Once Around is a three-piece, Los Angeles native hard rock band making splashes with their most recent release. Grabbing elements from many other genres to perfect their sound and masterfully craft each song, we were lucky enough to catch up with them and pick their brains for a glimpse into their ingenuity and genius.
TME: How did Once Around form? Did the name come easy or were there other ideas before you guys decided on Once Around?
Sebastian: Music is all we know. Growing up it was always about creating, and finding that outlet of escape. Writing was always the answer, my feelings just seem to always melt away and bleed onto every page. But putting myself out there and performing and signing these words in front of people who understand what you are going through, something that wakes you up inside. Healing for ourselves. 3 minds who share the same goal, just trying to find our voice in the world. This is Once Around. The name came easy. This life only comes once and you get one shot at it. Make it count, make it loud, make it last. “When I die I’ll be remembered by the noise in my veins.”
TME: What song off of the EP Leaving Home are you guys the proudest of? Why?
Wrath: I think Ghost. It’s a song we all dreamed of creating as kids and it has a very deep meaning to us.
Sebastian: Ghost. It's about a stage of life everyone goes through and can connect with finding yourself and facing demons head on.
TME: What was it like to hear one of your songs play on the NHL network for two seasons?
Sebastian: That was pretty wild to hear our music on such a large platform like the NHL. Definitely an awesome experience and accomplishment.
TME: What does the writing process look like when crafting a song? Is the writing process shared between everyone or does one member take the reins?
Wrath: We all collaborated as a band in the studio on this EP. The writing process varies from song to song. But for the most part we all work together to create our art.
TME: What are your musical influences for writing songs? Do you guys have other influences outside of music that impact the writing process as well?
Sebastian: We listen to pretty much anything and everything. We don’t like to be put into a box. Once Around’s music is strictly from the mind to the studio without any thought of a label or genre. It always changes from whatever emotion the song brings and breathes from beginning to the end of the writing process. All real.
TME: Who has been your favorite band to open for? Also with so many performances under your belts, do you still get nervous right before you go on stage?
Wrath: Opening for Skid Row was one of the coolest shows we played. Skid row being a huge influence it was nostalgic. Also touring with The Veer Union was a fun tour. They are really cool guys and that was a good run. I don’t think any of us get stage fright. We always just up there having a good time and doing what we will do to til the day we die.
TME: What has been your favorite place to visit while you have been on tour? Why?
Sebastian: The best part about being on tour is waking up and playing in a different state or city every day so we don’t really have a favorite, haha.
Wrath: I’d say Colorado. The mountains are so cool. Also anywhere there isn’t road construction is amazing..lol!
TME: If you could have listeners take one thing away from listening to the Leaving Home EP or your music overall, what would that be?
Sebastian: Sometimes you just gotta run. Open your mind, keep the love. Leave your past behind you and stay true to the path ahead. You never know what the future will bring so all you can do is live your life the way you see it. Not through someone else’s eyes. We are all drown together, and in your darkest hours you will then find who is real and who has been wearing the mask the entire time. Rise up, begin again. We are a family. #IdolGang
TME: What can everyone expect for this upcoming year and for the future of the band?
Sebastian: New music, and always being unpredictable.
Thank you again to Once Around for their time to answer these questions!
Once Around Is:
Sebastian James - Vocals Wrath - Guitars Era - Drums
Visit The Band Here: