LAIK is a Chicago based group that combines alternative rock and pop music.  In 2016 singer, Tyler Rice released the first album “With Love,” which led him to meet Reuben Garza and Josh Murtha.  At the beginning of April, LAIK released their new full length record, “Curse My Dance Moves,” which is available on Spotify and Apple Music.  

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

LAIK consists of Reuben Garza on drums, Josh Murtha on bass and me (Tyler Rice) on guitar and vocals.  For the most part, I write and produce these demos / songs and bring them to Josh and Reuben where they have some ideas / edits to the overall song.  For a couple of songs recently it’s been a little more collaborative writing wise (Josh and Reuben will have some lyrical ideas or help produce the demos.)  After the demos are far enough along, we take it to the studio and Reuben will lay down some drum tracks.

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to LAIK? How long has the band been around?

I haven’t been a part of any other band.  I work professionally as an audio engineer and mixer so I produced the first LAIK record on my own in college in 2016.  I then found Reuben to start playing shows with and we came up with the new record, Curse My Dance Moves. Both Reuben and Josh are working musicians in Chicago so they are a part of many projects throughout the city.  It’s great to have such experienced musicians to work and play with.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Laik is an old english word that means “to play in opposition of work.”  I actually came across the word by accident because I wanted to use “lake” as the name but it was taken by a load of other groups.  I started messing with the spelling and came across laik - in the end I really enjoyed the definition.

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 (Tyler) write the songs for the most part.  I tend to get really introspective when I write so I mostly write about internal frustrations and thoughts about what I’m going through.  There’s of course the occasional song about a girl.

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

Right now I’m a pretty big Charly Bliss fan I think they have a great modern sound to them that I feel is similar to ours and I’ve been really enjoying their recent releases.  I think I’ll always have to say Death Cab for Cutie as well because I think the songwriting is great - especially lyrically.

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

I can’t really think of any band in particular I just know that it’s something I always wanted to do.  I was always getting pretty obsessed with different artists and writing styles which inspired me to make music on my own.  It wasn’t until the last few years that I started working with other people.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect.

There’s not too much prep to be honest.  I try to just drink a bunch of water and warm up in the car on the way over to the gig.  We like to work on the set in rehearsal close to the show day as the Ableton set is constantly changing.  

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

The biggest highlight for me will definitely have to be playing at Metro.  A venue that I’ve loved forever. We opened up for New Politics and Dreamers a year or so ago and it was a huge thrill to play on a bill like that.  

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

Well I just saw the 1975 at United Center so I’ll have to go with them.  It was an inspiring show and I’m a pretty big fan of the bands they’re touring with.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just a thank you for everyone who’s listened to the record!