Unsigned Spotlight: Kevin Land
Kevin Land Band hails from Long Beach, CA and has a sound that combines 90's alternative & modern indie pop with a mix of Jack Black, Jack White, and Jack Johnson influences.
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Kevin Land? How long has the band been around?
Kevin Land Band started roughly in 2019, officially in 2022. We’ve been in many bands collectively:
Elvez
Alice Bag
Bisi
Mr. Left & Mr. Right
Alaeddin
This Way to The Egress
The Kouncil
The Crookshanks
The Sunny Side Social Club
Trash Honey
Hyps
The Acetates
Goodnight Kiss
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
One high school friend, Travis Clifford, would hear me playing guitar and say “OH HEY KEVIN LAND BAND” and silly shit like that. It was too much for me at the time, the idea of having a band named after myself. In 2019, Mat Verderosa (KLB drummer) resurfaced the idea on stages with me and somehow it stuck.
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?
I wrote most of the songs we play, occasionally with collaborators. I think of them as historical fiction, rooted in experience but characterized by imaginative reliability. I hope to keep the music’s personality consistent, even as the storylines evolve to meet society where its at.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
To name just a few: Koffee, Trevor Hall, The Suicide Machines, Ranky Tanky, Alice Merton, Soular System, Manuel The Band
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Going back to MIDDLE SCHOOL, Reel Big Fish and Led Zeppelin were two big ones I just had to emulate. Before that, The Beatles and The Beach Boys got me going.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Breath work or meditation often play a part. I try to live in a way that constantly prepares me for a show… exercising often, playing every day, all that. I think laughing with bandmates and friends on a show day goes a long way as well.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
I’m not sure when this interview will go out, but just getting our 7/7 show at Supply & Demand LBC booked was huge, since it wraps up so much: our first single dropping, a great venue supporting us, lots of amazing acts getting on board with us, and all the practice and energy going into recording and performing.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Lord Huron, Foo Fighters, The Beatles, Tiesto, Phish
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There’s a sea of music coming out every day, and I want to thank anyone who takes the time to check out Kevin Land Band and share our music with others. It means everything and makes a lifestyle dream into reality. Please reach out on Instagram (@KevinLandBand) or the website www.kevinlandband.com because we’d love to get to know you!