Whale Bones are an indie/alternative band from Bloomington, Indiana.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Nathan- Guitar/Vocals
Paul- Drums/Backing Vocals
We played everything on the recordings, but live our friends Nick and Ben help us out by playing guitar and bass respectively.
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Whale Bones? How long has the band been around?
I had always been very protective of things I wrote, so I played mostly by myself making demos and playing on the street in Indianapolis. We started playing together in 2013, playing on the street and for our friends. We didn’t really have a name or any set plan, but we recognized that we worked really well together and had similar ideals and goals for the band. As we became more serious about putting a focused effort together, we decided to call ourselves Whale Bones. We also both play in a fantasycore band called The Wise Man’s Fear. Paul was one of the early members, and I joined towards the end of 2013. We have a record coming out soon called The Castle in the Clouds that’s produced by Johnny Franck of Attack, Attack!.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Whale Bones represents the transience of everything. Even the largest creatures, structures, and ___ are eventually reduced to a memory. We both love exploring abandoned buildings and taking in the history of what were once frequented places for many people. There’s a sense of calming peace that comes with the decline of a place like that.
Whale Bones is also a song by one of our favorite bands, Secret & Whisper. They were a wonderful band that never received the credit or recognition they deserved and unfortunately are on an indefinite hiatus. The song is about taking responsibility and doing what you have to do, even though you don’t want to.
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 wrote the skeletons and lyrics for the songs and then brought them to Paul and he wrote all of the drums. We collaborate on backing vocals and harmonies. The Seaside EP is about dealing with past faults and moving forward. The songs progress through wanting change, recognizing faults, remorse and hopelessness, seeking comfort and peace, to eventual forgiveness. This concept was specific to this EP, but I’m sure it will be present on future releases. The topics will definitely expand.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
For me, As Cities Burn, Oceana, From Indian Lakes, Dear and the Headlights, Now, Now, Yvette Young, Copeland, Deas Vail, and Pianos Become the Teeth are pretty important right now. The musicianship and creativity of people these artists inspires me to be a better and more creative artist.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Music has really always been a part of our lives. I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t creating or exploring new music. I remember the first CD I ever took from my dad was Richard Shindell’s “Somewhere Near Patterson”. That album still inspires me today as far as songwriting is concerned. I’m constantly having “ah-ha” moments where something an artist does completely blows me away and makes me think about creating in a new way. We’re always motivated to create new and different works.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
We usually get comfortable with our friends and try to get a good morale going with the crowd. Making sure instruments are in top shape is always important. We talk through the setlist and transitions before every show. Things aren’t overly calculated, but every piece of this band’s music and performance has and will continue to be done with complete intent.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Working with Matt Goldman has been a huge blessing. He has worked on so many of our favorite records that shaped us as musicians. From Copeland, to As Cities Burn, to Underoath, he’s done it all. This EP would not have been possible without him. When Paul and I listened to the mixes for the first time, we were too excited for words.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
It would be so fun to travel and play with Copeland, Deas Vail, From Indian Lakes, The Dear Hunter.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Seaside EP is out on July 14th!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhaleBonesMusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyX2CkU_XV8xHUXuouk3ikQ
Instagram: https://instagram.com/whalebonesband/