Music Q&A with Chance Smith and J Franklin of Kerosene Heights
Photo courtesy of Kerosene Heights
Earlier this month, North Carolina punk/emo band, Kerosene Heights, released their EP titled no more bad dreams! In this Q&A, the band’s very own Chance Smith (vocals/guitar) and J Franklin (guitar), talked about the EP, who they’d like to see in concert, and more! no more bad dreams is out now!
Congratulations on the release of no more bad dreams! What does the EP mean to you?
C: 2 years ago, I was in a really bad place, hopefully the worst I will ever been in. I started writing music when I got sober and really didn’t want to do anything else. no more bad dreams, as a whole, is about not going back to the negative spaces you’ve been before and appreciating the good parts of your life.
J: Thanks! This EP is the most work I’ve done for a completely DIY project (from recording to releasing to pressing and everything in between) and it’s been really rewarding and I’ve learned a lot. I’ve been playing in bands for a long time and I’m still learning things, it’s awesome.
What’s your favorite song off the EP?
C: My favorite song is “something abt u”, for no other reason than it fucks.
J: Probably “built to chill”, I love playing that song live.
What band or artist made you want to play music?
C: There are so many throughout my life, but most recently bands like Joyce Manor, Mom Jeans, and Glocca Morra made we want to pursue this type of music. Bands that you can listen to and feel how fun it would be to see live. I strive for that.
J: I started my first band when I was 13 haha so for me it was blink-182 and New Found Glory.
What is your favorite TV/movie soundtrack?
C: I’m not much of a movie/TV buff, I mainly watch bad reality TV. I loved the School of Rock soundtrack growing up, I listened to the cd like everyday.
J: I’ve been watching the show Yellowjackets and have really enjoyed the soundtrack.
What is one artist or band that you haven’t seen in concert, that you hope to see someday?
C: There’s a lot, but hands down it’s gotta be The Cure. i don’t really love 3 hour sets, but I’d do it for them.
J: SO MANY. I’m pretty excited about the whole touring package for the Turnstile tour this year - but real excited to see Ekulu and Truth Cult.
We all have our days where it may not be going as well as we’d like. People deal with their worst days in different ways. What helps you get through the bad days? How do you stay positive?
C: I mainly stress about the future or the past, so grounding myself and staying present in the moment has proven to be super helpful in regards to things like anxiety.
J: RUnning, leaning on my amazing support system, and therapy - wow was I late on that one, but it’s a game changer for overall mental health and positivity.
Thank you for taking the time for this Q&A. Any last words or final message for the readers?
C: Thanks for listening! We love you and appreciate you, and if we come to a city near you this year, please come say hi!
J: Thanks to anyone who’s reading this, listening to our songs, or giving a shit about our band; It’s really appreciated.