Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Taylor Robert Hawkins - Vocals
Cameron Brizzee - Guitar, Vocals
Jess Hope - Bass, Vocals
Zachary Sherwood - Drums
Taylor Raymond - Guitar
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Western Daughter? How long has the band been around?
We’ve been / are still a part of various bands from our area including Ancient Psychic, Transistor Send, King Brat, Telescopes as Time Machines, & Ditch Tiger.
Western Daughter has been playing together since the spring of 2015.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Our vocalist (Taylor) was talking with his girlfriend (at the time) that attended Western Washington University. Her dad was visiting from out-of-state, so she bought him some school merchandise that said "Western Dad" on it. Taylor made the joke, "Did you also buy matching merch for yourself that says Western Daughter?"
Her father didn’t end up buying her matching march, but they both came to the conclusion that that'd be a good band name. At the time, our band had written a few songs but didn't have an official name yet, and loved it when it was brought up.
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?
Cameron wrote the “skeleton” of a majority of the songs on our first release, but the band writes together collectively. If there’s a theme to pick for “As the Sun Went Down”, it’s psychological struggles.
Topics will certainly change over time, we don’t intend to put the same thing out again and again. The full length we’re working on, will certainly have a different theme than ATSWD.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We’re all big nerds for stuff on Deep Elm, Jade Tree, Saddle Creek, Barsuk, Polyvinyl, etc. We also all really enjoy Modest Mouse, Neutral Milk Hotel, Brand New, The Killers, etc.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
This varies for every member of the band. We all have a desire to write music we want to hear, and are fortunate enough to find enough like-minded people to do actually be able to do it together.
What do you do to prepare for a show?
Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Rehearsal is definitely important. Beyond playing the music, talking about ideas we have for a live setting, and putting them into action. It’s also important to not forget any of your gear. Personally, I (other Taylor) like to stay hydrated and flex before hand.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
We’ve had our newest album premiered online exclusively by New Noise Magazine. It was really neat, and we can’t say enough kind things about them. Total sweethearts.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Fleetwood Mac.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to do this. We’re planning some tour dates for the Spring / Summer of 2016 and hope to see some friendly faces out there. Follow us on Facebook for band updates. <3