Outatime! brings together a nostalgic feel of the genre with riffs reminiscent of the old Drive Thru Records days, but lyrics that deal with real life situations and relatable issues.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Tony- Drums
Justin- Guitar
Mike- Vocals
Nikk - Bass/Vocals
James- Guitar
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Outatime? How long has the band been around?
Justin: I’ve been a few! I was in a band with James from South Florida called Checkyoursix! and with Mike in Orlando called Hits Home
James: I played in a band called East Coast Drive and checkyoursix! with Justin.
Tony: I used to play drums for Send Out Scuds and 408
Nikk: I have been around the bend. But before joining I was in Broken Streetlights and Soldier City Legends.
Mike: Before moving to Florida I was in a few bands up in Maryland! Such Is Life was one of the first bands that I went in the road with and then I was in Like You To Me with a couple of close friends of mine! When I moved to Florida I joined Justin in Hits Home and then we started Outatime! from there!
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Justin: So like most bands the name is always the hardest thing to convey! I think at the time we were all pretty bummed about Universal Studios closing the Back To The Future ride. I think Mike and I were actually at the theme park one day taking a hard style picture in front of the Delorean and it just clicked when we saw the License plate!
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?
Instrumentally it usually starts with a member who has a riff or fill or lyric idea and sends it over to the rest of the band through our chat! From there we work on a few different variations, build a foundation, and demo it out 3-4 times before we start really getting into it!
Lyrically that’s usually Mike and Nikk working together on the song and determining a feel and direction for the song. From there we start having fun with word play and alliterations!
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Tony: I wouldn’t say there’s a specific band that’s inspiring me per se, but more the desire to be a part of and create something greater than myself. To reach new heights while doing what we love most. That’s what drives me
James: I couldn’t agree more with what Tony said. Sure there are musical inspirations like State Champs, Neck Deep, New Found Glory, etc but what inspires me to make music is to be a part of an inclusive community and create a unique nostalgic sound!
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Justin: I mean it’s definitely New Found Glory and Senses Fail for me. I remember being 14 and going to my first Warped Tour and crowd surfing for the first time to “Lady In The Blue Dress” during the Senses Fail set and just being hooked!
James: I had a similar experience like Justin’s. The moment that inspired me was seeing Set Your Goals life for the first time with New Found Glory. When I heard them live, I immediately knew I wanted to play in a band.
Nikk: warped tour 2003. Thrice, AFI, Senses Fail, MAE, and so many more.
Mike: The first time I saw New Found Glory was the moment I realized I wanted to sing in a band!
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Tony: Well, a strong drink always helps the muscles loosen up!
Justin: I like to hydrate with a cold can of Liquid Death Mountain Water and just the usual stretches because I’m getting old.
James: It’s gonna sound lame but breathing exercises. I’m a very anxious person it really helps me stay calm before shows.
Nikk: I walk non stop with anxiety and hum Star Wars music to myself as I stretch and warm up
Mike: Vocal warmups are key for me!! I usually go into my car 30 minutes before a set to get a quick warm up in so I’m ready to go!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Justin: I’m stuck between opening for Bayside after winning their Battle Of The Bands and becoming Death Peddlers for Liquid Death!!
James: Easy. Opening up for Bayside. I think about that moment every day.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Tony: Rufio because they’re such a huge part of my foundation as a musician. And any of the early 80s two tone ska bands from England.
Justin: Fall Out Boy circa 2005-2006. I saw them play at my Grad Night at Disney World and they were such a blast watching them play songs from Take This To Your Grave!!
James: Blink 182 during the EOTS era. Huge blink fan and would’ve loved to share the stage during such an iconic era.
Nikk: Thrice Blink-182 and AFI has been a huge part of my life when growing in music. Pipe dream of mine. I share a stage any day or time of ever asked !
Mike: The Movielife or I Am The Avalanche! Ima. Huge Vinnie Caruana fan and would love to hit the road with them.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Tony: We just want people to know that we put all our hearts and souls into this. Having opportunities like this to be interviewed or just seeing the comments of people enjoying our songs make it worth while. We love what we do and I’m glad I have this fantastic group of friends that I can share and create with.
Justin: That we absolutely love doing this and we truly love watching everyone sing these songs back at us when we play live!!
James: Never give up on your passion no matter how out of reach it may seem.
Nikk: This is the way