BAND INTERVIEW: Run Along
Interview by Jesse James Smith
New Haven, Connecticut’s Run Along are introducing listeners to their take on “Mall Emo” with their debut single, “Serves You Right.” Drawing inspiration from Transit, A Will Away, Microwave, The Format, and Third Eye Blind, the band embraces the era when emo and alternative rock leaned into pop elements. We caught up with Run Along to talk about the new project, their songwriting process, dream collaborations, and their upcoming record, “The Places You Can’t Go Back.”
Q: Hey guys! Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions! Firstly, you guys are a brand new project, so introduce yourself and tell us who your musical influences are for all the new fans!
A: Hey thanks for having us! We’re Run Along a Mall Emo band from New Haven, CT. Our musical influences for this project are Transit, A Will Away, Microwave, The Format & Third Eye Blind among others.
Q: You guys classify your sound as “Mall Emo Band”, What does that mean to you guys! Some of the new kids discovering emo and pop punk for the first time didn’t hang out in malls like we did! So can you describe where you got that from?
A: Mall Emo used to be somewhat of a tongue and cheek joke to poke fun at the third wave of emo bands that had their merch sold at Hot Topic haha. I’ve always admired the expression though since it to me really represents my favorite era of music when emo alternative rock started embracing pop elements.
Q: You previously were in another band called “Mighty Tortuga” that also had some of the “Mall Emo” influences. Is this project a rebrand but still the same project or is this a brand new project all together?
A: This is an entirely new band! Although the majority of the upcoming Run Along album i had written and intended to be the next Mighty Tortuga release, when we broke up I was able to sideline the heavier tracks and bring some elements back into the fold that fit more with what we’re doing now.
Q: You guys just released your first single “Serves You Right”! Congratulations! The song rips, but for those who haven’t heard it yet, What is the song about?
A: Thank you so much! “Serves You Right” is a song about someone moving forward in life after being in a relationship and having a hard time acknowledging how they may have contributed to their own issues more than they want to accept and the mind games that come along with that.
Q: What is it like writing for Run Along? What does the process look like, do you work with any outside producers of is it all written and recorded in house?
A: I like to be able to collaborate and make music with anyone from who I admire from my friends, old bandmates, or musicians i grew up listening to. I think the best part of making art is collaboration and I don’t like to box myself in. Working with producers and other musicians is one of my favorite things since you’re bringing someone into the fold who you respect and love the records they’ve made and they help make the most out of the songs you’ve spent a long time with by yourself and then they make them the best they can be with a fresh perspective.
Q: One of my favorite things in music is the collaborations and guest features. If you could collab with any artist or band for a feature on a song, who would it be and why?
A: If i could collaborate with anyone right now it would be The Format. Nate is one of my favorite lyricists and songwriters. Songs like “No Gold At The Top” & “If Work Permits” to me hit home in a way few things do.
Q: Ok, time for some light hearted questions. What is your go to post-show food? Are you a fast food guy? Something healthy? What’s the go to?
A: Post show food can sometimes be a mixed bag ahah! One of my favorite parts about touring is getting into a new city and trying food before we play. But given the options of what’s open post show Taco Bell often is the go to spot ahha.
Q: If you had to listen to 3 albums and only 3 albums for the rest of your life starting now, what are you choosing?
A: That is a wildly difficult question to answer but I’d go with Taking Back Sunday: Where You Want To Be, The Format: Dog Problems, and The Beatles: 1967-1970 (more commonly referred to as the blue album)
Q: Last Question, If you could tell your 10 year old self something, what would you tell him? ANy musical advice?
A: Enjoy the ride!
Q: Again, Thank you so much for sitting and taking the time! Is there any last thing you’d like to say or plug to your new fans?
A: Thank you! Check more about the band out at www.runalongband.com and listen to our debut single “Serves You Right” and keep a eye out for our upcoming record “The Places You Can’t Go Back” out on Heading East Records later this year.
Check out the music video for Run Along’s debut single, “Serves You Right,” over on the Ghost Killer Entertainment YouTube channel! Watch it below and let us know what you think!