As music fanatics we like to think we have that golden ear similar to L.A. Reid’s that just knows when a band has got the goods. We take an approach like the one seen on the television show “The Voice.” We skim through the Sirius waves, browsing through the predominately, unknown artists. Once we click on a station, we sit with our hands in our laps and give the band a chance. If the artist is unable to keep our fingers from clicking next until the song’s completion, we know he or she deserves a closer look that might lead us to sign them to our “invisible” label. Trusting what you hear is key to finding those magical bands, sculpting their image should only be an afterthought. The pop rock band, Parachute, was able to withstand the pressing of our finger and to our satisfaction, the group’s presence also avoided any unpleasing head turns.
You might remember the Charlottesville, Virginia band from their Nivea commercial, where the tune “She Is Love” played. If you haven’t heard this track before, we advise you to familiarize yourself with this tune, so you can hear the musical growth of the band since their ‘Losing Sleep ‘ days. Yes, the track sounds like a romantic fairytale, but their sophomore album, ‘The Way It Was’, unleashes even dreamier scenarios that will have you transfixed into the world of Parachute.
We believe friendship should come before love and this principle should also apply to forming a band. The members of Parachute met back in their high school and college days and their dynamic relationship parallels their cohesive sound. The group, consisting of vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist, Will Anderson, drummer Johnny Stubblefield, bassist Alex Hargrave, saxophonist, keyboardist and vocalist, Kit French and guitarist and vocalist Nate McFarland, released their 10 track album, ‘The Way It Was’, on May 17th via The Island Def Jam Music Group.
Parachute has a real knack for making tunes about sad subjects, primarily those of love, sound optimistic and hopeful. The apple does not fall far form the tree because Parachute’s humble and warm vibe can also be felt in an interview.
Check out our question and answer with Parachute member, Will Anderson, and walk away with a sense that positivity can be uncovered even in the most calamitous situations.
How has your career and relationship with one another changed since the release of ‘Losing Sleep’?
I don’t think it has changed too much to be honest. We started the band when we were 14 and it is the same guys. We have known each other since we were 9 or 10 years old. Not much has changed with the relationship with each other. I think, musically speaking, we have definitely grown. I think we are a better band than we were when we released ‘Losing Sleep’. Hopefully, I am a better songwriter than I was when I was writing songs for ‘Losing Sleep’. So, I think from a band perspective, I think we have gotten better. But from a relationship view, we are still the same.
What do you think separates ‘Losing Sleep’ from ‘The Way It Was’?
I personally think it is better songs and just a better idea of what our sound’s going to be and what we want it to be. I think ‘The Way It Was’ is a little more focused and we just took that to the next level. I think it is a better overall album, but at the same time it is definitely a continuation and the next logical step from ‘Losing Sleep’.
Your single, “What I Know,” deals with the troubles of love. Have you guys ever been dumped or rejected by a girl before that inspired this song?
(Laughing) Not directly, it is a feeling everyone kind of knows. I think that song was a little more fictional in life and at the same time I don’t think any song is a good song unless it relates to what you are feeling. So, somewhere or somehow, I am sure that feeling got stuck in my head.
“Forever and Always” is one of my favorite tracks off the album. It is beautifully sung and extremely sad. What inspired the story of this tune?
Well thank you. Honestly, I don’t know what inspired that song. I was in Germany and it came to me really quickly. I had no idea why that story came about. It was really random and the story came about all at once. The lyrics were there.
The beat of “Halfway” is definitely different than the other tunes. What was it like making this track?
It is fun and funky. The song was one that we didn’t even know was going to make the record, but we played it live and it started really clicking. We made some changes and it turned out way more rocker than it originally started. That song was a fan favorite live of the new songs.
Got a favorite song off the album?
Right now, my favorite song is um….It changes everyday. My favorite now is “American Secrets.”
Is there any general theme throughout the album?
No theme’s as much as it kind of looks back, rather than looking forward. So, I’d say there was no general theme overall that was in my head when I was writing, but it definitely has a little more of a retrospective feel.
This album is one of my favorites of the summer! Are you looking forward to touring with the Goo Goo Dolls and Michelle Branch?
We love the Goo Goo Dolls. We listened to them growing up, so to get to tour with them now is just awesome.
Was it intimidating when you met the Goo Goo Dolls?
I don’t know. We haven’t met them yet, but we are going to meet them live. I think it will be more fan boy excited than intimidated. We are very excited to meet them, see how they work and get to talk to them about everything.
What track are you most looking forward to play off the new album?
I think “American Secrets” and “Forever and Always.”
Can fans expect to hear “She Is Love” on the show’s track list?
Yeah, definitely.
by Lonnie Nemiroff
