Unsigned Spotlight: Say It Anyway
Pop punk band Say It Anyway have released their new single, 'Mascara Mess'. Listen to it below!
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Meg Borges - lead vocalist
Charlie Parsons - guitarist, backing vocalist
Laurence Nelson - guitarist, backing vocalist
Daniel Baker - bassist
Jordan Dibble - drummer
As a DIY band, we also work together and take on other roles in the band using our skills in songwriting, graphic design, production, marketing, etc.
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Say It Anyway? How long has the band been around?
JORDAN - Say It Anyway started in 2020(ish). I joined the band in 2023 but I’m pretty sure the other guys said it started through the ‘COVID’ era. As for bands we have been part of prior to SiA….. I was in a punk/emo band called Forrest up until around 2016 and I have been playing/performing in bands and with artists consistently since then. Meg has been writing and performing her own music for years now.
She has never really been part of a committed band before, but I’m glad we got her when we did! Dan, Laurence and Charlie were in a band called The Run Up and it was the departure of that band that started what is now - Say It Anyway!
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
DAN - I think we had a huge list of band names and were going back and forth about them, narrowed it down to a couple and one of us had some kind of prerequisite about the favourite but hesitated when raising the objection. Nothing really magical there haha
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?
MEG: Since I’ve joined the band, our new material has been songs I’ve written! In the summer, we rented an AirBnB, set up all our gear in the living room, and worked on songs that I brought some from the ‘vault’! It was a great time to just jam together for the whole weekend and explore our new identity and sound as a band.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
MEG: Aaaah, I’m inspired by so many bands and artists! Currently, I’d say Paramore, Honey Revenge, State Champs, The Home Team, Knox, Charlotte Sands, Waterparks, and has to be said - Taylor Swift. Incredible songwriter!
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
MEG: Honestly, I can’t remember ever NOT wanting to be in a band. Even at seven years old, I had Avril Lavigne’s ‘Let Go’ album on repeat in my little pink portable CD player and performing Hillary Duff songs with my best friend at recess. Haha
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
MEG: My standard before a show, I drink loads of water, vocal exercises, and a Red Bull to give me an extra energy boost! Some of my extra little hacks that I’ll throw in there at times are throat coat spray, vocal zone tea, and here’s the weird one - ready salted Walkers crisps (or salted Lays chips for my fellow American friends!). Does wonders!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
MEG: When I joined! ;) Jokessss! Nah, I can’t speak for the band! But for myself, my highlight was the whole Vampires project! It was the first song of mine that I brought to the band and the first we worked on together. Seeing it come to life, collaborating with my bandmates to put their ‘Say It Anyway’ spin on it musically, the creativity and vision we put into the music video, and the great response we had from our listeners made it a memorable release for me. It was everything I imagined it to be and so much more! Vampires was also really fun way to be officially introduced in the band; ‘Say It Anyway - Revamped’ you could say!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
MEG: Ahhh there’s so many! I am a huge fan of The Home Team, State Champs, Honey Revenge, Neck Deep, and of course - the ultimate dream would be Paramore.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
MEG: We’ve got a single coming out called Mascara Mess which drops along with a music video on January 23! We’re so excited about this release as it’s so special to us! It showcases a vulnerable yet powerful side of the band, and lyrically, it’s one of the most personal songs I’ve written. I’m so proud of how we’ve worked together to create this track that feels emotive, raw, and deeply authentic.
This release is incredibly special to us. It showcases a vulnerable yet powerful side of the band, and lyrically, it’s one of the most personal songs I’ve written. I’m so proud of how we’ve worked together to create a track that feels emotive, raw, and deeply authentic.