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Introducing American duo Black It Out, we are digging these guys big time…
What are the origins of the band, and how long have Black It Out been playing together?
I (Shaun) met Bryan through a mutual friend while in the Sacramento scene. Both my friend and Bryan were in that band together. I would go to their shows and hang out with them. I got to know the band pretty well. So well that when their bassist’s amp didn’t work, I let them use mine. Later, that bassist moved, and I joined the band as their bassist. Their drummer wanted their old bassist even though he moved away, so he made things difficult, ultimately destroying that band. Bryan and I continued to jam until the other members joined. We were called Scarlet’s Sonata at the time, and we started as a Hardcore band. In 2009, we changed our name to Black It Out. We went on an 8-year hiatus, played in other bands, and now, we’re back as an internet band. We’re an E-band that focuses on studio recordings. Our sound has changed a lot over the years. We’ve been playing for about seventeen years together on and off. Dang, that’s a long time.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Black It Out?
People should expect funny or heartfelt lyrics about culturally relevant topics. They should expect melodies that bore into your head. People should expect hot riffs and killer vocal performances. I would say we’re a blend of several musical genres. We’re a mix of Pop-Punk, Easycore, Post-Hardcore, and Emo. Our song “Live, Laugh, Love,” featuring Anndy Negative, that came out May 2nd, 2022, sums up our sound perfectly. It has breakdowns, Pop-Punk and Emo vocals, and Easycore riffs.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
We projected confidence, but we were a bit nervous. Overall, most of us felt ready because we were well rehearsed and knew our songs front and back. A crowd came to see us and promptly left. I felt terrible for the other bands. We did so well that one of the bands thought we were signed. I think we even signed a few autographs. That was interesting for our first show.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams at the minute with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out to build a name for themselves?
Our feature on “Live, Laugh, Love,” Anndy Negative pissed off many people with his song “When We Were Young” on TikTok. That propelled his career and put his music in front of many more people that wouldn’t have seen him otherwise. His new song, “I Won’t Give Up,” has been killing it on Spotify. It seems pissing people off is one way. Another way is to have money and give it to all the promotion companies who could put you in front of a large audience. I know you want to hear techniques on how to stand out, but the reality is money always talks. It might not create a huge following, but at least it’ll give you a chance.
The real way to stand out is to write great music, have eye-catching art, and promote it constantly with relevant content that benefits the viewer. That’s because most people care about themselves, and you have to offer them something. It’s human nature. Whether it be a playlist for other bands, a podcast, or something that entertains people, that’s how people can stand out.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
Right now, we’re working on promoting our latest release, “Live, Laugh, Laugh,” featuring Anndy Negative. It’s about Karens. Karens are everyone’s favorite public freakout artists that want to speak with your manager. Check it out on Spotify, or we’ll talk to your manager.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel you would be best suited to open for?
We could open for Senses Fail. They have great Pop-Punk and Emo songs that we would fit in with. We’d probably do well opening for A Day to Remember, Sum 41, and Blink 182.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
There are so many bands that we know that thoroughly deserve it. There’s BryGuy, Anndy Negative, Promise Game, All Systems Go, Rad Stacey, Coe Hill, Crisis Culture, Protect Your Heart, Hey Slugger, and Darro. All of those bands completely deserve it.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I don’t know, I’ve always loved music. It’s in me, so my first musical memories or my lightbulb moment might have been my birth? LOL. My dad played guitar and sang. He seriously sounded just like Elvis. He played tapes he made of himself singing in the car and I seriously thought it was Elvis. He fooled me! So, I think my dad playing guitar and singing are some of my first music memories that inspired me. I guess I wanted to be in a band in grade school before I knew how to play an instrument. I learned to read music before I learned an instrument. I always wanted to be in a band. I don’t know why.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I haven’t gone to too many since the pandemic. I would have to say the first one that pops into my head is Motionless in White and Ice Nine Kills. They were amazing!
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
I try not to get involved. They aren’t going to change regardless of how I feel about them, and there will always be someone who thinks differently. Honestly, I care about many things, but things in the US are so weird right now that I’d rather sit back until things cool down. Maybe, I’m being dramatic, but there is some serious division going on. So, I guess that’s it. The weird political division in the US that’s weakening us and causing us to fight among ourselves. It truly needs to stop.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I’m pretty open about music. Maybe my classical music playlist? I love composers like Arvo Part, so perhaps that’ll surprise people? I like classical music a lot.
Although 2021 was another year to forget, there were some fantastic new albums released, what would be your album of last year? And, what new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
Easily Ice Nine Kills, their Silver Scream II was excellent. That was a fantastic album. I’m looking forward to Motionless In White’s next album coming in June of 2022. I’ve enjoyed the music that Bryan and I add to your Pop-Punk Revolution playlist on Spotify. It has some of the best smaller bands in the scene!
What does 2022 hold for Black It Out?
We’ve released two singles in 2022 so far. “Reflections” featuring Promise Game and “Live, Laugh, Love,” featuring Anndy Negative. We’re working on re-recording two tracks from our comeback album, Resurgence. We got All Systems Go as a featuring on one of them. We’re also working on another new one!
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
We are active on Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram mainly. Follow us! We might follow you back!
Spotify
