Emotive, hook-laden and intricately delivered, Painted Young's sound shows clear roots in pop-punk/alternative rock with nods to Yellowcard, All Time Low and Grayscale clear for all to see.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Chris Santos - vocals & guitar
Ray McGirr - bass
Bailey Hand - drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Painted Young? How long has the band been around?
Chris: I was a founding member of Painted Young back when it first started in 2012. Throughout all the numerous lineup changes, this has always been my main project. No disrespect to any previous members because I still love them all, but when these guys came into the picture in 2018, I feel like that's when the band really began to bloom and find its footing.
Bailey: I was part of a few previous projects such as Before It's Too Late (2015-2017) and Chasing Utopia (2017-2018).
Ray: I've been playing in bands since 2009, most notably Idle Minds (2013-2016) and Life Itself (2016-2018).
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Chris: Back in 2012, a few friends and I got together to perform at a charity event at my high school. When it came time to submit a band name, we actually didn't have one ready. I just told the event coordinator the first words that came to mind, which were "Painted Young." It just seemed to stick, so I kept it.
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?
Chris: For a while, I was the sole songwriter. However lately, we've been more collaborative in our songwriting.
Bailey: Wings and drinks usually help us too.
Ray: Mostly Pink Whitney...
Chris: As far as lyrical themes and topics, they're all based on personal experiences. However, I've noticed that as I'm getting older, the lyrical content that I'm currently writing is becoming more selfless. They're all already relatable to start with, but I'm sure that over time, they'll become more and more relatable.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Ray: To list a few, I'd say Grayscale, All Time Low, Bearings, and the 1975.
Chris: Between each of us in the band, we all have different influences that cover a pretty wide spectrum. I feel that we try our best at incorporating everything we like into our own music.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Chris: For me personally, it was Green Day. When I saw them in concert in 2010, that really motivated me to at least try to start a band.
Bailey: As for myself, there was nothing specific. However from seeing as many performances that I've seen, I knew that I wanted to feel the way that these performers felt on stage.
Ray: I just wanted to feel everything that Bamboozle 2008 was.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Chris: When preparing for a show, I just do a few vocal warm-ups, but nothing too extensive. I definitely have to get into the habit of doing more vocal exercises.
Ray: Shot of whiskey and a Miller Lite, baby!
Bailey: Actually in all honesty Ray, I think that goes for all of us...
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Chris: For me, I'd say the biggest highlight of the band so far is when we opened for Drake Bell. That was the biggest show that I've personally played, by far. We also won over a majority of the crowd that night.
Bailey: One big highlight for me was tracking our newest record with our producer, Rob Freeman.
Ray: I have to agree with both of you. As far as show highlights, the Drake Bell show was huge. But when it comes to the creative aspect, I also think recording our new upcoming record with Rob is huge.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Chris: If I could list a few, I'd love to tour with Fall Out Boy, One Ok Rock, and Set It Off. If the four of us could be a whole tour package, I'd be set for life!
Bailey: I think it would be fun to tour with Boys Like Girls and Set It Off.
Ray: All Time Low and Grayscale would be my top choices.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Chris: We would like to give a huge thanks to Kill the Music for having us!
Bailey: If you haven't heard us before, you can stream our latest single "45 After Midnight" on Spotify, Apple Music, and anywhere else you get your music!
Ray: You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@PaintedYoung), and Instagram (@PaintedYoungBand) for all updates!
Chris: Keep an eye out on all of our pages because we've got some exciting stuff coming soon!