out with the fans. We also enjoy being sweaty, dirty, and playing shows like the world is about to fall to pieces. Describe your creative process in three words. Spaghetti, Hamster, Mount Olympus Have you always been a musician/ vocalist? Or have you had different jobs up to now? We've all had jobs. Currently we all work at a bar. Do you guys remember when you heard one of your songs on the radio for the first time? What was it like? I don't really remember, but it's always surreal. Proud mostly. I kind of replay all the shit we've gone through to get that song there. Always feels worth it.
You’re teaming up with Music Saves lives, Channel 933, Bonfils Blood center and iHeartRadio to help encourage people to donate blood here in Colorado. How did this project get started? (if you're reading this after the show has happened) how did it go? Was it any different than other shows you've played? Our bassist Jared's father runs this great organization called Music Saves Lives. They work with festivals and radio stations to set up blood drives in exchange for VIP tickets and meet and greets with artists. So Jared hit up all the parties and organized it. Everyone was extremely helpful and committed to making it happen. It was a success, a lot of people came in and donated. And I know that everyone coming to the show has an altruistic streak. We've done stuff with MSL, but I think this is the first blood donation incentivized show.
What are you most excited for this upcoming year? Musically or just in general? Tour off the single, meet new fans, and enjoy the ride. We want to get this single climbing so we can release and album.
What was the first concert you went to? First album you bought? I think it was Green Day, first date of the America Idiot tour with Chris Hibbing. First album would be, The Clash Greatests Hits or Outkast Big Boi and Dre Present... These may not be the true firsts, but they are the earliest that mattered and that I remember.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could only bring one item what would you bring? A boat! I suppose, I would bring a giant book. A really good one, with lots of layers. Like Joyce's Ulysses. Or a guitar with strings that never broke.
You guys are going to be playing channel 933’s Big Gig 2016 with Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, X Ambassadors, Misterwives and Vinyl Theatre. Who are you most excited to see/ hang with? Cage, probably. They seem fun.
When you were coming up with a name for your band what were some names that didn't quite make the cut? Dark Horse. Terrible name.
If you could only listen to one genre of music for the rest of your life what would it be and why? A tough one. Maybe classical. I feel like that wouldn't get as old as other things. Sort of mood music anyways. Maybe very lyrical indie or classic rock.
What are you listening to now? Song wise, band wise? Max Frost. He's super underrated. Let me down easy is a great song. Jay Fresh. He's a rapper we tour with. He's got some dope stuff. Courtney Barnett is always good. Fidlar. White Reaper. Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
What kind of advice do you have for aspiring musicians and bands? Outlast everyone and write a song a day.
If you could trade places with any musician for a day and gain all their skills, who would you pick and why? Julian Casablancas. I love the Strokes and it would be fun to sing all those songs. Plus I love his melodies.
Where can your fans go to see you next? Big Gig! Hitting the road this month too. What’s next for The Unlikely Candidates? Tour and writing new songs.
I volunteer at the Denver Zoo, and I’m studying to become a biologist. So what are your favorite animals? Bengal Tiger, Black Mamba, Timber Wolf, Red Fox, Red Panda, and the Indian Elephant.
The Unlikely Candidates by Jimmy Fontaine
"Your Love Could Start a War"
Check out the band's website at theunlikelycandidates.com
"Like" Their Facebook page here
Follow them on Twitter here
Instagram here Download their latest single Your Love Could Start a War on itunes here
