Unsigned Spotlight: The Upstart Crows
The Upstart Crows is an alternative rock act from Brooklyn that plays in and around NYC as both a haunting solo acoustic act or a loud bombastic rock band. With their combination of folk, punk and Americana style; it promises that whatever crow show you go to you are gonna have a good time.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Jonathan Adams: Currently the only member is me.
For starters, were any of you a part of other bands/outfits prior to The Upstart Crows? How long has the band been around?
This project has been ongoing since 2015 in some shape or form.
What’s the origin of that name?
It's a moniker used to defame William Shakespeare back when he was first started out by his wealthier contemporaries and I thought it was kind of pretty punk rock so we named it 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 lyrics and the guitar parts, but for this new song I wrote everything except the drums. My songs are mostly written about things I am feeling or thinking about. Most of the new songs I've been writing I've been trying to dig a little deeper into myself.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I feel like most people would say that the first time was seeing a band in an giant arena made them want to start a band. But when I was in high school me and my buddies saw this band called Sexy Heroes in the basement of a rec-center in Pencook, NH (middle of nowhere) and just seeing these normal dudes doing this awesome show inspired me to start my own band.
Tell us about your new single and video "Stuck".
The song is about being in that in-between stage in life. Where you’re not seeing any growth or development whether personally, artistically or career wise. It's like punching at a brick wall; and I feel like everyone is feeling like that with the pandemic happening and being locked in our house all day. I was really happy that my cousin Adam Solits and I could make this video and feel productive.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Have you been playing any livestream performances with COVID making live shows more difficult?
Sounds boring, but vocal warm ups. Currently I have no plans to do any live stream performances, but if people are interested I would absolutely do them though.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far? Biggest challenge?
Hands down is completing our self titled record and breaking 1,000 listens on Spotify. Biggest challenge would have to be doing this while also working a 9-5 job, which I am grateful to have right now.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
The White Stripes, The Dresden Dolls, and more recently I would love to play with Will Wood. Their stuff is amazing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Listen to my song "Stuck" on Spotify and watch the video on our Youtube channel. Also for everyone out there who needs to hear it, try to be nicer to yourself. You're really not doing as bad as you think you are.