Frightful Places is an alternative emo passion concept that was developed over the course of eight years in bedrooms, cafes & hiking trails across Connecticut, by songwriter and guitarist Kevin Tiernan.

Please list your name.

My name is Kevin Tiernan - I sing, play guitar, and bass.

For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to Frightful Places?

For many years, I sang for a band called Moving Brooklyn with some of my oldest friends. We had a chance to play a few dates of Warped. I played bass for Fourth & Goal, which was a blast - we got to do a split with Take This To Heart Records. Currently, I’m the bassist for Mighty Tortuga, a band that’s signed to Heading East Records.

What’s the origin of that name?

When I started Frightful Places, fear drove many of my everyday decisions; I usually avoided taking risks or trying new things. I’ve never really played guitar in this capacity, so it was challenging to plan for the studio by myself instead of being part of a group. For a while, I wasn’t sure if the songs would only exist as GarageBand demos.

There were plenty of times when it was tempting not to follow through on this project. So Frightful Places is about working through discomfort to grow as a person. I also felt like the name had Stephen King/Stranger Things vibes, which was the perfect spooky aesthetic.

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

Great question! The EP ended up being semi-conceptual. I'm an avid hiker, and I used to work on melodies and lyrics during some of my hikes on the Appalachian Trail and the Paugussett Trail. The cover artwork is from a nature sanctuary where I saw a black bear. Old Frame opens with some nature sounds. There's a track on the EP called Eklund Garden, which refers to a quiet spot on the Paugussett where I go to think sometimes.

As a whole, the songs are a time capsule. I set out with zero expectations, so the main goal was for the first EP to be a personal exercise. Future Frightful Places songs will totally deal with different subject matter. I’ve had new life experiences and I'd love to write some upbeat love songs.

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

One of my biggest influences is Movements - specifically the honesty and rawness of Patrick Miranda's lyrics. I gravitate towards artists that wear their hearts on their sleeves, like VELVETEARS and nothing,nowhere. Musically, I've looked to bands like Coheed and Cambria, Thrice, Turnover, Manchester Orchestra, Citizen, Minus the Bear, and Foxing.

The album "Dealer" by Foxing was a pretty frequent inspiration. From a story-telling perspective, I latched onto Phoebe Bridgers. Phoebe is great at painting lyrical pictures with songs like "I Know The End" and "Halloween".

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to get into music?

I largely credit my sister Kelly for getting me into concerts. She took me to most of my early rock shows - Linkin Park, Sum41, The Starting Line, etc. I spent many of my formative summers at rock festivals seeing bands like Coheed, Taking Back Sunday, and Bayside. Growing up, my friends and I

were always into music - we started a band and had no idea how to play anything. So I went to hometown shows at local venues like Point Beach Clubhouse, and I was mesmerised by how many kids would show up to watch bands like Saturday Matinee and Changing Directions.

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

Before shows, I like to get into a clear headspace, and I'm typically extremely caffeinated (if the show is far away, I've probably had plenty of coffee by the time I arrive). I’ve tried to work on being more mindful of the present experience and living in the moment. I always end up packing tons of t-shirts but only really using two. Better safe than sorry! Back in the day, I used to go for a long jog and jump up and down before going on stage. I don’t know if my knees can handle that anymore.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

There have been a few great memories this year! I’ve loved learning from different producers over the years. With Moving Brooklyn, John Naclerio was great. Getting to record with Chris Teti was very cool, and the same with Fred Masherino. They’ve helped me approach my writing differently, vocally or instrumentally.

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

Gleemer is a top pick - I saw them in LA with Touché Amoré and they crushed it. Gleemer songs are so solid and their live sound is authentic. The dream list is Thrice, Movements, Manchester Orchestra, Coheed, or Mansions. In addition to being excellent musicians, they strike a good balance of enjoying the show while playing really tight sets. I'm a huge fan of A Great Big Pile of Leaves - that would be neat. Also, Pool Kids, Tigers Jaw, and Oso Oso.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for coming along on this ride! And thank you to everybody who has helped me put this band together over the past seven years. Looking forward to making more music.

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