Q&A with New York Bred, Retro Pop Rockers – THE CLASSIC KIDS

THE CLASSIC KIDS

RELEASE DEBUT EP FOREVER STRONG

“Forever Strong offers the perfect bite-sized introduction to the band’s clean mix of echo-laden rock riffs, 80s-influenced pop beats and timeless sing-along melodies.“- Atwood Magazine

“The Brooklyn-based four piece dare to open up their lives with anthemic pop-rock melodies pieced together with wholly personal narratives”– Pop Dust

THE CLASSIC KIDS , a four piece collective of 20-something year old New York City bred musicians just released their debut EP,  Forever Strong . A combination of classic, retro, and pop bouyancy, this EP is set to launch The Classic Kids as one of 2016’s ones to watch. Popular site Pop Dust says, The Classic Kids possess “undeniable musical strength” and that the EP “[fuses] together classic ’80s pop-rock with today’s accessible feel.”

Forever Strong  EP includes the third released single concocted of pure pop gold, “We Had It All.” Atwood Magazine writes that the single is “that sought-after pop song: the nostalgic breakup story is all there in the title, yet The Classic Kids find a way of giving it new life without going over-the-top or being excessively dramatic. Instead, lead singer and bassist Eric James weaves listeners through a heartfelt narration, evoking provocative Springsteen-esque imagery in the song’s introductory verse. True to their name, The Classic Kids deliver an undeniably classic sound, all the while maintaining their authenticity as a fresh and exciting new music-maker.”

The EP also includes the band’s infectious first single, “Just Begun.” The energetic and empowering music video can be watched here. “Just Begun” premiered exclusively via Just Jared Jr. Pop Wrapped said of the single, “With an EP due out in the near future and the eldest of the band members barely out of his mid-twenties, it’s pretty safe to say that The Classic Kids are a band determined to stick around for some time, and if their future material is as good and as fun as their debut, you’re going to be hearing a lot more of them sooner rather than later.”

THE CLASSIC KIDS , a supremely infectious foursome with a most appropriate name. Ranging in ages from 21 to 26, Eric James (Bass/Vocals), Matty Boy (Guitar/Vocals), Max Dean (Guitar) and Mikey G (Drums), are, for all intents and purposes, still kids. But, together, they’ve blended retro influences with modern sensibilities to create an undeniably classic sound.

While all are seasoned musicians, the four have been working together since the summer of 2013. They’ve spent two years perfecting their sound, fueled by pure drive and determination. As a unit, The Classic Kids are committed to using music as a way to share meaningful experiences with fans all across the world.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa had a chance to catch up with THE CLASSIC KIDS just before the release of their new EP, Forever Strong. Read more in their chat below!

Hey there Eric, Matty, Max and Mikey! Where does our interview find you today? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

First off thank you Nicole and All Access for having us today! We just finished wrapping up another interview and are about to go into rehearsal.

For those that are not familiar with THE CLASSIC KIDS and your music career, how did you get your start? Who or what was the catalyst for you to want to live the life of a musical gypsy?

We have been working together as this line up since 2012 as different iterations. The Classic Kids was a vision and a sound that we all had and cultivated into what we are today.

Congratulations are in order as you guys just released your debut EP Forever Strong on Jan 15th! The album is a wonderful combination of classic, retro and pop buoyancy making THE CLASSIC KIDS one to watch this year. What did you learn between playing live and rehearsing together that you felt you wanted to infuse into Forever Strong?

Thank you so much for the compliments. Forever Strong is a collection of songs that are very personal to us and each have a different message pertaining to life experiences we’ve all shared. We hope to have a message that is relatable to all our listeners. Playing live has given us a comfort level with each other as well as experience to deliver an entertaining show to go with the songs.

So, collaborations-wise…who is on your “dream / bucket list”?

We love our team but we are open to collaborations as well. We haven’t put much thought into who or when but I’m sure when the time comes whoever we work with will feel right. When we write music we always want for it to be a good time

Who have been your inspirations growing up that also inspire you today?

Eric – My main inspirations would be acts such as the Doors, the Eagles, The Police, The Killers, The Strokes, The Kooks.

Max Dean- My biggest inspirations have been Kirk Hammet (Metallica) Joe Satriani, and Angus Young (AC/DC). Each of their guitar playing and styles has molded me into the way I personally play today. I take each of their different styles and collectively make them into one.

Matty – My inspirations growing up have been Bruce Springsteen as well as a more independent artist, Jamestown Story. Bruce was what my dad raised me on so I will always be a fan, but Jamestown Story got me through the tough times as a kid. Both artists inspired me to pick up the guitar.

Mikey- My inspirations while I was growing up was Ringo Starr from the Beatles as well as Travis Barker. Travis Barker has been one of my biggest inspirations because I like how he put so much energy and enthusiasm into his playing of the drums. The beats that he makes just make the drums come more and more alive every time I hear his work on a track.

How did your new single, “We Had It All” find its way into the world? Did the lyrics or music come first on that track?

Each track came along differently but overall we co wrote these songs with our producer Christian Medice. We all were on the same page with the sound and idea. We couldn’t be happier with the finished product.

Nowadays everything is so instant…you press a button and it’s yours ala Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud etc. What was the first album you saved your money for as a kid and bought for yourself? (or if you can’t remember, one that had a profound impact on you)?

Eric – As funny as it sounds, my first cassette was the Mortal Kombat movie soundtrack!

Matty – The first album that I bought myself was Blink 182’s “Enema of the State”.

Mikey – The first album I purchased myself was “The Very Best of Eagles.”

Max Dean- Frst cd was Now 4th, which is how I discovered blink-182 and my first cassette was the Back To The Future soundtrack…which I still love to this day!

What was the first song you fell in love with (that you can remember) and why?

Eric – The first song that stands out to me is take it to the limit by the Eagles. One of my all time favorite songs.

Matty – The first song I fell in love with was “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” by Bruce Springsteen, because I love how the song begins with the piano.

Max Dean- The first song I ever fell in love with that I can remember was Poison, “Nothing But A Good Time”. Since I first heard that opening guitar line and the chorus as well as the rest of the song, I was able to relate to it 100% and had it on repeat for weeks!

Mikey – The first song I fell in love with was the Beatles – “All You Need is Love”.

Who is in your current playlist? What artists or bands are in current rotation for you?

Our playlist consists of many different artists. At the moment, we have the Eagles, Young Rising Sons and American Authors on rotation in the van.

What’s on tap next for you guys? What are you most excited about for this year?

We are currently writing for our next EP. You can expect more content including a music video for “Drive” from the Forever Strong EP. We also are lining up more shows. We are very optimistic for the future! Thanks again for having us!

Stay connected with THE CLASSIC KIDS via their socials below:

Twitter  /  Facebook  / Instagram  /  YouTube  / Website

Photo Credit- Cory Ingram