Max: You guys have been around in Bellingham for a bit now – how would you say your sound has evolved over the years?
Candysound: Candysound's sound has definitely changed and evolved over the years, from EP to EP, and with the addition of members bringing forth new ideas into the bands. We started off as a lo-fi pop project, and then expanded from a two piece for our first tour, to a trio, and now, a four piece. Intentionally or unintentionally, we've dabbled and genre hopped between spacey, shoegazing songs to more upbeat, indie-punk ones, to some noisy/math-y territory in between. Since we don't really have a set aesthetic, our sound kinda just depends on a song to song basis (while still tucked neatly under the blanket of "Pacific Northwest Indie Rock Band").
Max: You'll be releasing your upcoming full-length album “Now + Then” on Friday, May 2nd. What has the process been like recording this album?
Candysound: Yeah, we're releasing it on May 2nd in Bellingham and quite psyched about it! It's a 9-song full-length album that we tracked mostly in our home with our ever-talented audio-sherpa and friend, Jackson Mathey, who we found through our buddies in Creech. Aside from being the first recorded work as the four of us, it was a series of other firsts: we launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to help fund the release, and we got it mastered through audio-maestro Chris Vita in Portland. We got a lot help from some very talented people, and a lot of support from our friends and family, which was humbling and thrilling, and overall has been a really easy, fun experience.
Max: What's the song-writing process like for you guys? What types of things to you tend to write about? Do you have any major influences worth noting?
Candysound: As far as how the songwriting process goes, this album has been the most collaborative thus far. We usually begin with the song or sketch of a song, and then piece it together by bandmate input through a democratic process, more or less.These are all the songs we wrote over the last year and then toured with, so we're quite ready to get it out there, as we're already writing demoing songs for our next EP!
As far as major influences, we're kind of all over the indie / pop / music spectrum, but currently playing in the house are: the new Real Estate album, Deerhunter, +/-, lots of Built To Spill, Jurassic 5, The Shins, J Dilla, and of course, 90's R&B.
Max: A lot of people in Tacoma probably aren't too familiar with the Bellingham music scene – could you tell us what it's like? What kinds of bands in Bellingham are you excited about right now?
Candysound: Bellingham's music scene is cool and eclectic and ever-changing. House venues and bands pop up and some come and go, but they're always interesting, and often times have the same members. A lot of bands influence each other too, and so in that way, I think Bellingham has sort of it's own sound. Touring bands we host shows for tell us that the all ages / house show scene up here is the best they've ever played, so that's pretty cool too? As far as some of our favorite Bellingham bands, we currently have crushes on The Palisades, Vervex, Creech, City Hall, The Female Fiends, and Noise Toys.
Max: Do you guys plan to stay in Bellingham? What about Bellingham attracts you?
Candysound: I'm not sure. All four of us are busy people between work, school, art, relationships, and other bands, so Candysound is just one facet of our lives. That said, it's lead to some meeting some really nice people, playing cool shows and meaningful opportunities, so we're just enjoying it and seeing where it goes.
