The Hype Magazine Interviews: Episode

First things first, please introduce for me the members of EPISODE…

Lonner (vox/production), Scotty (production), Eric (guitar/production) and Brett (drums).

How did the four of you actually come together to form the group?

We all went to the same high school in New York. We’re all different ages. After playing in different bands, we finally met and hit it off.

Where do each of you hail from? And, in having said that, growing up who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

We’re from right outside New York City. Having the opportunity to just catch a train and see a show in the city was awesome growing up.

…We all have different influences; Lonner [“Billy Joel and OutKast”], Brett [“Kanye West, Blink-182”], Scotty [“InnerPartySystem and New Radicals”] and Eric [“(Led) Zeppelin and (Eric) Clapton], but we also all love much of the same music.

How would you all describe and/or define the style of music that you all create and perform?

We like to call it ‘Alternative-Pop.’ It’s got that pop-feel, but still has heart.

Individually, what do each of you bring to the proverbial “creative table,” so to speak, both personality and professional-wise, when it comes to the overall “vibe” and/or sound of EPISODE?

We all play multiple instruments, so musically anyone can step into the studio with a fully written song. We love that. Personality-wise, Eric’s the chill one, Brett’s the comedian, Scotty’s the tech-geek and Lonner’s the eccentric artist.

With that being said, where did the moniker EPISODE originally derive from?

We’ve had the phrase ‘Late Night Episode’ in our minds for a while now. It represented a lot of where our music was coming from. Life is a series of “episodes,” and we tell ours through the music; often times in the early hours of the morning.

You titled your just released, debut EP Hold On — Conceptually, what does that name represent both to and for you all?

The way the songs came together, there’s this consistent theme of holding out hope; not knowing where that will take you. Lyrically, “Dust,” (featuring Mree and Topaz Jones), (the Kiah Victoria and DA of Shinobi Ninja assisted) “Light” and “Surgery” (a collaboration with Bianca Raquel), are these in-the-moment kind of works, and “Hold On,” (with Stefan Weiner), as a song is more introspective and reflective. It was actually the last song we finished for the album, but it seemed to sum up where we were mentally throughout the project. Our goal when we write is to tell a story you could take out of the song and apply to almost anything, so for each of us “Hold On” means something unique, but seems like the perfect thesis for the EP.

What are your future plans and/or goals for sustaining longevity in music?

Build a brand that’s not just music. Of course, music is the basis…And, more importantly, good music, but to truly have longevity in this industry, your brand has to transcend music.

Do each/any of you all have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Hmm…We’re all big foodies, so it wouldn’t be too far fetched to catch us hosting some crazy TV show on Food Network or opening a restaurant. Respect to Action Bronson for paving the way for the music/foodie hybrid, although we wish we could cook half as well.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

As a new band, just getting the support and love we’ve gotten so far has been amazing. Whether it’s Billboard / Fader or just the fan comments, we really love to hear that our music is resonating with people.

Looking ahead, say five or even ten years from now, where do you all see yourselves?

Shoot for the moon, right? Biggest band in the world!

As for the immediate, what’s next for EPISODE?

Shows, shows, shows!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention? And finally, do you all have any “parting” message(s) for our readers?

If you dig the tracks, get in touch with us at the contact info below. We hope to see you at a show!

Facebook: facebook.com/itsepisode

Twitter: @itsepisode

Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/episodeofficial

By: Todd Davis