I ask them what it’s like being a band in the modern world, where it’s easier than ever to push your songs out to the public but, at the same time, easier than ever to get caught up in stats and metrics. “Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Music,” Dexter responds, “strangely enough, when we uploaded our songs, we were getting a lot of listens. “We went out for drinks every milestone we had. 50 listens. 100 listens. And upwards. It got out of control at one point. It was a good sign…” “It’s been a crazy growth,” adds Jerrick. “I guess it’s due to the kind of work ethic we have, especially in the studio. Looking back on everything we’ve done this year, it’s hard to believe.” They’re loving the creative freedom, unrestricted by the traditional struggle to pay for studio time or the limitations of professional opinion. Making music is play, and their creative process is flowing. “For me, that’s the most important thing: to make the music we want to make, as opposed to something we don’t want to be writing,” says Dexter. “And in terms of getting it out there in the industry, to be honest, I care, but at the same time, I don’t,” adds Jerrick. “We manage ourselves, so we do things at our own pace, play gigs that we want. We write music, but we also work day jobs just to pay for the bills. We’ve still got a long way to go.”
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“I’m happy with our songs,” chimes Dexter. “That’s what I really wanted to do. I wanted to make music that I would listen to.” Even though they are technically the founders of the band, Jerrick and Dexter find handing things over to the collective dynamic is exponentially rewarding, with each person bringing their own ideas and challenging each other to improve and find their best. “I think we have a good judgement of what each of our musical tastes is like,” says Jerrick. “We’re aware of each other’s abilities and potential. Sometimes they’re like: ‘I think you can do a little better than that,’ and I have to say: ‘Okay. Let me take this back to the lab.’ “Once you’re in a comfortable space with your bandmates, outside of music, it’s easier to understand what’s expected. Criticism without being offended, that’s the thing. We joke about our songs all the time. I don’t mind criticism – I’ll take criticism over silence.” I ask the requisite questions about where they get their inspiration. They can list hundreds of bands, songs, or albums that affected their lives or their music, but more than that, they are trying to capture mood, emotion, and feeling. It’s something people who love music can’t necessarily explain but we can all feel. “Influences… It’s all music based out of the night time. When I go home and make beats, I always have that kind of attitude. Everything I make is in the night time. It already has that kind of feel,” Jerrick explains.