Music Q&A with Dear Spring
Photo by Nicole J. Stephens
Post pop-punk band, Dear Spring, are about to release their brand new EP, Moments, via Open Your Ears Records! Ahead of the release, the band took some time to answer questions about the EP, their favorite band to see live, who they would collaborate with if they could, and more!
Congratulations on the upcoming release of Moments! What is your favorite song off the EP and what does it mean to you?
Dave (vocals/guitar): My favorite song is “Newspeak”. It is the artistic realization of the sonic, compositional, and lyrical influences that I have always wanted to bring together in a Dear Spring. To me, the song pushes the listener to reflect inward and take stock of each person's own responsibility for the challenging situations we find ourselves in. I am sick and tired of watching public figures and people on social media pointing figures instead of looking inwards. There are things we can't control in life, but in most situations there is a lesson to be learned about your own actions.
Kamran (guitar/vocals): My favorite song is "Vultures." This song gives me chills every time I hear it because some of the parts were inspired by Manchester Orchestra!
Martin (drums): “Newspeak” is the most meaningful song for me. The feeling and message captures a collective moment of pain, introspection, and dread. Co-writing and starring in the music video forced me to "dive deeply" (go watch the video) into the emotions sonically. There is power and purpose to that song.
Jonah (vocals): My favorite song off the EP is “Empty Frames”. “Empty Frames” was the first song I was able to express and relate my neurodivergent experience in a way that resonates with others. Going into the song was intimidating because the song has so much space for the vocals to fill in, so I wanted to really wanted to make the most of that space. I also had the idea of doing the chorus differently; instead of having a big, high note chorus with thick harmonies, I wanted to try and cram as many lyrics in as I could almost like a rap. In the end, I couldn't be more happy with how the whole song comes together and I am both really thankful that the rest of the guys gave me that space to express my truth and proud of how the song turned out.
What do you hope fans take away from this EP?
Dave: I think we are all hoping that our music can pump fans up, help get them through difficult times in their life, and both give them a taste of nostalgia while providing for a fresh listening experience. More than anything, we hope it inspires them!
Kamran: I want our listeners/fans to interpret this EP in their own way because art can be very subjective and left to each individual's interpretation.
Martin: I only want fans to listen to this EP and react in whatever way they do. I think that once we have created art it isn't up to us anymore. I hope that this EP just means something significant to someone.
Jonah: I hope that everyone who listens to Moments has an emotional response to the music. In my mind, good music, no matter what genre of music, will have an emotional response in the listener. If we get our listeners and fans to feel something, I'd consider it a job well done!
Who has been your favorite artist or band to see live?
Dave: The other guys always roast me for this, but definitely Dave Matthews Band. Those are some of the best musicians in the world and they NEVER disappoint with their live shows.
Kamran: Thrice.
Martin: Turnstile. I think many, many people would agree.
Jonah: Four Year Strong. I've seen them a ton of times and no other act comes close.
If you had a chance to collaborate with a musician, dead or alive, who would it be?
Dave: Probably Dustin Kensrue. I am a massive Thrice fan and I find his work so inspiring sonically, lyrically, and thematically. He just has such an incredible timbre to his voice and is such a versatile, sophisticated, and interesting artist.
Kamran: Chris Cornell.
Martin: Ludwig Van Gorenson (Childish Gambino, Black Panther, Mandalorian) - That guy is unstoppable. The next Hanz Zimmer.
Jonah: The Pillows. That band was the reason I got into music in the first place, so having the opportunity to collaborate with them would mean I could die happy!
What’s your favorite thing about making music?
Dave: I absolutely love the writing process. I feel most at home and alive when I am writing riffs and composing. Music for me is always a theatrical experience where I am trying to paint a picture and take the listener to a magical place. I don't so much feel that I am writing the music. Rather it feels like the music is out there and I am just channeling energy to release the sculpture from the stone if that makes sense.
Kamran: I can't wait to see/hear listeners and our fans take in our music! A dream of mine at a show would be to hear all fans sing back our songs so loud that we would step away from our mics and let them carry it out.
Martin: I get this feeling in my body, where I know there is a song in there. There is an emotional expression that cannot be communicated or translated, it just exits through my hands/feet/fingers haha.
Jonah: It's kind of depressing to say so, but my favorite thing about making music is hearing the first master back after everything has been written, recorded, and finished. Hearing the first master is the first time that the tune becomes a real song, and hearing that first master is nothing short of magic.
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?
Dave: For me, I try to focus on the things in life that bring me joy and remind myself to embrace the things I have control over and let go of the things that are completely out of my control. Playing and writing music is a huge catharsis. As an outlet, it has saved me from depression numerous times. That being said, I do find myself in a cycle of anxiety and depression when it comes to the business side of music. You spend years pouring your soul into art and then you wait to be judged by the world. It's times like those where I try really hard to focus on what I have control over. Exercise is huge too. I've found in life that intense cardio always seems to improve my mood. It's important to take stock of both your physical and mental health!
Kamran: My wife and kid. There's nothing better than getting hugs from loved ones when you're feeling down.
Martin: Reminding myself that I have so much to be grateful for. I have so few problems in my life now, so the ones that feel the biggest are usually laughable. I am lucky. Also... I try to just feel the bad feelings, this too shall pass.
Jonah: Three things get me through bad days: anime, video games, and music. Sometimes all I'll need is a way to reframe my thinking, and usually one of those three does the trick.
Thank you for taking the time for this Q&A. Any last words or final message for the readers?
Dave: Thank you for reading! It would mean the world to us if you checked out our new EP, Moments. We hope that it inspires you and makes you feel deeply.
Kamran: Come check us out at https://linktr.ee/DearSpring and hear the four bestest of friends create inspirational art!
Martin: If you are reading this right now, I am so genuinely grateful. I hope to tell you that in person someday!
Jonah: Tell your readers to make sure they've drank enough water today. Staying hydrated is very important.