Following on from the release of their euphoric debut single 'Panic Carefully' earlier this year, Oklahoma City-based duo Blueprint Tokyo have now returned to deliver their vibrant debut EP 'A Whole New Life'.
Channelling a broad and blistering texture that mixes alt-rock and post-rock aesthetics, 'A Whole New Life' makes for a rousing listen from start to finish. Jam-packed with soaring tones, a breezy atmosphere, and powerful hooks throughout, this new venture is certainly brimming with promise and potential.
So with the new EP available now, we sat down with Kevin Dawson from the pair to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved pop music. Big chorus, sing along songs of the 80’s.
What was the first album you remember owning?
First album I remember owning is steppenwolf live. My parents accidentally joined a record club. The kind that sends you records randomly. I listened to them all front and back. It was like music boot camp for a kid.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Not sure on this one. We both love tons of songs but we tend to not look at other people's songs and think we wish we’d written them. They’ve come from a unique viewpoint that we have no context for.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I have many rituals when it comes to writing music. Some times I like to watch or read something that puts me in a creative/emotional mind set.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I don’t have a favourite artist at the moment. I’ve been listening to everything. I’d say a lot of bands from the 80’s at the moment.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
We love bands like Depeche Mode just as much as bands like Manchester Orchesta, Silversun Pickups or the Foo Fighters or even artists in completely different genres like Billie Eilish and Adele. We’re fans of creativity and emotion and sharing your thoughts and feelings.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is being creative and getting emotions out of yourself. It’s therapy for sure. The entire process of having a song idea. Putting that idea down in the studio and watching it grow and become a life of its own. Sometimes you know exactly what to say and sometimes you don’t and your emotions just comes out. It’s really healing and rewarding.
And what is the most frustrating part?
We release a small portion of the music we have written. It’s frustrating sometimes to have to pick and choose what to share. If we had our way, we’d probably be releasing music constantly.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Best advice I was given. To stop doing it when it is no longer fun. A few times in life I have taken pause to re-evaluate if what I’m doing is right for me in the moment.
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Blueprint Tokyo's debut EP 'A Whole New Life' is available to stream now. Check it out in full via the player below.