Music Q&A with Give In
Photo courtesy of Give In
Give In is a Los Angeles-based rock band that combines post-hardcore with a modern rock edge. Back in October, the band took some time to answer questions about their singles, how the band came about, Liam Gallagher, and more!
Your single, “Flinch”, has this sound that takes me back to the mid-00s. Instrumentally, I am reminded a little bit of Paramore and Finch. I don’t know how much of an influence the band gets from those bands, but what drove you guys to make music with the sound that you guys have?
It’s great to hear that our sound is reminiscent of bands like Paramore and Finch. We are definitely fans of both. Honestly, it’s not a conscious decision to incorporate that sound, it’s more that the sonics of the mid-00’s imprinted on us when we were younger. We grew up on bands like Paramore and Finch, so that vibe and attitude just became a part of us.
Give In’s first single, “Finsta”, was released at the beginning of the year. You guys have been releasing singles since. What has been your favorite song and what does that song mean to you?
I think each band member would give you a different answer to this one haha. Personally, I am very attached to “Overrated”. There are just so many things about it that I can listen back fondly on, and that is not an easy task for me. The song captures heartbreak in a way that still feels so haunting and sonically, I think we locked in on a great grunge-esque vibe, especially with the huge guitar solo. I do have to admit that it’s pretty catchy as well. The chorus does not leave my head quickly.
How did the band come about? Did the pandemic have anything to do with it or were you guys already a band prior to COVID?
We started back in January 2019, so we were rolling prior to the pandemic. COVID really rained on our parade though, like everyone else. Before Give In, I had been operating under a different name and with a different lineup. That group fell apart though, as commonly happens. After that, I actually found Brian (guitar) and Jordan (drums) on Craigslist. I knew within the first measure of us playing together that they were it. I’m not even sure Brian officially tried out, I think we just had a conversation and clicked. I often say that they are the greatest Craigslist finds of all time. Sam (bass) and I have been friends and bandmates since high school, so I was incredibly stoked to have him join. Sam is the person you want to be in a band with.
When was the first time you fell in love with music?
I remember it vividly. I was about 4 years old and my dad played “Fuel” by Metallica. I didn’t just fall in love with music then, I fell in love with heavy, guitar driven music. It’s still my favorite Metallica song now. I’m sure I’ll get major hate for enjoying a post Black Album song so much, but whatever, it’s my memory.
Who has been your favorite band to see live?
Another tricky one, but I can narrow it down to two. Parkway Drive at the Glasshouse in Pomona on their Atlas run. And then Sum 41 at the old House of Blues in Hollywood, on their DTLI 10 year anniversary run. Both of those shows were wild.
If you had a chance to collaborate with a musician, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would love to have Liam Gallagher sing on something of ours. I think if we got a real barn burner of a track that had a big stomping feel, he would light it up. I’ll put that out into the universe, why not? Liam, open invitation. All you have to do is show up and be cool as fuck on the track.
What is your favorite thing about making music?
How a song can just appear for you. It doesn't always happen in one sitting, but when a song clicks and you know that it’s right, that is a magical and addictive feeling. It’s like you went from having a piece of shit flashlight that was kind of shining on it, so you could only sort of make out what you’re looking at. Then the sky opens up and it’s like the sun hits it. You can hear the whole song and feel the energy of the track before it’s even recorded.
How do you stay positive? What helps you?
Positivity is hope for me. I find that I can operate in the light if I have hope that hard work and determination are worth something to the universe. And it is difficult to always be hopeful, because pessimism is such an easy trap to fall into. Honestly, I think having the ability to be slightly pessimistic can help your judgement. But there are few things that can have a greater positive impact on a human being than hope.
Any last words or final message for the readers?
Shameless plug, but our new song “Flinch” is coming out October 22nd. It will hit all the major streaming services and there’s a wild video for it as well. Go watch it, listen to it, rock out to it, sing-scream it. All those good things. You can find it and all other things Give In is up to at the links below! Thanks.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/giveinmusic
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wlyZkrqSQzbovGntTJpYR?si=0RLdM2yvQ-u1j9Hexxvx2g&dl_branch=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giveinla/