ATL indie punk outfit The Carolyn has spent the last few years crafting songs perfect for highway driving in the rain. The upcoming release, Harmful History, is in some ways more of what one could expect from the band, but it also foreshadows where they’re headed. Those who cut their teeth on the melodic punk bands from the late 90s and early 2000s will certainly feel at home, but might also be pleasantly surprised by the band’s choice to embrace poppy hooks and unorthodox song structures while wasting no time in the process. Look no further than the bands previous two full lengths, Rhythm of My Own Decay (59 X Records/Gunner Records) and This Will Begin To Make Things Right (59 X Records) to find songs filled with catchy choruses and lyrics about sleep deprivation, obscure pop culture references, and existential crisis.
How did the band form and what does the band name mean?
The band started as a solo project in 2016, and it's named after an early 20th century apartment home that I spent a lot of time in while the band's first EP was being written.
Previous musical projects? How'd you first get into music?
I played in various "starter" bands in Dave's basement when we were kids. Been in love with play guitar since I was about 8.
First concert that you ever went to?
My first memorable show was Alkaline Trio in 2008 on the Agony and Irony tour.
What's your writing process like?
My first memorable show was Alkaline Trio in 2008 on the Agony and Irony tour.
What's your writing process like?
It varies. Usually starts with an acoustic guitar and vocals and manifests itself during rehearsal. We're pretty conventional in that sense.
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
We'll always be fans of the whole emo-tinged melodic punk thing. We definitely cut our teeth on late 90s/early 2000s bands. Our biggest influences right now are on the playlist, and vary from the obvious punk heroes to Phoebe Bridgers. Melody is king for us.
What's the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be it's own thing?
I think it should be whatever works for a band. We are way more concerned with having a good time. As long as we are playing in time, I don't really care. Things are usually pretty loose, I think in most cases Oli and myself are just trying to party.
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows?worst shows?
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows?worst shows?
Not extensively, but we are about to return to Europe for another short tour. I'd say playing in Germany blows everywhere else out of the water. They really know how to take care of small bands like ourselves. Even the small shows over there feel really worthwhile.
What's up next for the band?
What's up next for the band?
We're excited to go play some festivals and see our friends again this summer in Europe. Afterward, I think we are just going to focus on writing a new record. In the meantime, our new EP "Harmful History" drops June 9th.
Tour Dates:
6/16 @ Obenuse Fest - Zurich, CH
6/17 @ Beard Attack Fest - Leipzig, DE
6/22 @ AJZ - Wermelskirchen, DE w/ Jughead's Revenge
6/23 @ Booze Cruise Fest - Hamburg, DE
The Carolyn: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
59 X Records: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
Press Photo:
Hunter Newell