A Chat With BLVDS (30.01.25)
BLVDS is a band that seamlessly blends 80s nostalgia with modern, progressive production, creating a unique sound that captivates listeners. With nearly two decades of experience in the music industry, the band’s frontman has travelled the world, evolved through different musical phases, and is now forging a fresh path with this new project. In this interview, we explore his journey from the moment he knew music was his calling to the pivotal experiences that shaped his career. He also shares insights into BLVDS’ signature sound, the inspiration behind their latest single ‘Two Sides’, and what the future holds for their music.
OSR: Can you tell us about your musical journey? What were some pivotal moments that led you to pursue music professionally?
BLVDS: I started in music straight out of high school so it has been all I have known for almost 18 years. I knew from the first time I stepped on stage I couldn’t do anything else. I started my first band when I graduated high school, we all went to college for two years and played gigs every weekend and every break we could. When summer rolled around we were always touring the entire summer. I signed my first record deal that first summer and dropped out of college the following year to tour full-time. I spent 15 years touring in that band across 18 different countries between two major record deals. In 2021 I moved into artist management in Nashville and after three years decided I wanted to start fresh with a new band so here we are with BLVDS.
OSR: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before? What genres or artists influence you the most?
BLVDS: BLVDS sound is everything you want from an 80s nostalgic perspective but just as much modern and progressive in the stylings of the tracks. Our band is heavily influenced by artists like The Midnight, FM-84, and The Chainsmokers.
OSR: Every artist has that one moment of inspiration. What was the defining spark that made you want to create music in the first place?
BLVDS: The first time I went and saw my favourite artist live was when I knew I HAD to do this. They were a heavy metal band called As I Lay Dying. I left that show with a burning passion to be a performer.
OSR: Which musicians or bands did you grow up listening to, and how do you think those influences show up in your work today?
BLVDS: I grew up listening to classic rock with my dad. As I aged the rock got heavier and heavier to the point where I only listened to heavy metal music. I don’t necessarily take inspiration from those artists now but the journey that I went on through that music, and what I learned in the process is what I bring to the new project BLVDS.
OSR: Your music often blends different genres. How do you navigate the balance between experimenting with new sounds and staying true to your roots?
BLVDS: That is a tough question because it is difficult at times. That is also the beauty of BLVDS. We are truly independent so no one is telling us what to do, how to do it or why we should do something. Navigating the balance is hard to pinpoint one particular thing we do but it all lies in the nuance of the song. Certain instruments can bring out a certain feeling and we make sure those instruments stay consistent through our songs. As the band evolves we anticipate things to change even more.
OSR: How does your environment or personal experiences impact the way you create music? Do you draw from any specific moments or emotions in your life?
BLVDS: I can’t say specifically what those might be, but I know the music I write is always fueled by the trauma and experiences I had growing up. I wish I could pinpoint where that happens but that is difficult. I am confident that it does though.
OSR: What role does storytelling play in your music? Do you have a preferred narrative or theme that you tend to explore in your lyrics?
BLVDS: I tend to keep my songs dark and broody because that’s where a lot of my emotion is kept and where it came from. A dark past is fuel for great art and telling that story through music is so important to me. What’s even more important is that people understand there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
OSR: Tell us about your new single ‘Two Sides’?
BLVDS: Two Sides was a song I wrote a long time before it ever came out. It just wasn’t sonically where the band was at, at the time. I let it sit through the last album cycle and thought man this would be awesome to come out the gates with in 2025! Not only that but get a heavy metal feature on it as well. It all came together and the response has been awesome. People are just like “man this is so different than anything I have heard but it captures your guys’ sound somehow”, which is really exciting to me.
OSR: Is there a particular song or album in your catalogue that holds a special place in your heart? Why?
BLVDS: I would say so far the song we are talking about. It was the first song to gain some serious traction and really encapsulated me as a songwriter.
OSR: Looking ahead, what’s the next evolution of your music? Where do you see your sound heading in the future?
BLVDS: For this next album we are really focusing on an 80s nostalgic vibe. We want people to feel like they are literally in an 80s thriller movie so you can expect that from us in the next year!
Many thanks to BLVDS for speaking with us! Find out more about BLVDS Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Spotify.
