People On Vacation
People On Vacation is a Dallas, TX,-based indie-pop-rock duo featuring Jaret Reddick from Bowling For Soup and Ryan Hamilton from Smile Smile. On December 9th, they released their latest album: The Chronicles of Tim Powers. Their album is full of catchy tunes and great vocals.
Enjoy this interview with Jaret Reddick from PEOPLE ON VACATION!
What initially drew you two together?
We just wanted to see what it would sound like if two very different people from VERY different backgrounds got together to write some songs.
The second time we got together, we knew something cool was happening.
When did you two first click as friends? As musicians?
We were friends on tour first with a mutual respect for one another. I loved Ryan’s band, Smile Smile. I don’t think he had listened to BFS [Bowling For Soup] much since Drunk Enough To Dance, but we each knew the other has skills.
How drastically do your musical backgrounds differ?
Very different… We are from two TOTALLY different musical backgrounds. Ironically, though, we both give the EAGLES a lot of credit for influencing what we do.
When you were in the process of recording The Chronicles of Tim Powers, how did you feel about the music you were creating? How did that change when the album came out?
Since we were recording as we were writing, I remember not really knowing what the group of songs as a whole was becoming. I can remember worrying a bit that we had left some spaces unexplored. I was so wrong. I couldn’t be prouder of this album!
What advantages have you found that come from being a two-person group? Any disadvantages?
The biggest advantage is that we are 100 percent partners in this band. We decide everything together and try and take an equal load as far as work is concerned. It is really nice.
The disadvantages would have to be making sure we have players for every show. That can get crazy sometimes.
How much of the Bowling For Soup fan base became fans of People On Vacation?
I would say possibly 10 percent. It definitely wasn’t an easy transition for everyone, and POV has had to earn our fan base. I am ok with that. I love where we have taken this band!
Who is your target audience?
Anyone who has ever been in a relationship, or felt feelings.
With the music industry undergoing serious changes, what steps as a band have you had to take that you wouldn’t have ten year ago?
Mostly social networking and online stuff. Being in a band is less about getting in the van and touring and touring, and more about creating more and more content to try and keep everyone interested.
Music is difficult to monetize right now because of illegal downloading. How are you managing to make music and still make a living?
It isn’t easy. BFS is a blessing to me. POV hasn’t ever made any money. We rely on our fans to support us through the making of albums and for everything, really. It is the new model. The listener has the power now.
Where do you see the music industry going in the next few years?
I think it is going in a good direction as far as indie stuff is concerned. I am not a hater, but I am not fond of most of the stuff on the radio nowadays. But, that said, I wasn’t very excited about anything else on the radio when we had big hits in BFS…haha…I think we are all gonna be alright and I think fans will come out ahead.
What were your favorite on-tour experiences?
The times where I sit with my friends and have beers and talk about nothing. That is the absolute best.
In the four years you’ve been together in a band, how has your relationship as friends and fellow musicians changed?
We are really close. We have both been through a lot. I consider Ryan my brother. Closer than family. I would do anything for that guy. And he would do anything for me…Except have fun. Ryan HATES fun!
Check out People On Vacation on Facebook!
Enjoy this interview with Jaret Reddick from PEOPLE ON VACATION!
What initially drew you two together?
We just wanted to see what it would sound like if two very different people from VERY different backgrounds got together to write some songs.
The second time we got together, we knew something cool was happening.
When did you two first click as friends? As musicians?
We were friends on tour first with a mutual respect for one another. I loved Ryan’s band, Smile Smile. I don’t think he had listened to BFS [Bowling For Soup] much since Drunk Enough To Dance, but we each knew the other has skills.
How drastically do your musical backgrounds differ?
Very different… We are from two TOTALLY different musical backgrounds. Ironically, though, we both give the EAGLES a lot of credit for influencing what we do.
When you were in the process of recording The Chronicles of Tim Powers, how did you feel about the music you were creating? How did that change when the album came out?
Since we were recording as we were writing, I remember not really knowing what the group of songs as a whole was becoming. I can remember worrying a bit that we had left some spaces unexplored. I was so wrong. I couldn’t be prouder of this album!
What advantages have you found that come from being a two-person group? Any disadvantages?
The biggest advantage is that we are 100 percent partners in this band. We decide everything together and try and take an equal load as far as work is concerned. It is really nice.
The disadvantages would have to be making sure we have players for every show. That can get crazy sometimes.
How much of the Bowling For Soup fan base became fans of People On Vacation?
I would say possibly 10 percent. It definitely wasn’t an easy transition for everyone, and POV has had to earn our fan base. I am ok with that. I love where we have taken this band!
Who is your target audience?
Anyone who has ever been in a relationship, or felt feelings.
With the music industry undergoing serious changes, what steps as a band have you had to take that you wouldn’t have ten year ago?
Mostly social networking and online stuff. Being in a band is less about getting in the van and touring and touring, and more about creating more and more content to try and keep everyone interested.
Music is difficult to monetize right now because of illegal downloading. How are you managing to make music and still make a living?
It isn’t easy. BFS is a blessing to me. POV hasn’t ever made any money. We rely on our fans to support us through the making of albums and for everything, really. It is the new model. The listener has the power now.
Where do you see the music industry going in the next few years?
I think it is going in a good direction as far as indie stuff is concerned. I am not a hater, but I am not fond of most of the stuff on the radio nowadays. But, that said, I wasn’t very excited about anything else on the radio when we had big hits in BFS…haha…I think we are all gonna be alright and I think fans will come out ahead.
What were your favorite on-tour experiences?
The times where I sit with my friends and have beers and talk about nothing. That is the absolute best.
In the four years you’ve been together in a band, how has your relationship as friends and fellow musicians changed?
We are really close. We have both been through a lot. I consider Ryan my brother. Closer than family. I would do anything for that guy. And he would do anything for me…Except have fun. Ryan HATES fun!
Check out People On Vacation on Facebook!
Zoe Adler is a music journalist from Long Beach, California. Besides her website, which is her pride and joy, she works with the GRAMMY Foundation and the Long Beach Independent. Additionally, Ms. Adler is a musician, spending half of her time playing the flute, piccolo, trombone, and marching baritone. She has been with TeenView Music since the very start and hopes to make something of it in the future. |