Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Daniel Pinner – vocals
Tim Benson – guitar, vocals
Patrick Trumps – guitar
Alex Daigle – Bass
Lee Gauthreaux – Drums
Stefan Hawkins – guitar, vocals
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Secondborn? How long has the band been around?
I (Pat) played in two bands prior to Secondborn. One was called Down in the Park and the other was called Oh! Juliet. Tim played in a band called Liquid Sand…and he also played in Down in the Park for a short bit. Lee played in a band called Bezerka. Stefan played in a couple cover bands and Daniel and Alex are noobs. It’s their first band.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Tim and Daniel came up with the name when they started the project. I think it may have something to do with the fact they’re both the second born kids in their families. But I don’t know. It’s always been the name.
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?
Musically, Tim was the one that wrote the majority of the music from the beginning. But as we’ve been a band longer and longer, everyone else is contributing. Lyrically, it started with Tim and Daniel. Our first EP, “A Call to Arms”, I think all 3 songs were inspired by Game of Thrones. But as the writing continued, Daniel started writing more and more. A lot of the topics are about life, life adventures/misadventures. The songs definitely have a humanistic element to them, lyrically. You could hear a song and say, “yep, I’ve been through that.”
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Personally, I’ve been gushing over the new Thrice record. I think it’s their best to date. The new Emarosa stuff sounds incredible!!!! Bradley Walden is just an unbelievable singer. As for older stuff I’ve been listening to…hmm…I always go back to Innerpartysystem’s self-titled record. That thing is just incredible. So, yeah, a mix of old and new plus new Descendants record coming out soon!!
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
For me, it was Nirvana’s “Bleach” record. It was the first record I can remember hearing and thinking…hmmm…I can do that!! Haha.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Daniel does vocal warmups and exercises. As for the rest of us, we just make sure we’re on the same page with the set list and all of that. No rituals or anything like that. Haha.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
I think just the ability to do everything ourselves, or have our friends help us out…all of that has been a highlight. Each video we make, they get better and better, in my opinion. The fact that people watch or listen to our stuff, that’s incredible! I’m hoping the new record that we’re working on can replace that answer…I think we’re close!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
If you asked any of us, you’d get 6 different answers. I’d keep it simple, Nirvana, Mutemath, Thrice. Done.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for the interview! Feel free to check out our tracks on Spotify! If you like what you hear, we wouldn’t be offended if you purchased them through iTunes/Google Play. Hopefully a new record will be out in the next few months! Cheers