Two weeks ago from today pop rock band, Painted Young, put out a BRAND NEW music video for their latest single off of their EP, Smallest Similarities, called “Sunset.” The band is from Aberdeen, New Jersey and when I saw that they started teasing this new music video, I knew I just had to chat with them about it. Also, the band’s drummer Bailey Hand and I go wayyyyyy back (we used to be in a pop punk band called Before It’s Too Late together). They released their EP, Smallest Similarities, nearly a year ago in May 2021 and are still making a bunch of noise with it. After listening to Smallest Similarities, one might even be taken in back in time to the neon pop punk days, as their sound truly modernizes pop punk with a pop twist. I am really excited to share the interview I did with Painted Young, as we discussed their new music video, Smallest Similarities, and what it has been like for them to play live shows again since the pandemic.
- First, I just wanted to say thank you for letting me interview you guys! It is a pleasure to talk to you! This is your first Myze interview, so I just wanted to say welcome to my blog! How have you guys been doing since bands have been able to slowly start booking shows again amidst the pandemic?
Thank you so much for having us! We really appreciate you reaching out and taking interest in us and our music! As far as the pandemic goes, we have been slowly getting back into things as they continue to be available. The world is such a weird place right now and for that reason we want to be safe and cautious.
- When and where was your first show back and how did it feel to be in front of people again?
Technically, our first show back was all of us being a backing band funnily enough. Our good friend, Chris Gullace, reached out to us about performing as his backing band opening for Jason Mraz at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park. As for our own music, our first show back was at The Saint in Asbury Park supporting Rory D’Lasnow for his album release show with Clementine and American Stereo.
It felt phenomenal to play in front of a crowd again instead of to ourselves in an empty basement. A year and a half since our previous show, we were full of emotion, excitement, and adrenaline to bring our best back to our fans.
- I know you guys released a new EP last year in 2021 titled, The Smallest Similarities, which I wanted to say congratulations! It sounds fantastic and has a modern take on pop punk/rock, which I LOVE. What was the writing process like for the EP and what are you hoping for listeners to get out of it?
Thank you so much! The response to the record has been nothing short of amazing. The writing process was super productive. Each one of us have studio setups within our homes so when the pandemic hit, we were able to work on the songs remotely, in real time, and be super productive. “45 After Midnight” was written/demoed way ahead of the rest of the record mainly because of the pandemic. That was the only song we were able to fully work on in person prior to the pandemic. “45” was a deep demo from 2017 but once it was brought up again, it was finished within a few months. We were able to begin the fetal stages of the rest of the songs soon after, however due to COVID, the rest of the record was written practically a year later. Once we got back into it, the rest of the other songs were finished fairly quickly.
We are hoping the listeners can feel the same energy we put into this record. When making this record, we took influences from a lot of different genres and styles. In turn, we hope listeners will take a chance on broadening their horizons and giving other genres a chance.
- Coming back into the live game, what is your favorite song to play live off the record collectively?
Collectively, we all agree that “O.M.G.” is our favorite because of the high energy it gives to us as players and to the crowd as well. In the few shows that we have played since the record came out, we’ve been playing that song towards the end of the set. Anytime we start playing that song, the energy immediately boosts up as if we just got on stage again. A close second place is “We’ve Stopped Time” solely because it has a bunch of really cool vibes as well as we all contribute vocally when performing live.
- Is there a song on the EP you guys hope listeners attach themselves more to than others? After listening to this EP myself, I feel like lyrically it gets very personal and that is something I love in music.
We personally don’t think there is a single specific song we want people to attach themselves to more so than the others. They all offer different feelings and emotions which everyone should experience and be open to. We wanted to make a cohesive record but at the same time we wanted to give something to everyone. We like to let our audience gravitate to whichever song they feel suits them, whether they are in a good mood or having a rough go of it.
- One of the main reasons why I wanted to interview you guys, was because you just released a new music video for your song off the EP titled, “Sunset.” You also released another official music video for, “45 After Midnight,” prior to this release under Ghost Killer Entertainment. What has been the inspiration for this newest music video, “Sunset?”
Well, the song itself gives the listeners a bit of a throwback, summer type of vibe so we wanted to make a video that conveyed the same exact feeling. There wasn’t too much inspiration behind the video per se. We just wanted to have some fun following Chris getting to Ray’s house for an impromptu performance during a pool party. The song doesn’t have much meaning behind it, other than to just have fun and live in the moment. The video gives off that same nature of fun, debauchery, and also drinking responsibly!
- I kinda love how the video takes place by a pool and it is currently winter time. Makes me miss summer. Was that a feeling you were trying to give your audience, or did this release just happen like that?
Honestly, we were aiming to release it by the end of the summer but things didn’t work out that way. However, it is pretty on brand for us to release a summer music video right when our state is about to get hit by a blizzard. It just worked out that way and it works because here we are, also missing the warmer weather. It is just something for people to look forward to when winter passes.
- Who did you do this music video with? Are there any other people you guys would like to give a shout out to for it?
We worked with Kurt Fowles of Sirius Cinema on the full production of the video. Huge shoutout to all our friends and family who partied with us and helped make this video possible! Also, another big thank you to Zack of Ghost Killer Entertainment for featuring the video through their outlets!
- What are Painted Young’s goals for 2022 and what can listeners expect from you guys this year?
Our goals consist of staying productive whether it’s through shows or creating content. We have some making up to do from the pandemic and we don’t plan on slowing down this time. At the rate we are currently going, you may see something new from us within this year.
- Any “local” bands you would like to give a shout out to?
We want to personally thank all of the bands that we worked with over the course of the past year. They single-handedly gave us outlets through a tough time in the music scene. We want to thank our friends in Clementine, The Ones You Forgot, Double Header, Rory D’Lasnow, With Sails Ahead, American Stereo, Poeta, Midnight Mourning, Northvale, Pop Alma, Serious Matters and Chris Gullace for all the support they have given us this past year!
- Where can Myze readers find and listen to your music?
Readers can find all our social media links and music streaming links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintedYoung
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaintedYoung
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedyoungband
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Paintedyoung
All of our music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Tidal, and anywhere else you may stream your music.
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