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

The band is just me. I will have guest musicians on some tracks. For example Big Data drummer Jonathan Schmidt played on ‘Grime x Gold’ and an amazing artist named LOLO sang on ‘Ground’, my first single, but I do all the tracking and instrumentation. 

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

I was in a band called the Postelles. Stray Echo has been around for a year or so.

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

Stray Echo is the one and only name. I liked the use of the word echo and the word stray came after I adopted my dog. I was calling her a stray pup and the term Stray Echo popped into my head. I really liked the idea of a stray echo or sound emanating throughout the world getting lost and found and all that.

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 write all the songs but I love to collaborate. My next single is co-written with a producer named Charlie Klarsfeld who worked on the last Vaccines record. He’s super talented.

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

The last few singles were really inspired by a lot of African funk and soul groups from the 70’s like William Onyeabor and the Funkees. 

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

My Dad plays and listens to a lot of blues, so I grew up listening to a lot of guitarists like Freddy King, BB King and many others. He showed me the Beatles and The Rolling Stones and it made me want to be a musician. I think when bands like the Strokes and Interpol came around it made the possibility of starting a band feel real.

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

I always drink and do vocal warm ups

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

Releasing my first single was amazing. It was my first release post my old band so it meant a lot to get something new out there. I was really proud of that.

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

I  would have loved to tour with the Clash. I think their energy would have been inspiring and pushed me to try and match their excitement and passion.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me and hope you enjoy the music!