Hey Monday Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 16th 2010 12:53PM by Colleen Larson
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Hey Monday, from West Palm Beach, Fla, want to lift your spirits with their rock/power pop sound. They recently downsized to a four-piece consisting of Cassadee Pope, Mike Gentile, Alex Lipshaw and Jersey Moriarty after the recent departure of founding member Elliot James. Spinner caught up with Pope, Hey Monday's frontwoman, before the band's SXSW performance.

Describe the sound of Hey Monday.

We're currently finishing up recording our second album, so our sound has changed a little bit. This new album is definitely more straightforward and organic. We're a pretty uplifting band. I think our songs can make people dance, or cry or laugh. We try to make our songs catchy and hooky!

How did your band form?

We were in different local bands for years in West Palm Beach. I went to high school with Alex and have known Mike since I was in seventh grade. The band started with Mike and I playing in a previous band that broke up. We recruited Alex and Jersey and started recording the album and touring soon after.

What are your musical influences?

My all-time favorite band is Blink 182. I was always into New Found Glory, Saves the Day, Fall Out Boy and a bunch of other bands. As a singer-songwriter, I'm heavily influenced by Michelle Branch and Avril Lavigne.

How did you come up with your band name?

A fan named Hilary from San Francisco submitted "Hey Monday" during a contest we put on to name the band. We must've gotten hundreds of e-mails, but that name really stuck out.

What's in your festival survival kit?

I think I'll carry sunglasses, lip balm, gum, a bottle of water, my cell phone and sunscreen!

Is it easy or difficult being a front woman in rock 'n' roll?

The only difficulties I face are the constant comparisons and rumors that float around. We get compared to bands all the time just because they have female singers. And I think people find it more entertaining to make up stories about a girl on tour with all guys. But those are just things I prepared myself for.

Beatles or Stones?

The Beatles.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

The craziest thing I've ever experienced was when we were overseas with Fall Out Boy in Manila[, Philippines] . There were hundreds of kids waiting outside the venue after the show. I assumed someone from FOB had walked out behind me because they started to scream when I walked out. Turns out they were excited to meet me! It really blew my mind that people that far away from where we live know us and like us that much. It really made me happy.

Colleen Larson is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.