An Interview With MA Based Alternative-Rock Band, NORTHERNMOST!

Northernmost was founded out of the ashes of several local RI and MA bands- “The Refraction” (Progressive Metal) and “Pathfinder” (Emotional Hardcore). Tyler Bragger (Drums) and Jesse Field (Guitar/Vocals) came together in the winter of 2013/14 simply to write music they liked, regardless of the genre.

“We had no plans at the time for the music to become an album or anything more than what it was. We were both so tired and frustrated with the band situation that we wanted something no expectations, just free expression,” says guitarist/vocalist Jesse Field about their strange origins. “Eventually, after several songs came together I thought ‘hey, maybe i’ll try singing on some of these,’ and it just clicked. I wasn’t close to where I wanted to be, but the emotion was right and I felt I had a lot to say after recently getting out of a tough relationship, dealing with numerous family pressures,etc. It was perfect timing.”

Throughout the early months of the year, as the band was first being formed, Tyler and Jesse began finding members to fill out the line up and continue the writing process. Kayla MacNeil (Formerly of local hardcore band “The Navidson Record”), and Scott Myers (A long time friend of Jesse’s) filled out the guitar slots. After struggling to find a permanent bassist, the band came to friend Alex Coogan to fill in for the long haul, until such a time as a permanent could be established.

Last May, Northernmost released their debut self-titled full length album on Bandcamp/iTunes/Google Play and Amazon. TODAY, they released their latest EP titled “Pinedale” via Rude Fox Records. Sounding like the lovechild of Brand New and Balance and Composure, Northernmost is set to take their place in today’s rock scene.

Learn more about Northermost in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What else do you guys have on tap today besides this interview?

Well, It’s almost midnight for me so probably just walking around my house crazily until I tire myself to sleep. But tomorrow I will be delivering pizzas, kowabunga!

What’s the fall looking like for you? More touring?

The fall is looking good after the heat of the summer. Can’t wait for sweatshirt weather. We have a few decent shows lined up, and we are releasing the new EP. As far as touring, we may do a short tour, but not sure as to where. I’d love to tour all the time if given the chance, but real life comes first until consistent tour life becomes a reality.

How did Northernmost go from being a fun casual thing you all did to a more serious album-producing band?

Casual? You mean like pajama day at school? Nah, but for real we just have a lot to say, and we want it to be heard. We won’t really stop until we’re heard, ya heard?

How is the music on your forthcoming EP, “Pinedale” different than anything else you have ever released?

This EP is different because it is more poppy, and I do a lot more vocals on this EP than on our past stuff. Being a band member it’s hard to say how it’s different, because to me, it sounds like Northernmost.

When do you hope to release another full-length album?

Within the next year!

Can you talk about the inspiration for the first song from your EP, “Milo”?

This song is about a cat I used to know. His name was Milo, and he belonged to an ex. Milo used to sleep on my head at night. After the breakup I’d have these dreams where Milo was just chillin’ on my head, and like being Milo the cat with me. But of course, that’s not really what the song is about, but it is the inspiration. Milo is about who people become in the wake of loss. Having to hear about how someone’s doing, what they’re doing, and how happy that person is takes a toll on you. You begin to compare how you feel in the moment, to how you think that other person is feeling without you. Milo, lyrically, is my attempt to close the book on my ex. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still sad, I’ll always have something to be sad about. Just not about her, no not her anymore.

What bands have consistently inspired you and the rest of the group?

Brand New, Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, Thrice, Underoath… those types of bands are my jam and have been since the early 2000’s. As for the rest of the band, I’m pretty sure they only listen to Counterparts.

Who would you love to work with in the future? And who would be your ideal touring mate?

I know Jesse is really interested in recording a full length with Will Yip, but that could be a little while before we can make that happen. Honestly, ideal touring mate would be Foxing and Brand New. Not sure how realistic that is, but one can dream right?

What have been some of your favorite shows? What makes a perfect performance?

I think my favorite shows thus far were when we played in Providence with Hawthorne Heights, and the last time we played in Long Island with Last Great Hero on tour. A perfect performance takes heart and sweat. People need to see on your face that your heart is happy because you are doing what you love.

What’s the rock scene like in Taunton, MA where you guys are from? Has being from there influenced your sound at all? How often do you get to go back there and hang out?

Well, we hang out there at least once a week because that’s where we practice. As for Taunton’s music scene, I’d probably say there really isn’t one at all. Providence is where it’s at and there are so many bands that play there like Morals, Royal Street, New City Ghost, and Trophy Wives to name a few.

What do you hope is the message of your music?

I hope the message is that we’re not alone in how we feel. I think it’s important to remember that people’s experience however different they may be, are all ultimately the same. I hope our music is something that helps people through those types of things, as if we remedy the hurt if only for a few minutes.