All the way from Blackwood, New Jersey, Metalcore/Post-Hardcore band, Chasing Utopia is on this rise and off to HUGE opportunities. With their debut EP titled, Chapters, on the way and an upcoming show opening for Memphis May Fire at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey on Saturday, May 5, 2018, this band has A LOT to look forward to and bright future ahead of them. As doors continue to open for them, I had the honor of getting to chat with Chasing Utopia about their new music, as well as their show with Memphis May Fire!
1.) Thank you guys so much for chatting with me! I am excited to get the ball rolling! First, I always have to get the basics out of the way, but who is Chasing Utopia?
Thank you so much! We are excited also. Chasing Utopia is made up of:
RJay Conley – Vocals
Zack Routon – Guitar/Vocals
Dylan Harrison – Bass
Bailey Hand – Drums
2.) I understand that Bailey is actually a newer addition to the band. How has working with him been so far? Bailey, what has it been like playing for Chasing Utopia the past few months?
Full band: It’s been amazing working with Bailey since he joined CU. He really clicked with us immediately and plays the songs better than we ever even thought they could be played. He’s great.
Bailey: It has been nothing but incredible getting to know and work with these guys. They are all super talented and they all want the same thing that I want. That’s all I could ever ask from bandmates and they surpass that, tenfold.
3. ) Rumor has it you guys have some new music on the way… Is this true? If so, will we be getting to hear it in the near future?
That we do. We have our debut EP called “Chapters” that is going to be released in the coming months. We have a lot of things in the works along with shows so everything will fall perfectly in place.
4.) I am really into the cover of ,“Heathens” by Twenty-One Pilots you guys recorded! Where did you guys record it and why did you pick that specific cover to record?
Both the cover and the soon-to-be released EP was all recorded and mixed by our guitarist, Zack. He is incredible. He has such a vision when it comes to making our music that it’s super convenient to have a recording setup at his home to catch every idea we have or ever will have at any moment. As for Heathens, thank you so much. The song was super relevant at the time and we heard it and wanted to try to make it “heavy.” Twenty One Pilots is a very creative and different band and we believe we are equally as different and want to try to be as creative also.
5.) It seems like you guys have some really exciting shows coming up! One in particular, you guys are opening for Memphis May Fire at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey! CONGRATULATIONS! That is quite an accomplishment! How did it feel when you guys were offered the show?
It was surreal. When Bailey received the message, he called the rest of the band immediately. We pretty much were confirmed in 10 minutes. Memphis May Fire is one of those bands that we grew up listening to and respect. It blows our minds that it’s coming full circle like this.
6.) I know that you guys have played House of Independents before. Did you enjoy playing there the first time? Do you look forward to returning for Memphis?
Absolutely. House of Independents is blowing up in Asbury right now. The atmosphere, the stage, the sound, etc.. It’s everything a band would hope for in a venue. We hope to continue playing there and consider it almost a home to us.
7.) When is the show with Memphis May Fire and where can people purchase tickets?
The show is on May 5th. You can purchase tickets from us directly as well as online and from the other locals on the bill too.
8.) If you guys could collectively choose any band in the world to open for next, who would it be and why?
Probably We Came As Romans. They have been a band that we all idolize for many years. It would be amazing to share the stage with such talent like them.
9.) Where would you guys like to end up by the end of 2018?
By the end of 2018, we obviously want the EP released with a music video. We want to continue to play these bigger and better shows. Maybe a few weekender tours too.
10.) Would you guys like to give any shoutouts to any other local bands in the scene right now?
We would like to shout out As Within, So Without, Until We Get Caught, VRSTY, My Last Breath, Across the White Water Tower, Monument Of a Memory, In Loving Memory, and Zoúme.
11.) Where can everyone find your music?
You can listen to our music on all streaming platforms such YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and more.
Be sure to go give Chasing Utopia a LIKE on Facebook and a FOLLOW on Instagram and Twitter!
Myze Music 