Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Brandon Snipes - Vocals, Guitar
Alyssa Jewell - Vocals, Keyboard
Shane Jewell - Lead Guitar
James McCauley - Bass
Kyle "Steak" Blair - Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to MRYGLD? How long has the band been around?
Shane and Alyssa were in a band called Sue Scrofa, and currently have another project called Crimson Cabins.
Brandon was in a band called Raenbow Station several years ago, and now has a solo acoustic/folk project called B. Snipes.
James also plays in the bands Smashley and Vorpal Sword.
MRYGLD formed in early 2017.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The name MRYGLD (pronounced “marigold”) was conceived of by Brandon. We liked the flower theme and thought the caps and interesting spelling would help us stand out. Most people can figure out how to pronounce it, and if they can’t, it makes for some good conversation. One person actually told us it sounded like a Flemish town, ha.
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?
Wow, great question! Brandon and Shane write most of the music, and Alyssa and Brandon do most of the lyrics. James and Steak also contribute their own trademark flourishes once the structure is set.
As far as themes go, we’ve never really talked about it as a band. I guess we’ve wanted people to write what feels natural and meaningful to them. So far, our songs have dealt with the disillusionment of growing up, loneliness, love and persistence in hard times, prostitution, and a werewolf falling in love. Wow, maybe we do need to talk about our themes, haha!
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
It’s weird, critics have compared us to bands from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s. So either we are all over the place musically (which I don’t think we are), or people can hear influences from each of those decades.
As far as live inspirations go, Brandon saw the Flaming Lips three days before our first live show. That concert definitely inspired us to make our live experience more interactive and epic.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Two words: Susan Boyle.
What do you do to prepare for a show?
Practice a bunch. Then go to Party City and buy a bunch of confetti and weird props.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Our EP release show was pretty awesome. We all really had a blast, which is what it’s all about, right? And we made lots of new friends!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Probably the Beatles. That way they could experience what true fans girls are all about. Or Susan Boyle.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our debut EP was released on June 23 this year and we intend to release a couple of singles with accompanying music videos over the next few months. Stay tuned at www.mrygld.com.