Unsigned Spotlight: Groundstate
The foundation for Groundstate began in Cleveland, Ohio back in the winter of 2014 by brothers Aidan and Connor Smith. Unhappy with how the local music scene was evolving, the pair came together while still in high school and became determined to carve out their own niche within the local music scene.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Aidan Smith - Guitars, Bass, Drums, Backing Vocals
Connor Smith - Vocals
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Groundstate? How long has the band been around?
I (Aidan) was in a band called V3 during my formative years before forming Groundstate with Connor in the winter of 2014.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The band's name has always been Groundstate. It was actually our dad's idea.When he was in high school, he found the term in a chemistry textbook and thought it would be a cool name for a band. When the time came to name our band, we asked him if we could use his idea and he was happy to let us.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Both Connor and I write the songs, and the topics are varied. I tend to write about past relationships, friendships, and other personal stuff as a way of coping with bad situations. Connor writes about more serious stuff like drugs and worldly problems. I think together it's a pretty potent mix, and I don't think we'll ever change that.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Our current inspirations are Tool, Helmet, Deftones, Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Incubus.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
We always wanted to start a band. I think seeing U2's live video when I was a kid, as well as some Creed music videos (don't hate, I love Creed) really made me want to be up there on stage doing the same things those guys were up there doing.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
To prepare for a show personally, I knock back about 3 or 4 drinks in short succession, jump up and down a couple of times, and slap myself in the face. It's great because it calms the nerves and then the jumping and slapping kick starts my energy. I know it's weird but it produces great results so I don't think I'll ever change it. Not sure about Connor, I think he usually gargles with lemon juice and honey or some singer-type thing like that. I think once I saw him praying to the vocal monitors or something. I know for a fact that he always lights a candle before he goes on stage.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Biggest career highlight so far has been making our record with Jim Wirt and having it mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound. It was my dream team for a producer/mixer and mastering!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Our dream tour would be Groundstate on Ozzfest 2001, pretty much. Just add us to that lineup. Either that, or a co-headlining tour with A Perfect Circle.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to say that rock music is not dead. The music industry right now is doing a pretty terrific job of making kids believe that the only music that's "cool" to listen to is Rap. I'm just here to say that rock is still the most badass music on the planet, always has been and always will be.