The hard rock band 14 North recently took the time to answer some of my questions. They released their debut album ‘What Is The Feeling’ on February 21st after joining the roster of Pavement Entertainment. We spoke about the record, music that has influenced them, and more.
The band started as a musical collaboration among friends in guitarist Zach Arcuri’s garage on 14th Avenue North, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. In early 2018, the group became 14 North and began their journey in the studio of Damien Starkey (Puddle of Mudd/Burn Season/Society Red), who helped craft the band’s post-grunge, hard-rock sound.
Q: What music did you grow up listening to, and how has it influenced you as a musician?
A: I grew up listening to a lot of classical rock. I remember when my family would go on vacation my dad would always either play a Tom Petty, AC/DC, Aerosmith or Van Halen CD. Those guys definitely shaped me as a musician at a young age. Tom Petty has a huge influence on my song writing. I don’t know if it came directly from him but I heard him say something that I’ve always tried to apply to our songs “don’t bore us get to the chorus”.
Q: Are there any bands you’re currently listening to, but you wish you discovered them sooner? What about bands that you feel are currently underrated and people need to hear?
A: I found a band called Dinosaur Pile up awhile back. They are great. If you’re interested in the style of music we play you have to hear them.
Q: Did beginning your journey in the studio of Damien Starkey influence the band? What was it like working with him?
A: It definitely did. Damien played a huge role in crafting our sound. He’s such a cool guy to work with we had a lot of fun making this album.
Q: What is the reasoning behind your single ‘Break’ being referred to as “Chapter I”?
A: Break is the second video we’ve released from a three part series. “Out of Control” was the first and is called Chapter X. We’ll be announcing the release of the next chapter soon which is Chapter V. XIV or 14.
Q: The video for the track was filmed in a beautiful yet dismal place. What is the story behind the video?
A: In “Out of control” (Chapter. “X”) we saw two characters both struggling with their own inner demons. By the end of the video we see them both consumed by them. Then, in “Break”, we see them completely lost and running from it all. They find themselves washing up on the shores of an upside down limbo state of mind.
Q: You guys just released your debut album ‘What Is The Feeling’ on February 21st. Can you tell me a bit about it?
A: It took a long time to get here. I’ve been working on this album for years. Everyone involved in the making of it poured their heart and souls into it and we’re all very excited that it’s finally out for the world to listen.
Q: What do you hope listeners gain from the album, whether they listen to it once or repeatedly?
A: I hope our listeners can get something out of it. I hope if someone’s going through it and they listen they can saw “wow I can relate to that” and hopefully help them get through whatever it is they’re dealing with.
Q: Do you guys plan on touring in support of the release? If so, is there any information you can speak about at this time?
A: Yes we plan to be out on the road later this year. As of right now there isn’t any more information I can give though.
Q: On the topic of shows… If you could share the stage with any bands, which would you choose, and why?
A: Seether and Chevelle. They both have been major influences for me and it’d be a killer show.
Q: Is there anything else going on with the band that you would like to mention?
A: That’s pretty much it I think I mentioned everything already.
