Following on from their performance at Blackout Fest with Seaway, headlining the Oshawa Music Hall, and directly supporting The Honest Heart Collective, Canadian outfit Nothing Special have now released their much-hyped debut single 'Brandi'.
Channelling a fun and anthemic pop-punk direction, 'Brandi' makes for a bold and captivating introduction to the four-piece. Jam-packed with killer hooks, catchy choruses, and some brilliantly toe-tapping moments throughout, this looks set to be the first of many euphoric offerings from the group to come.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Gabriel Higazi (guitar): Probably guitar, although I’ve always wanted to learn the mandolin.
Spencer Holmes (drums): Guitar.
James Carr (bass): All types of guitar.
Dan Bell (guitar/vocals): Drums.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Among all of us, we like to say we take inspiration from a lot of indie rock/punk bands such as: PUP, Remo Drive, Blink 182, and Modern Baseball.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
We are still teenagers, but we seem to share a commonality regarding underground punk. Gabriel and Spencer used to bond over Black Flag and The Descendants, whereas James and Dan used to love bands such as Rancid, Operation Ivy and Bad Brains.
What do you find is the best environment to find inspiration for your music?
When we are all together playing music and having a good time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I (Gabriel) have recently gotten into The Evaporators, Rex Orange County and Tyler the Creator. Spencer has gotten into Ram Ranch, and All. Dan has really been loving Real Friends. James is a huggggge fan of FIDLAR and Jeff Rosenstock.
How many of your songs have you written about people you wish you’d rather forget?
Fortunately, we have not run into this issue yet.
What has been the funniest moment in your career so far?
One time when we finished a show, we were stoked to head to our friends house in New Market, but unfortunately, we drove for 3 hours in the opposite direction. It was a blast.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Honestly anyone who would have us! We love playing shows with everyone.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Travelling local artist supporters.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
We shouldn’t release an EP with our rear ends on it – Gabriel Higazi.
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Nothing Special's debut single 'Brandi' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.