"Doin' So Well", your new release, evokes feelings of hope and promise, a great message leading into summer. What's the story behind it?
Plaid Brixx: Well, I initially started writing it to pull myself out of a depressive period. I wanted to try to make a mantra for myself and others that could remind us to be happy. It wasn't a cure-all but it certainly helped me a lot.
What has your experience been like as part of the Ohio music scene? How has it shaped your sound or goals?
Plaid Brixx: I am not very heavily influenced by the Ohio music scene. Most of my influences are international acts--a lot of Scandinavian pop artists and producers.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Plaid Brixx: As of lately, MØ, producers Max Martin and Mark Ronson, Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, Queen as well as American artists The Black Keys and producer Ryan Tedder. I don't get wedded to any particular sound and I'm always trying to grow and evolve my music.
What was it like touring with We the Kings? Any particular challenges?
Plaid Brixx: It was extremely fun and we made a lot of new friends and fans on the road. I love performing live and so it was great to be out there with the fans every night. But it came with extreme difficulty--We The Kings has a professional bus driver and tour bus and we had trouble keeping up with their schedule having to drive ourselves in a van. We had to run on very little sleep and we all got sick twice. But we overcame it all and made the most of the wonderful opportunity we were given and I'm so grateful.
What has been one of your favorite live performances?
Plaid Brixx: Playing to 1800 people at the Sony Playstation Theater in Time Square was incredible. We put on a killer show and the energy was amazing.
What's in store for you and the band in the near future?
Plaid Brixx: Releasing new music and making tons of short-form content to add to the repertoire. About to pop off on live streaming in September and am very excited at the prospect of performing live again!
Interviewed By Hannah Conkin
FOLLOW PLAID BRIXX: