Can you give us a little background history on how Loftland got started?
When I (Dominic) started the band back in high school it was simply a way to have fun with a few of my close friends. I was really into Relient K so I wrote a lot of songs that sounded like really bad Relient K songs, and we played shows at a local roller skating rink and church youth groups.
There's a lot to say about what evolved over the next 7 years but to keep it short and sweet I could just say that we had a few line-up changes, independently released 3 CDs, drove to almost every state in the U.S. in a 15 passenger van, slept on a lot of floors, developed our own sound, and gathered some amazing fans along the way.
It feels like it's already been such a long journey, and at the same time, it feels like things are just about to begin. We're very excited about the future!
Where did the name Loftland come from, and what does it mean?
When we first started the band we used to practice in this tiny loft above our (Dominic and Tanner's) parent's garage and we referred to that space as the "Loft Land". Eventually we started playing shows and we named the band "Loftland" after the practice space. It was only meant to be a silly inside joke but it stuck. For us, it's a nice reminder of how everything got started and where we come from.
How would you describe the bands sound musically?
Gosh, that's always a tough question. You want to list a couple bands and then say something like, "We're like a mixture of those guys..." but that's never a very true assessment, you know? There's a very equal mixture of pop, electronic, and rock elements in our new album.
You guys have a new album coming out February 18th called "I Don't Want To Dance". What can you tell us about this album?
Yes! First of all, don't be fooled by the title. Almost every single song on the record is a dance song. Ironically enough, the title track, "I Don't Want To Dance" is probably the most perfect song to dance to, but that's the point. It's meant to be fun and a little ironic.
Secondly, our moms, best friends, and a handful of other unbiased people think that it's really good so we hope you'll think it's really good too.
How does "I Don't Want To Dance" compare to your previous albums/EPs?
We shifted from doing straight up rock and roll in the beginning into more of a dance infused, synth driven style. It was a gradual and organic change from one CD to the next. Our taste in music changed and along the way we started experimenting with a lot of synths for the fun of it. Mostly it fits our personalities a lot more than our older material. The songs are honest and fun.
What are you hoping that listeners will get from this album?
We really hope that people will hear the lyrics and connect with what we're singing about. Some of the songs are just about having a good time, some are about reaching for Jesus in hard times, and there's even a couple songs about girls. Go figure! Guys writing songs about girls.
You guys are also going to be heading out on the Shine A Light tour with Silverline and Shonlock! What are you most looking forward to with this tour?
Community! We're good friends with the guys in Silverline and we've also had the chance to meet both Shonlock and the band that one the opening slot for the tour. Everybody is really cool and that's one of the most important aspects of touring: building relationships and community!
Has anything embarrassing ever happened to you while performing on stage?
Oh yeah! Each of us has had our fair share of blunders on stage. Our live show gets a little crazy and someone usually manages to fall over at least once during our show. Come on out and see for yourself! We're not kidding.
You guys are obviously very busy and you have a lot of new and exciting things coming up! How do you manage everything; music, family, friends and your faith?
Prioritizing is definitely a big deal. Some days there are things that need to be done and we'll just spend the entire day sending emails, or making phone calls, or practicing our show, or programming lights, or driving across 4 states to get from one show to the next, etc. Other days we need to set all the work aside and spend time with our family and friends, you know? It's great to have a group of families and friends that love us and love Jesus because without them pouring wisdom into us and encouraging us along the way we would be lost.
Five Random Bonus Questions
1. If you could be a character from any movie, who would you be and why?
Iron Man, you know, because he's Iron Man!
2. What is your favorite restaurant?
We all love Buffalo Wild Wings.
3. Do you collect anything, if so what do you collect?
Fan mail! We love it when people send us letters, drawings, paintings, candy, stuffed animals, anything!
4. What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
Stayed the night in a sketchy motel in El Paso, Texas. It's right next to Juarez, Mexico....the murder capitol of the world.
5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Matthew 6:26-34
Check it out because it's brilliant.
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you to the #Loftlanders. YOU know who you are and WE know you're the reason that we've made it this far.
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