Alt-rock supergroup, Royal Coda are poised to take 2018 by storm. The trio, comprised of Kurt Travis (Dance Gavin Dance, A Lot Like Birds), Sergio Medina (Stolas, Sianvar, Eidola), and Joseph Arrington (A Lot Like Birds, Sianvar) celebrated the release of their self-titled debut album in April and just this month made their tour debut in California. With their sights set on the future and a clear vision of the music that they want to create, Royal Coda are just getting started and this certainly won’t be the last you hear of them this year.
Read more about the band’s debut album, tour plans and more below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
The Prelude Press: Can you tell us a little bit about Royal Coda for any readers who might be hearing you for the first time?
Sergio: It’s a project that was born out of frustration and necessity to make music.
Royal Coda is a supergroup of sorts, which means you guys are kind of a melting pot of different sounds and influences. How do you feel your involvement in other projects has shaped or influenced this one?
I’m not sure. It wasn’t created in the conventional sense in how a band comes together. None of us really knew this would become a “traditional” band until the record was about 90% complete.
You guys also just released your new album! What are you the most excited for listeners to hear on it?
I’m excited for people to just give it a listen, and hopefully enjoy the songs! I hope they hear the organic sounds we made in the studio.
It being your debut album, did you have any major goals in mind while writing and recording?
I just wanted to make something that took the chaotic nature of my other projects, and put them into more traditional song structures. Hopefully, to bring in people who aren’t used to the less conventional song structures.
How were you able to challenge yourselves while working on the album? How do you feel you’ve grown with the writing and recording of it?
It was challenging to try and write something I didn’t feel I’ve already written. It was tough to challenge myself as a creative to try to go somewhere new. I wanted to make something I hadn’t heard before. I don’t know if I achieved that. I don’t really think it’s my place to say.
What was the most rewarding part about working on these songs?
There were a lot of aspects of this record that were rewarding. Working at VuDu Studios was one of them. Working with Joe and Kurt was extremely rewarding. Putting together songs the same day we recorded them (while challenging) was also very rewarding.
Hmm, that’s rough. I guess if anyone listens to it and comes away with it having done some reflection during the somber parts, or felt exhilarated during the loud parts, or just simply had a good listening experience, I’m happy.
With the album out now, do you have any plans for shows or to hit the road soon?
Yes. Fall 2018.
Do you have any other big plans or goals for 2018?
I definitely want to write another record for Royal Coda.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for listening to Royal Coda. I hope you’re enjoying the record!
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