Step into the world of Eerie Weather, an alternative/pop-punk outfit hailing from Arizona, as they share insights into their latest single "Cuticles" and the success of their 2023 album "Pale Flowers."
With influences ranging from classic punk rock to contemporary alternative sounds, Eerie Weather’s music resonates with raw emotion and infectious energy. In this exclusive interview, band members Daimen Clark, Jason Draper, Tony Perry, Ty Engle, and Stephen Majalca delve into their songwriting process, creative inspirations, and plans for the future, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of their dynamic musical journey.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the inspiration behind their latest single “Cuticles” and explore the creative journey that led to their acclaimed album “Pale Flowers.” Join us as we chat with vocalist Daimen Clark about their songwriting process, musical influences, and plans for the future.
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Hi Daimen, and thank you for being with us today! Let’s jump straight to your latest project, the excellent single “Cuticles,” a track that captivates you from the first second to the last. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and what it means to you as a band?
Thank you so much, well this song started off as a poem. I’ve written poetry for fun since high school. This poem however in particular was written about my anxiety I was feeling at the time. When I write poetry though I never really think much about it, it’s always just like a for me and me only thing. That being said a couple days after I wrote that poem I started singing the chorus. All of a sudden I was like “Oh you know I wrote that poem a couple of days ago I wonder if that would fit?” So I tried it out grabbed my guitar, figured out the bones, and boom song was written. I went to Jason’s house a couple of days later did a quick demo. After I presented the track to the rest of the band, and we all kinda just knew right away we had something really special.
Your band’s sound is described as alternative/pop punk. How do you blend these influences to create your unique musical style, and what artists have had the biggest impact on your sound?
I think we all just have so many different influences, and that’s truly what gives us this sound. For me growing up, punk was my first love. I don’t even know how I found these bands, but I was influenced as a kid by bands like The Germs, Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and Misfits. That being said I wanted something more melodic, and catchy so I found bands like Blink-182, Motley Crue, My Chemical Romance, Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Yellowcard, and Fall Out Boy. Then my dad showed me Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden. So it was just this crazy blend of sounds and music that really shaped my childhood. For me, at the end of the day, it’s all just personal taste. I never try and go in like “Oh this is a pop punk song’ or “Oh today I’m going to write a grungy song” it’s just what happens when I pick up a guitar.
Your album “Pale Flowers,” released in 2023, is such a powerful release, featuring gems like “Colorless” and “Summer Song.” What was the creative process like for this album, and what themes or messages did you aim to convey through the music?
Well, that record was just an insane process honestly. Really at first, I didn’t even intend on making a record. I just had all these singles piled up, and it got to the point where I was like “Why am I just sitting on all this good music?” You know “Colorless” was written over 10 years ago and was recorded in 2016 maybe 2017 with Matt Good. I just never found the right time. Once I decided you know what I want to just put out a body of work. That’s when I was like you know what if I’m gonna do it, I’m just going to release everything. So in a really weird way “Pale Flowers” was 10 years in the making. Every song was done so drastically different. Like said Colorless was recorded so long ago. Then you have a song like “Tomorrow” that took me 2 years to write because I needed the chorus just right. Then you have “Summer Song” which took maybe a week to actually write and record. Just all crazy different experiences all the way through, and I love it. Ty, our bassist co-wrote, produced, mixed, and mastered most of it. I truly can’t stress how much he helped me see this thing threw. Jason is like the entire reason this band even exists. Stephen is just a freaking animal literally one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen, and an incredible vocalist. Then you have Tony who is honestly the heart, and soul in this band. He brought so many positive vibes. My initial thought on the theme of the record was really just about the different types of happiness one can experience. The happiness that can come from moving on from grief, finding love, finding confidence. That’s truly what the record is about.
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Can you walk us through your songwriting process as a band? How do you collaborate to craft your songs, and what inspires your lyrical content?
