The Inside Out: "I wanted to do something different that had our flavour on it."
In this interview, The Inside Out dives into the creative process behind their latest single, "Good Times" as they look ahead to more releases and live shows.
FEATUREDALT ROCK
REYA CASAJUS
8/19/20244 min read
As the summer winds down, Connecticut-based alt/indie rock band The Inside Out is keeping the energy alive with their latest single, “Good Times.” This vibrant anthem captures the carefree, yet bittersweet essence of the season with its electric, guitar-driven melodies—a perfect soundtrack for late-night drives, starlit dances, and the nostalgic act of revisiting old memories while making new ones.
Initially written in 2018, the track has undergone a transformation to become what it is today. Reflecting on the song's evolution, the band shares, "Good Times was an idea I had after messing around with some riffs and some ideas on just how happy and dancey it all sounded. I wanted to convey that overwhelming feeling of mixed emotions when you walk into a room at a party and there are so many people in the room you know having a good time. I also wanted to incorporate into the lyrics a feeling of sarcasm and irony as well. The song has evolved to be this staple song we perform live that lights up the room. I love how it sounds now, and I’m very happy with how the production eventually came out."
The creative process behind “Good Times” was driven by a desire to create something both enduring and enjoyable to perform. "I wanted to create something long-lasting and positive for us that we could also enjoy performing live without getting too tired of. I definitely wanted to give listeners something they could relate to like Modest Mouse, Two Door Cinema Club, Talking Heads, and other upbeat but quirky bands. I also wanted to do something different that had our flavour on it as well, and I think we accomplished that."
The accompanying music video, filmed on a sweltering day in Shelton, Connecticut, embodies the song's summertime, chaotic, carefree energy. The shoot had its memorable moments, from organizing a quick drone shot with the help of drummer Andi’s brother, Jeff, to the playful antics of the band's family dog, Wonton (Winston), who couldn’t resist joining in on the fun—until the chaos of the music sent him scampering away. "I think there are 3 moments that really stood out for this video during the shoot," the band shares. "It was hot and I basically was like, okay everyone, “you're gonna lay down here, you're gonna be here, and we're all gonna stare at the sun haha. After our first live take, I turned towards everyone and we were all, like, so exhausted from running around, and we were like, okay, we need to pace ourselves, we've got more takes to do. Everyone was so cooperative and helpful; all our friends and family really did make the video what it is."
There's no doubt that 2024 has been a whirlwind for The Inside Out, marked by the release of singles like “Mr. Arrogant” and “Too Late,” both of which have garnered significant attention, including airplay on WHIP Radio and WQAQ 98.1 FM. “I think it's been pretty good,” the band notes. “We've been getting a good amount of press for these singles from our forthcoming album. I think once we start announcing all our shows for the fall, all of it will be even more well-received. I'm excited for you all to hear what we've been working on!"
And, speaking about touring, it's clear that being on the road has offered the band its own set of lessons. “Maintaining schedules and consistency is crucial in today’s music industry,” they say. “It’s important to be selective and strategic about when to take breaks.”
As for their creative process, it’s a collective effort. “A lot of our music starts with ideas I’ve created, and then we work together as a band to develop them further,” they explain.
Looking ahead, The Inside Out has big plans for the rest of 2024 and beyond. "I think we're planning two more singles, a bunch of shows around our regional area, and then the album Road Trip," they say. "It might be coming out this year if we're lucky, but we're not going to rush it out, so it may be more like Spring 2025."
With their blend of infectious energy and introspective lyrics, The Inside Out is poised to continue making an impact on the indie rock scene, promising even more memorable music and performances in the months to come. Catch them live next August 22nd at The Cobra Club along with labelmates Internet Tears. Grab your tickets here.
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"I also wanted to do something different that had our flavour on it as well, and I think we accomplished that."
"Once we start announcing all our shows for the fall, all of it will be even more well-received. I'm excited for you all to hear what we've been working on!"
Images: The Inside Out
Words: Reya Casajus