REDLANDS - Sound In The Signals Interview

Denver indie-rockers REDLANDS started as a solo project that turned into a full band with their recent release. They've played at Vans Warped Tour and recently released their new EP, Is There Anybody Out There?. They were kind enough to tell us about how they played the main stage at Warped this year, how a frustrating night led to lead single "Anybody", and how they hope listeners will feel a sense of hope after listening to the EP.

Tell us more about your music, background, and how you came together for those who may be unfamiliar.

Well I started this band on my own and up until this third record I was basically a solo band with live musicians coming and going so refining my sound now with members that want to be apart of what I'm doing has been a great experience. Chase and I have been playing in and out of projects since we were 14 and he had met Taylor through church so when the position opened up things just kinda fell into place and worked out.

You just finished touring this summer on the Vans Warped Tour. This was your second time on the tour. Tell us more about the two experiences. What did you learn from the first one that made the second time better? Any fun stories?

Yeah so we didn't play the full length of the tour actually we just play the Denver date when it comes around but still a load of fun nonetheless! The first time was alright, it was on a small battle of the bands stage and not many people check that kinda stuff out but this year was unreal! We played the main stage and had a huge crowd waiting for the next band to play too so we were able to gain a lot of new listeners! I think not having high expectations for anything would be what I've taken away from being in a band because you just never know what kind of opportunity holds in store.

You also recently released your EP Is There Anybody Out There?. The band self-produced the EP in the mountains of Colorado. How did this location inspire the band? What were those days like when recording?

Well we're all from Denver so our main objective was, let's just stay in our comfort zone of being creative and just make our own record instead of going to some producer in another state like I've done for past records. The writing process was similar to past pieces of work though. I write and demo the songs myself in my home studio and then take the ideas to the guys to spice up. The days were long, some short, but I think we all learned how to work together efficiently and put out a record we could all get behind.



Tell us more about writing and recording lead single "Anybody". Did it come first and then the EP title Is There Anybody Out There? came after?

Yeah so the title of the EP came later after the songs were picked and recorded. It was just a line that resonated with me that I thought carried the albums feel in its entirety. As for the single, I just remember coming home one night and feeling super frustrated and uninspired but I grabbed my guitar and like any other night of the week I opened up a new project and started writing what later became "Anybody". I can't explain how these things happen but 20 some songs later in my writing career and it seems to work pretty well for me.

Frontman Ben Lohle said "we've been able to achieve something very genuine that we can all be proud of. Life isn't always love songs and happy feelings & if we can create songs that resonate with people, then we've done our job". I know you've said it's a bit darker and more emotional. Besides enjoying the EP, what message do you hope fans take away from listening? Have you been satisfied with the response, so far?

I don't think I'll ever be really satisfied until I know hundreds of thousands of people have listened to it, but I hope the few people that do will feel a sense of hope. Being a musician and dealing with depression can be pretty hard sometimes but I have to remember that some people have real problems and if in some way or form I can make them feel connected to something for myself then it makes my intentions even greater. I hope someday my music will reach millions and help people when they feel just as lost.

The artwork for the new record is interesting. Who came up with the idea and design?

It is not my favorite (sorry!), but sometimes you just have to go with something to get the music out. It's hard to brand something so we just went with a very abstract piece our friend put together. To be honest though, I'm a weirdo and haven't had an album cover I'm truly happy with but then again that could be my perfectionism lol

You're currently playing shows and plan to hit the road in the fall. What's next for the band and how can fans keep with with everything?

Yeah we have a handful of dates to wrap the year up, but just follow us on whatever media you like to use and you'll be able to stay up with us. You can find us on all social media with @weareredlands

Thanks for the interview. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Our new record "Is There Anybody Out There" is out now and available everywhere online and I hope we have the pleasure of meeting anyone that intends to meet us! See you out there and stay weird!

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-L.Burden