We caught up with Daniel from American acoustic-rockers Boyce Avenue to chat about their new single Be Somebody, touring the UK, and the importance of social media:
You’ve just unveiled your new single Be Somebody – how would you describe it?
It’s a song about rising above and persevering when love gets tough or complicated, and it’s about not being afraid to dream big with the one you love. It’s a very organic and energetic song, but it’s got depth to it.
You’re touring the UK next year! How do your fans in the UK compare to your fans around the world?
Our fans in the UK are very dedicated and appreciative. They have a deep appreciation for music as an art, not just as entertainment, and we can really feel that when we play live. There’s a passion and respect for what we’re doing that is very unique!
Have you got any particularly fond memories of your previous UK shows?
We’ve had some wild shows. Unmentionables thrown on stage. Defeating crowds. And lots of banter, always!
What’s your favourite song to play live?
It’s different on every tour we do. We’re excited to play a ton of new music on this tour, especially Be Somebody, which is our new single. It’s a fun song, so right now that’s the one we’re most excited to play for everyone.
What’s your favourite thing about playing live?
The fans, of course! There’s nothing like meeting the fans before shows and hearing their stories, or just watching our fans sing during a show. We get to communicate a lot with our fans on social media, so it’s fun to meet those people in person at shows around the world.
You’re also releasing a new album next year – what can we expect?
The album is, in many ways, a return to some of the first songs we ever wrote. There’s definitely more of an emphasis on acoustic guitar, drums, and bass. There are also a few edgier and more vibe-focused songs in the mix, which keeps things cool. However, the crux of it is pretty organic, and it’s generally pretty similar to what we started out playing as a band. We’re hoping to release the album in very early 2016!
Was the album easy to write and record?
It’s been a long process, writing on and off the road. The most rewarding part, though, has been closing out a lot of the songs in our own studio in our hometown of Sarasota, Florida. We’re almost done with what’s been a long renovation of the studio, so to get to actually work creatively in our own space in our hometown has been so cool!
You initially rose to prominence on YouTube – how important do you think YouTube and social media sites are for new and emerging artists?
YouTube has been a huge platform for us and for our careers. I would tell new artists that it is important to find the social platform that works best for YOU. It’s important to have a place where you can communicate freely with fans and just be yourself! The honesty goes a long way.
Music streaming services – good or bad?
We love streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music – it gives fans a chance to discover music organically, and we love the playlists–it’s been a great tool for us to reach fans. We still all buy vinyl and appreciate listening to albums, personally. But we believe in democratically letting people listen to music however they want, provided that artists are fairly compensated.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
It’s hard to say. We’ve had lots of amazing moments. But, truthfully, selling out the Hammersmith Apollo in London was a real watershed moment for us. Most people see YouTube/Vine/online artists and talents as flash in the pan, or as gimmicky. But that’s not us. We’re a real band, a touring band, and we’ve built our following from the ground up. In particular, the people of the UK and Ireland have always just been so in tune with who we are and what we’re doing. To sell out an iconic venue like the Hammersmith Apollo in one of our favourite cities in the world was a real accomplishment, and one we’ll never forget.
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you?
We can never think of a good answer for this question, which either means that nothing strange has really happened, or that too many strange things have happened that not one single thing sticks out. I’m thinking that maybe it’s the latter.
Describe yourself in three words?
Driven. Loyal. Cheeky.
