Ballroom Boxer outrageously claims to be the "Bill Murray of rock n' roll," fitting in everywhere while always standing out. Their raw tones and swift melodies flourished from music rich cities Akron, OH, Chicago and Nashville. They cut their teeth with Waters, the Whigs, Bastille, Kodaline and IAMDYNAMITE, captivating crowds at SXSW, Lollapalooza Aftershows, NYC, Chicago, Nashville, Cleveland and even Cape Town, South Africa.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Mike Altier - Singer/Guitarist

Dave Altier - Drums/Backup vocals

Jared Cummans - Bass Guitarist/Backup vocals

For starters, what bands were you part of prior to this project? How long has this project been around?

Prior to the formation of Ballroom Boxer, Mike and Dave Altier were part of the Whiskey Drifters from Akron, OH. 

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

The main themes explore cultural and social observations through dynamic perspectives and stories that illustrate the tension between two extremes. We like dichotomies, which inspired our name (something graceful with something violent). 

"Bill Murray" does this by dreaming about being Bill Murray for a day and considering everything that comes with it, like being able to crash into peoples lives and being welcomed and encouraged to do it. Some songs explore the rise of robots while others go head on with the generational divide between centennials, millennials and baby boomers. 

As life changes, so will the topics. Thats whats so beautiful about observing and analyzing life events as they happen - theres always an abundance of rich content. 

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

We pull inspiration from the singer/songwriters like Ryan Adams and Pete Yorn, punk bands including the Bronx (and their alias Mariachi El Bronx), Red City Radio, Alkaline trio, Rancid, 90s faves Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Gin Blossoms as well as today's pop hit makers J Roddy Watson, Post Malone, Lil Pump, the Killers and our all time fave - Weezer. 

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

We grew up glued to MTV. For some of us it was when Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Scar Tissue' dropped, for others it was going to see Buckcherry live in Cleveland and losing our damn minds. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

Our warm ups include watching clips of "Windy City Heat" one of the greatest movies of all time, slamming La Croixs and blasting Fidlar's "Cheap Beer" while dance fighting all over the the green room. 

What has been the biggest highlight of you music career so far?

Everything's a treat but if we have to pick, it'd be a tie between playing a sold out Lollapalooza aftershow, playing a club gig in South Africa and taking the House of Blues Chicago stage four times in a year. 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

We'd all go pretty crazy if we were able to tour with the Strokes, Weezer and the Bronx. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This EP is important. Its an imprint of a very specific place and time where everything has some element of validity but no one can share in the moment without taking a side. These songs are super soaked in 90s nostalgia and lathered in pop melodies; a confrontation of present and future America, captured in 'A Little Wild's' chorus "the world won't change, unless we all will change - we need a little wild."