Silver Lake-based sextet, Paper Jackets aren’t your typical synth-pop project. The band, who released their debut EP, Don’t Lose Your Head last spring have proven time and time again that they’re a force to be reckoned with, both with their original material and recently released, incredibly creative cover of Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow”. With their debut release now under their belts and a drive to keep pushing musical boundaries moving forward, Paper Jackets are certainly an act you’ll want to keep an eye on in 2019.
Just last week, Paper Jackets released the music video for their hit single, “Trigger,” and with hopes to hit the road stateside (and maybe even overseas) this year, 2019 promises to be a big one for the band. Get to know a little bit more about them and listen to “Trigger” now below!
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about Paper Jackets for anyone who might not be familiar?
Paper Jackets was formed in 2016 in Los Angeles. I started working with our producer Ethan Kaufmann in 2014. We didn’t know where it would lead but eventually I teamed up with the rest of the band in 2016 with a good amount of material to start with. We started as a straightforward indie rock band and added in more pop flavors as time went on. We’re influenced by artists such as The 1975, Grouplove, CHVRCHES, and Walk the Moon. Thematically, the current songs discuss the anxiety and tension that nearly every 20-something has grappled with: transitioning from a more careless existence to fitting in with the bewildering idea of what it means to be an “adult.” We want our music to be relatable and inspiring, but still a good time!
You guys had an eventful 2018 with a handful of shows and the release of your new EP, Don’t Lose Your Head! What were some of the highlights of your year?
2018 was superb! Definitely a lot of high points. We built a great team by signing to a small label, Selma Records, who has been really cool to us, and also partnered with Street Smart Management. We worked on songs for a new record – still haven’t picked what’s what, but we have a good amount to choose from! We worked hard on perfecting our live performances and played a ton of fun shows in the LA area. Charlie Park nailed a remix of our single “Trigger.” We even recorded a fun Christmas song that we plan on releasing officially end of this year. Bummed we didn’t have enough lead time for 2018, but it will be awesome for this year!
Now that it has been out for a little while, what are some of your favorite things about Don’t Lose Your Head?
The EP was a ton of fun to record and write! As we pieced together our live set we uncovered some exciting live aspects of songs. “Don’t Lose Your Head” for example, has a ton of energy when we play it. We love seeing the songs come to life in the studio, and then bringing a new twist when we play them on stage!
What was the most exciting or rewarding part about working on the album?
Seeing the band really come together was really special. The lineup was clicking more than ever. As you know, it can be tough to inspire creative types! I felt like the band was coming together over the new music! It was a great feeling knowing we were locking in our strengths, and I think it really shows with our newer material.
What would you like listeners to take away from the album?
This is the come up record. We are happy with whatever is taken, but would love to see people having fun, playing it loud for friends, and jamming it in the car! I’m a believer that car stereos are the best way to enjoy it. However listeners consume it, we are just happy for them to dive deep and dig into the new tracks!
You ended 2018 with the release of your cover of Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.” What inspired you to cover this song?
I like when a band can take a fresh perspective on a genre that doesn’t seem to fit. Like Ben Folds did a fantastic job with “Rocking the Suburbs” and Dynamite Hack with their cover of “NWA.” I really think that’s fun! We’re fans of Cardi B and wanted to do a rock pop version of the song.
With 2019 underway, do you have any big plans so far this year? And new music we can expect to hear soon?
Always! We are going to continue pushing Don’t Lose Your Head and possibly release a new single or two by the end of the year. We’re also really excited to be working “Trigger” to radio. Hopefully you’ll hear it on your local Alternative station soon! 🙂
Do you have any other big goals or bucket list items you’d like to check off this year?
We’d love to lock in a big National tour or visit Europe. We want to meet a bunch of new people and play our music for as many people that will listen!
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