Painted Young is an alternative rock / pop-punk band from Matawan, NJ.

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

Chris Santos - vocals, guitars, bass, drums

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

I was in a few bands in high school before Painted Young came to light. I was in a band called Remembering Yesterday, which only lasted a year. After that I was in a band called Apple Taxi that lasted for only a few months. 

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

The name was a pretty spur-of-the-moment thing. In my senior year of high school, there was a charity event that needed bands to perform. I was able to get a group together and went to the meeting for all the bands to confirm their slot. By the time I went to the meeting, we had a band and we had material to perform, but we didn’t have a name. When the entertainment supervisor asked what our name was, I honestly just blurted out “Painted Young.” Everyone I ran into liked the name a lot and I was always associated with it. Despite all the member changes since 2012, Painted Young has always been my thing so it made sense for it to become my solo project.

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’m the sole songwriter. I always write about personal experiences, emotions, and issues I’ve dealt with. There are times where I’ll start writing something with a personal topic in mind, but then it becomes more selfless and becomes more relatable for people who deal with the same issues I have.

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

I’ve been inspired my more pop punk bands, along with lighter pop rock. All Time Low is definitely a huge influence on me as a musician, as well as Green Day and Blink-182.

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

The first time I saw Green Day in 2010, I was immediately inspired to start a band. I have always been a huge fan of Green Day and that show pretty much skyrocketed the level of influence they had on me. If I hadn’t seen that show, I probably wouldn’t have been as motivated to start making music.

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

At first I was terrible with prepping for a show. I would always just jump right into it without much exercise or warm ups. Now I always try to get some stretches in, as well as a few vocal warm-ups. I don’t have a specific routine, but I do warm up a lot better now than I did before.

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

I’ve opened for SayWeCanFly multiple times and each time was such an amazing experience. I remember listening to him back in high school, so opening for him at multiple shows was such an amazing time. And he’s such a sweetheart too.

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

If I had the choice to tour with any band, I’d love to open for the All-American Rejects. I feel like that would be a fun lineup. But of course, a big dream of mine would be to open for Green Day. Even if it’s for just one show, for me to say I’m opening for Green Day would make my life complete.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks so much for your time! My new single “The Madhouse” is out now! My new EP “I’m Not Gonna Wait” comes out on April 12! Feel free to follow my social media! I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!