I think every song is a little different, but it generally all starts with me. With “Cuticles” like I said earlier it started with a poem. Normally I’ll get a melody pop in my head randomly. From there I’ll like rush and record it on my phone. Then I just find out the chords and figure out the basic structure. After that, I’ll go over to Jason’s house and demo it out. Just try and get it as solid as possible before I show the rest of the guys. Once it’s in a spot where I’m confident Ty comes and messes it up and I have to get the broken pieces back together. Just kidding, once I show the guys they all are like “That was cute.” The proceeds to take what I thought was a good idea, and make it 10 times better. My lyrics though are so just random. I try and just write whatever I’m feeling at that moment. I think now more than ever I am feeling really confident in what I’m doing. I also want to kind of pull the curtain back a little bit and just how I’m feeling. My anxiety and depression are something I’ve talked about in the past but I haven’t really written about it in 5 years. So it was kind of nerve-wracking writing something so personal again with “Cuticles”.
As individuals, what draws each of you to the punk rock genre, and how does that influence your contributions to Eerie Weather’s music?
I can’t speak for the other guys, but to me, punk rock is just doing what you want with no apologies. Being your authentic self, and not giving a fuck if people like it or not. That’s what draws me in, and it took me a long time to get to that mindset. I just had to kind of look at it like if you like what I do great, if not that sucks your loss. I really grew confidence during this project that I never had before.
With the success of “Pale Flowers,” are there plans for a new full-length album in the near future? If so, can you give us any hints about what we can expect from the new material following “Cuticles”?
I don’t know if there’s another full length but there will be more music this year. I’m trying to set a personal goal of at least 4 songs. I got 2 more in the chamber so we are already almost there. I feel like I’ve hit a new personal peak as far as writing. Plus these guys Ty, Jason, Tony, and Stephen as all just insanely gifted and patient. I think for the first time in a long time I’m in a band where everyone just wants what’s best for the song. There’s no ego at all in this, it really is just “Well what works best for the song” and to me, that’s truly special.
Eerie Weather started in October 2020. How has the band evolved since its inception, both musically and personally?
During its inception, I really thought of it as just a small solo project. Maybe post some songs on Soundcloud every once, and awhile sort of thing nothing serious. I had retired from music after my last band due to mental health. Then I met Jason, he was my girlfriend’s roommate at the time. He hated most the music I loved, but he was still down to jam my music. It was such a weird dynamic… still kinda is, but it just works. We just have a good time together honestly. Once we recorded the “Hybrid Moments” cover that’s when I kinda knew this was going to be more. Then we immediately recorded “I’m in Trouble”, and I was just like well Ty, Stephen this is a real band now and you’re in it. We haven’t looked back since hahaha.
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You have a diverse lineup of band members with backgrounds in different musical projects. How does each member’s unique perspective contribute to the overall sound and direction of Eerie Weather?
Well, I bring the songs and style to the table. Jason brings the technicality. Ty brings some really outside-the-box thinking and amazing old-school production. Real guitars, real amps, real drums that’s all because of him. I’m often told we sound like people’s teenage years, and I think it’s really because of Ty and his production style. Like I said earlier Stephen is just an insane drummer, but he also has an incredible ear for melody and harmonies. Then Tony is just so open to messing around and playing on the spot. Not a lot of musicians can do that or feel comfortable with that. I’ve worked with so many different people over the years, but this band is just a crazy well-oiled machine.
The Arizona music scene has a rich history and a diverse range of influences. How has being based in Arizona influenced your music and your experiences as a band?
I know for me bringing from Arizona really introduced me to a lot of really interesting and talented people. Especially when I was a teenager the music scene was so interesting venues were so open. Like my first show I ever did was opening for Wednesday 13 and Aiden. I think today it’s much harder to get on touring acts opening slot. With that though there is just this insane boom of a local scene. So many house shows, DIY venues, and DIY thrown-together shows. I’m crazy proud of where Arizona is as far as music.
It was such a pleasure having you with us today. Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
Thank you for having me. I just want to say to everyone who has stuck around. If you’ve been a fan of mine I know it’s been a wild ride, but I’m just getting started. This is the best music of my career, and I only plan on getting better. Keep streaming “Pale Flowers” and “Cuticles”! I love you all, I appreciate you, and you are noticed.
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Check the links below, discover more about EERIE WEATHER and their music, and remember to add their songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Links: Eerie Weather
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