The Inside Out
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The Inside Out -
The Inside Out is the band to watch! The Connecticut natives are taking the indie alt-rock genre by storm, with no signs of slowing down. The band comprised of James Howard, John Landino, Andi Wright, and Zach Stout has something big on the way so keep your eyes peeled for what they have in store.
Interview by: Natalie Colon & Jessie Fuentes
How did each of you get started in music, and what led you to form The Inside Out together?
We all got started in music in a few different ways. Andi, James, and John were all self-taught, however Zach took lessons at the early age of 3. James and John actually went to college for music production too, which helped solidify their passion for the art.
James started the group back in 2018 with some friends from school, and it was a constant revolving door of a lineup. Covid did not help matters. In late 2019, Zach and James met while working together at Sam Ash Music Stores, and they quickly joined forces. In early 2020, right before the pandemic and lockdown, Andi jumped on board.
After a slew of tryouts and road blocks through Covid, we found our bassist, John, from a Craigslist ad. He was a perfect fit and we haven’t looked back since!
How would you describe your band to those who haven’t heard your music before?
We are an indie/alt band. Some of our songs are slow, sad, and floaty, while others are upbeat, energetic, and nostalgic to all of our influences growing up.
How would you describe the current Connecticut music scene? Are there any other bands or artists that you recommend people check out?
The Connecticut music scene is filled with so many talented artists, but it is a mosaic, however. We have a little bit of everything here. Just a few of our favorites would be T!LT, Pond View, Rushing Spring, Whitewood Drive, Phatt James, Big Sigh, Scooped Up, and the list keeps going on and on.
I think our favorite venue in CT right now has got to be The Beeracks. They never disappoint. We also love Black Barrel Records, our home away from home. Toad’s Place is also a classic spot.
What are some of your favorite venues that you’ve played in CT thus far?
Michael Dugatto and Kris Khunachak were phenomenal in guiding us. They made it an incredible experience every step of the way. We all had so much fun with this one and it shows.
Yes you can! We actually just got back the first cut of the video and we’re going to start wrapping up post production!
After stalking your Instagram we loved seeing all the behind-the-scenes clips from the “Mr. Arrogant” music video shoot! what was that process and energy on set like? Can we expect a release date soon?
Can you tell us about the backstory to “Mr. Arrogant” and what you hope listeners take away from the single?
“Mr. Arrogant” is a jam we all got lost in playing till 2 in the morning. Having said that, the lyrics are about getting lost in everything other than what’s happening in the present. There are some moments in life you wish you could hold onto forever even if they’re a great memory, because even those fade away after a while. We need to cherish our time here because it’s finite.
How do you approach the songwriting process? Do you all contribute equally, or does one member take the lead?
Usually our songs start with an acoustic idea, a riff, or a lyrical melody that James has thought of. For the last record “No Brains, No Blood.” James wrote it all, and recorded demos at his apartment studio. This upcoming record has been much more of a stepped collaborative process. We’ll use the ideas as a launch pad to jam off of. If we’re all into the idea, we’ll jam on it for hours, coming up with our own parts and structures. That’s how “Mr. Arrogant” came to be. Sometimes, even after jamming on something for hours, we’ll realize we should scrap it and move on to a new idea. Luckily we’ve got plenty more.
Your sound has been compared to alt-rock artists/bands like Modest Mouse and The Killers, that being said, how do you balance drawing inspiration from your influences while maintaining your unique style?
Drawing inspiration and influence from other artists keeps music moving forward. If everything was only original thought, would there even be anything? Our unique style flashes when you can feel the similarity in knowing you’re enjoying what you’re playing or singing because it reminds you of those nostalgic songs you love and grew up with, but also when sonically they sound different and like something you’ve never heard before.
Your album No Brains, No Blood, released back in November 2022, tackled the intense emotions that come with introspection especially when memories of your past aren’t quite cheery. What inspired the band to tackle such difficult topics not only on this record but your previous two records, The Inside Out and I Wake Up Where You Are, as well?
The best way to answer this is when you’ve gone through a major change in your life, a flood of emotions will take over you. You can let those emotions swallow you up, or you can turn them towards something more fruitful and positive. In 2017, James released a solo demo record called “Create Dissonance, Create Love.” A lot of the ideas for the records mentioned for The Inside Out all stemmed from this same period. We wanted to showcase the growth and progress you can achieve when you set your mind to it.
What is an album or artist you have on repeat lately? We are loving the latest projects from the Hives and Hozier right now.
Collectively we all listen to different artists all within the same umbrella. Some of these include Citizen, Microwave, EVNTYD, Webbed Wing, DIIV, Arctic Monkeys.
Are there any artists you listen to as a guilty pleasure?
James - I’m in love with Upsahl and The Foxies. They are so talented.
John - I’m obsessed with The Japanese House and Julien Baker’s solo stuff. I guess that sad music balances out my optimism.
Zach - While I’d hesitate to associate guiltiness with listening to music that brings me pleasure, I’d have to say Jamiroquai, as I vibe with them yet sometimes find them a little corny.
Andi - Joe Hisaishi, who’s the composer for Studio Ghibli, as well as Darren Korb, who composes for the indie game company Supergiant Games - I especially love the Bastion soundtrack.
What's something about each of you that your fans might be surprised to learn?
James - I have my black belt in Tae Kwon Do and taught it up until I was 18.
John - In high school I was in a breakdancing club. Also used to compete in national frisbee tournaments with my college team.
Zach - I used to routinely play USTA tennis tournaments in middle school.
Andi - I competitively raced on rowing teams (crew) throughout high school, college, and after college, for a total of 17 seasons.
James - I love watching movies, spending time with family, and going to new places.
John - I love consuming podcasts and stand up comedy. Also finding cool new bars and restaurants.
Zach - I love going for a hearty hike. I think fresh air, exercise, and appreciating nature are particularly underrated these days.
Andi - I’m big on snowboarding, gardening, playing video games, hiking, and hanging out with my two cats.
Outside of music, how do you all like to spend your time?
Sally’s, Modern or Pepe’s Pizza? We’re gonna keep a running tally of all the answers we get from CT musicians we interview going forward haha.
James - Modern 100%
John - Sally’s is top dog for me.
Zach - Been so long since I’ve had any of them. Since I love pizza, my answer is: whichever one is the closest.
Andi - I’ve never had Sally’s, so my answer is definitely Pepe’s.