Tempo Talks: A Conversation with thankmelater.
THE RELEASE
thankmelater. is a Nashville, Tennessee-based alt-indie rock band comprised of vocalist Eric Vattima and producer/guitarist Jacob Redding. Their musical adventure began with the success of their debut track "shutmedown," which was the result of years of writing and development that brought the two artists together. The band's frontman, Eric Vattima, takes enormous satisfaction in the numerous layers of their music, which aims to create an alternative sound. He is influenced by bands such as The Neighborhood, who incorporate a shoegazey hip-hop atmosphere into their songs. Eric thinks that the lyrical meanings in their music resonate with people, and he is especially excited to share the unique live experience of their current hit. Eric and Jacob were both members of the alt-hard rock band Eight Six Press before establishing thankmelater., which has a devoted fan base that appreciate their unusual combination of indie, punk, and alternative rock elements.
On June 16th, thankmelater. released an exciting new track named "karma." The tune builds on the popularity of their debut single and demonstrates the band's constant commitment to exploring their alt-indie rock style. The song has a one-of-a-kind blend of emotive lyrics, appealing guitar hooks, and dramatic production, courtesy of producer/guitarist Jacob Redding and vocalist Eric Vattima. "karma." uses grunge distortion on the vocals, which adds an edgy and emotional edge to the song. According to Eric Vattima, the band wanted to go further into their alternative origins, influenced by bands like The Neighborhood. The song digs into the heartbreaking aftermath of a relationship's dissolution, reflecting on vulnerable times, late-night journeys, and the desire for closure. The producer/guitarist, Jacob Redding, underlines that "karma." serves as a personal reminder that some relationships end with unjust repercussions, as the wronged party anticipates the day when karma takes its course.
THE INTERVIEW
What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
Jacob Redding - For me, watching my dad come up playing in local bands, I knew early on music would be my path. Eric’s dad is also a musician, so I’d say it started early for both of us. That age when you’re just old enough to hold an instrument and bang on it.
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Eric Vattima - personally, I’d say Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas, Dave Grohl, and J Cole. I’m sure this sounds like an odd mix. Jason Mraz was the reason I picked up a pad and pen and fell in love with storytelling through songwriting. Rob Thomas taught me how inspiration from the small things, can lead to these big anthems of songs. Dave Grohl is an incredible inspiration because of his entire career and the later part as well where he created Foo Fighters and started telling his stories. His imagery in his writing style is so inspiring to me. J Cole was an artist who inspired me to self-produce. He has always been his main producer and the work he continues to put out is amazing.
How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?
Eric Vattima - Normally, we toss around a demo, see what’s missing, workshop it, then revisit the demo and lay a solid foundation for the record. Once the foundation is set, we build the rest of the true recording and then make sure it’s a finished product. We make edits, and then once it’s complete send it out for mixing and mastering and make sure that we’re not missing any elements. Once it’s out of our hands, we know that we have a finished product.
As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?
Jacob Redding - This song like many is a collaborative production effort. Eric and I are both producers in our own right and use those skills to craft our own unique sound. When we need outside ears and suggestions that’s where Dallas Jack of Record One comes in. What really moved me from this track is the combination of hip hop rhythm with ethereal top end that creates a really unique soundscape.
When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?
Eric Vattima - For karma we hope that the message that comes from it resonates with our listeners. When it comes to the EP as a whole, we just want to send the message that we’re two producers/singer songwriters who love music and just want to share our take on alternative rock, we hope to make as many fans as possible, and we hope that people resonate with our sound and message.
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