1. HI THERE THANKS FOR ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS FOR US.
You’re very welcome. Thank you for taking the time to make this interview happen. I’m DJ and on behalf of Keep Up, I’ll be hanging out with you today.
2. TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM
Our new album titled “Up In Flames” launched September 6th, 2019. The album has been a huge success and continues to reach new listeners every day. This year the album has been nominated for ‘best alternative’ in the Syracuse NY Area Music Awards (The Sammys).
3. HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT THE SONGWRITING PROCESS?
For this album, most of the songs developed with lyrics and melodies first. Songs like “California” or “Golden Gates” started out with a hook line chorus and developed from there. Then there are a few songs like “Deja Vu” and “Don’t Waste My Time” that were curated around a guitar riff and the lyrics and melody came after.
4. WHAT INSPIRED THE ALBUM?
Keep Up has been a band for a couple years and this album was our response to the big world of music. We wanted to release an album that represented the people who wrote it; Us. We wanted music that’s energetic, emotional and representing our coming-of-age lifestyles. As we all move through our mid 20’s it’s nice to have an outlet that speaks your mind.
5. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRACK?
My favourite track on the record is probably “City to City”. This song was written on the road while slowly driving from Louisville KT to Buffalo NY. Our vehicles transmission blew and we had no choice but to slowly drive the van in 1st gear through the back roads all the way to our next gig. We eventually got the trasmisson replaced weeks later, but at the time, decided to write a song in the van since our 8 hour drive quickly turned into a 14 hour drive.
6. WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
Some of our biggest influences derive from artists like Blink-182, Paramore, State Champs and many other rock/pop rock groups. However, individually we all have wide spectrums of influences.
7. WHAT RECORD CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
Wasting Light by Foo Fighter. This album was The album that followed me moving into college. This album had a ton of vibes that spoke to me in my development stages of being a musician and transforming into an adult. I always believe that Foo Fighters deliver a positive message while also sticking to their hard rock roots. Not many bands can say they make an impact on multiple generations.
8. WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU DIDN’T MAKE MUSIC?
I get this question asked a lot. But music is everything. I think with having such a musically driven family, it would not have happened any other way. However, if I wasn’t playing music I would probably be some sort of athlete. I love running, skateboarding, snowboarding and just staying active so I could totally see myself as an athlete if music wasn’t my passion.
9. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECORD ONE OF YOUR SONGS, AND WHICH ONE?
It would be a phenomenal experience to hear John Feldman produce any of our songs. I think a rock/pop song like “Shut Ur Mouth” would be fascinating to hear. Most of the current artists I listen to today have worked with or are still working with John Feldman as a producer.
10. HOW DID YOU FORM THE BAND?
Before Keep Up, we were under the name Sampere. Matt Sampere, Scott Mitchell and I were a three-piece hard rock group. After Scott left the band to focus on other life priorities, we brought Chris Desalis into the mix. We ultimately changed the band name to Keep Up to represent the three of us as a unit. Matt Sampere moved out west and is currently pursuing music in California. Keep Up is still progressing and bringing on Ian Brown allowed us to elevate the music even more. Keep Up consists of Ian, Chris and myself. We plan to remain as a 3 piece, but who knows.
11. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE STARTING OUT?
Practice several instruments so you can be aware of how they correspond in a song and be conscious of the music being released in your current time. There’s always room to improve so stay hungry but be humble.
12. WHAT IS NEXT?
With our Sammy nomination this year, it’s important that we keep this train rolling with more new music and shows. Stay tuned on our social media and website.
Keepuporshutup.com
Facebook.com/keepuporshutup
Instagram.com/keep_up_official