Music Q&A with 4 Minutes Later
Photo by Jake Burgess
Alternative pop duo, 4 Minutes Later, released a music video for their newest track “Holding On To Nothing” back in September. The music video tells the age-old tale of trying your best to move on from a past relationship. Members, Moon and JUNYOR, recently took some time to answer some questions about the single, their social media presence, what musical hero(s) of theirs they would interview if they could, and more!
Congratulations on the release of “Holding On To Nothing”! The music video is awesome! With the world being put on hold for a year and a half, how do you feel that time period affected the creative process for the new music?
Speaking from a creative process, it's been both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in the sense of it has allowed us more time to focus on the craft, but a curse as nothing really has happened. Our songs come from real emotions, but nothing really has seemed to happen during this time - being locked down has prevented us from new experiences and emotions and thoughts, which is the essence of songwriting. With that being said, we are so excited about the music we have been writing and feel as though we continue to improve each time we enter the studio!
No band photos, no music videos, no live shows, no location. You guys revealed yourselves alongside a new single and video “In My Head” earlier this year. Why did you guys decide to wait till now to reveal yourselves?
It was just the progression of where we are heading. We knew we didn't want to be anonymous forever - looking at the logistics and touring in today's day and age of social media we felt that it would be virtually impossible (to stay anonymous). After coming to the conclusion, it was a question of when. It felt like we kept waiting for the "right moment", but who really knows when and what that is. We also felt pressure on the industry side of things as well. Spotify, bloggers, and everything else that leads to our music discovery want press photos, content and so on (it's so hard to create anonymous content!). So why now? We felt that we are releasing our best music yet and to give it the best chance of being heard - here we are! We also love the connection with the fans that has come with the reveal. The Laters are truly the best - I know bands always say that about their own fans but how many independent artists can say that they trended on Twitter in 3 different countries? Now we just need Covid to go away so we can tour and meet them!
When was the first time you fell in love with music?
Moon: Probably started in the womb for us. Some of my earliest memories are listening to Beatles' CDs in my room and playing with KISS action figures, but I know it dates further back than that!
JUNYOR: For myself I remember always hearing music in the car, specifically the Beatles. But I was oblivious to it until I saw my dad playing guitar and singing and realized real people can do music. There was no turning back after that.
If you had a chance to interview any of your musical heroes, who would it be and why?
Moon: It would have to be David Grohl. I mean come on, from joining Nirvana to creating the Foo Fighters and self recording the first album - all the way to the DeeGees! Dave Grohl seems like one of the most genuine people in rock'n'roll. So for me, it would have to be him.
JUNYOR: Depending on the context for myself... to talk to a songwriter about their process would for sure be Ryan Tedder. But overall to just talk about music and experiences 100% hands down would be Paul McCartney.
What is one artist or band that you haven’t seen in concert, that you hope to see someday?
Moon: Paul McCartney - simple based on legendary status! Plus there may not be too many opportunities left to see him in concert. Eminem would be another, I'm excited for this year's Super Bowl Halftime Show - unreal line up! I always see Harry Styles concert footage all the time on socials and they just look like a blast! There are 3, whoops!
JUNYOR: The Rolling Stones which I was supposed to see in 2020 but then covid hit...And then Charlie passed :(. The Eagles are another one. But there are so many greats like Prince or Amy Winehouse that I just wish I had a time machine for!
What instrument do you not play that you hope to learn someday?
Moon: Harmonica would be pretty cool. I've tried self-teaching books with no success.
JUNYOR: I dabbled in Sax, but would love to be able to master it!
What’s your favorite thing about making music?
Moon: The connection that is made between us and the listener. We make music for ourselves first, so it's always cool when people reach out and say, "Hey, this song really resonated with me." It's a feeling that will never grow old.
JUNYOR: The creative process and how it is almost like a therapy session in a sense. It lets you get rid of so much emotion and can sometimes provide closure on a situation.
How do you stay positive? What helps you?
Moon: I'm still working on that, but I will keep you posted if I figure it out... Honestly, I'm not sure anyone knows. As we have seen, the people who may seem the most positive are not. I think what is important to know is that you are never alone. We are all human, we are all in this universe together. Let's end the stigma so more people feel comfortable reaching out for help. It's okay to not be okay. Sometimes what helps me is as simple as going for a walk, other times no matter what I do, it feels like a darkness cannot be lifted.
JUNYOR: For myself it is through proper self care which includes a lot of gym time and taking time to let yourself feel what you need to. Eating properly and just controlling what you can and letting go of what you can't.
Any last words or final message for the readers?
If this is your first time hearing about us, check out our music wherever you listen - Spotify, Apple, Deezer, Youtube - wherever! If you like it - save the song, follow us - it goes a long way in music discovery! And you can find us on social media @4mlmusic - our inboxes are open so feel free to reach out and connect!