Set the Sun: David Southern Interview
A lot of amazing bands got their start in Austin, TX and Set the Sun continues this trend. After releasing a self-titled E.P. the band took to this new music to the internet. Through social media they have amassed a large group of dedicated fans from around the globe over their two year history. The band has already played festivals like The Vans Warped Tour and South By So What?!. Despite some lineup changes, Set the Sun shows no signs of slowing down.
By the Barricade interviewed Set the Sun lead guitarist David Southern to find out exactly how tour life has been treating him, and more info about the band’s upcoming release. The full interview transcripts are available below.
By the Barricade: David; you were originally in a cover band correct?
David Southern: Yes, I played in a cover band until I was about 15 years old. It’s always good to learn how to play and see where other bands are coming from as to why they wrote it that way. It helped me learn the basics of songwriting!
By the Barricade: What was your favorite band to cover?
David Southern: I always loved covering the Foo Fighters because they were one of my favorite bands and a big reason why I even picked up a guitar in the first place. I remember we covered “Learn To Fly” and it was really the first time I learned how to “rock out”, Or so I thought.*Laughs
By the Barricade: What inspired you to start writing original songs back in high school?
David Southern: I really wanted to see what I could come up with by myself. Playing cover songs is always fun and a great way to start learning but I just wanted to branch out more. I wanted other people to love something I had to offer, just as I had loved the bands that I listened to.
By the Barricade: Set the Sun released their self-titled album just a year after their 2010 formation. Why did you make the decision to release a studio album instead of a string of E.P.s?
David Southern: Well the original plan was to do a string of EP’s. A lot of people don’t know this but we had an entirely different lineup in 2010 than we do now. We released our debut EP, and then wrote another one. But just as we finished our second EP, the original Set the Sun lineup began falling apart. It didn’t feel like the right thing to release, especially since I knew we would have all new members soon. So I moved forward and found a new group of musicians and we hit the road to Thinksound Studios in hopes of recording a new EP. We later collectively decided to write our first LP. It’s been an awesome journey for us this far. The new songs are more in your face, more structured, and stronger than ever.
By the Barricade: After your self-titled album you released an acoustic single titled “Mishaps”. What has been the biggest mishap or hiccup on you musical journey thus far?
David Southern: Bouncing back from losing an entire lineup. I decided not to throw in the towel, but rather push forward. I’m really glad I did because it’s really shown me what I can accomplish. KJ (Josh Strock) has had a huge hand in the songwriting process for Set the Sun and has taught me so much about theory, my playing, and my voice. I couldn’t be more thankful and lucky.
By the Barricade: Now that Set the Sun’s new lineup is finalized, has the writing process changed?
David Southern: Our writing process is completely different now. KJ writes majority of our Instrumentals and we all pitch in helping out with the vocals. We have a great system going as far as that goes, songs don’t take nearly as long for us to pump out.
By the Barricade: Now that you have played the 2013 Vans Warped Tour, a crowning achievement for most bands, what is the next milestone you have set your sights on?
David Southern: Whatever the road has in store for us. We always push for bigger and better things. Putting out this new LP is first on the list.
By the Barricade: Did you learn anything during your Warped Tour experience that you transferred over to South by So What?
David Southern: They were both similar experiences for us. The atmosphere was a bit different at South By So What?! Compared to the Vans Warped Tour. It definitely was not as hot or humid while we played.
By the Barricade: A lot of our readers are in up and coming bands. How did Set the Sun develop such a large online fan base so quickly?
David Southern: Persistence, dedication, time and effort. Reaching out to people has literally become a daily thing for me, simply because I know this is what I want to do with my life.
By the Barricade: Back when I talked to you in March you mentioned plans for an album. Can you tell us anything about that?
David Southern: Yes! We are currently working on finishing the album, as Its nothing we want to rush and stress about putting out. This album is something all of us are extremely proud of and happy with so far and everything is really still up in the air as far as a release date for it goes.
By the Barricade: Anything else you would like to say to the readers of By the Barricade?
David Southern: For those of you that have supported Set the Sun this far, we love you guys so much and stay tuned for releases and info about the album! For those of you that have no idea who we are or why you’re reading this, please come and check us out, it only takes a few seconds.
Keep it on Bythebarricade.com for tons of punk rock interviews, reviews, articles, and photos! Also, “Like” By the Barricade on Facebook to never miss a post. If you liked this article check out:
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