Unsigned Spotlight: (the) UnSlept
Originating from Toledo, Ohio, (the) UnSlept has carved out a special sound all their own full of rock & roll soul, elements of grunge, and dirty folk, with hints of angry southern heavily layered with dynamic tones.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
We have J Dale Bailey on the bass and vocals. Next there's Matt Austin on the drums and vocals. Then myself Dan Cain on guitars and lead vocals
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to (the) Unslept? How long has the band been around?
There's a lot so I'll give you the Cliff Notes, Justin and Matt were in a band called Calvaris together. Separately, Justin was in Bath House Betty and Meh-tallica, a tribute band. Matt played bass in another local rock band, Volacious, before the UnSlept project started. I forget their other endeavors, embarrassingly, but I was recently in an experimental band called The Alternate Medicine and an experimental project called Negative Roger. I think Bath House was around for a number of years as was Calvaris. The Alternate Medicine was a couple years fling and Negative Roger could see a comeback in the future, we'll see.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
So, we all suffer from some sort of sleep issues, insomnia and the like. Our bassist is an avid reader and one night he was reading a Stephen King book, which leaned into the idea of sleep depravity. I believe the word Unslept was used to describe someone's appearance in the book. He ran it by us and it was adopted immediately.
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 most of the lyrics, but not all. The other guys are strong music composers, they both have a good ear for structure. I think we repeatedly touch on relationship themes, but I love the idea of the kind hearted criminal so we may nudge against that idea as well. I think those ideas are going to stand up to time, unless they find cures for heartache and stupidity. Maybe then these songs could lose their relevance.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Between us, I'd say Queens of the Stone Age, Primus, Foo Fighters, Clutch... Chimaira
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I was always fascinated by music and musicians. For me, the first rock music I'd heard was Guns N' Roses. I knew when I saw the Paradise City video that I wanted to play music as my career. Who knew that it was not as easy as a young, angry Axl Rose made it appear. Then I heard Metallica and learned to play a couple of their songs, that's when I realized it would be possible.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
I do vocal warm ups and stretches, then I try to get in a proper mental space to perform. If I can steal myself away for a moment I'll do a meditation minute in the bathroom or in a quiet spot nearby.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
This has to be our album release party at Howard's Club H in Bowling Green, OH. The place was packed and the people were hungry for music, it was the most fun I've ever had playing a show. I wish they could all be that awesome.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
There's so many great bands we could learn from. For me right now, I would love to tour with Queens of the Stone Age. That would be a huge badge of honor. They are playing such cutting edge rock that is easy to get lost in. They're geniuses, musically. They're poetic and thought provoking. They also put on a great show, so if you're reading this Josh Homme... we can clear our schedules.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sure, check us out wherever you find music. Also look up our website, UNSLEPT.BAND for access to our merch store and upcoming show dates.