Photo Credit: Heather Gildroy

Last year 1st Base Runner went all in releasing not one but two records. Along the way, confidence was learned, and music was flowing. We talked not only about the obstacles that come with starting a career based in music but also rising above during dim times, the highs of Austin, and more in this back and forth exchange.

Kendra: Let’s get right into it and talk about “Man Overboard.” What a visually stunning video that holds so much depth, no pun intended. Overall, this is about those obstacles in life we find keep up from reaching the surface. For you, what were some initial obstacles you faced when you decided to start making music?

1st Base Runner: Thank you, I had an amazing and focused team that made the video possible.

There were a lot of obstacles along the way. I started out on drums at 14, but I was (and still am) unable to move my ankles. It took a few years to learn how to control the kick drum and hi-hat with my entire legs. I never learned how to read music, so I think it made the process a lot more difficult in the beginning. Ear training and theory took a lot longer for me to grasp.

Kendra: Granted, your first record came out amid a pandemic. That was likely a struggle all on its own. With that, do you think that with everything going on in the world, and everyone seeing how fragile our time on earth is, has encouraged more people to follow their passions instead of the expected?

1st Base Runner: Yes, I choose to believe that even in the darkest of situations people will rise to the occasion. I think the pandemic has provided us with an opportunity for introspection and contemplation. We just have to be able to be still long enough with ourselves to find our purpose.

Kendra: Again, your first release, ‘Seven Years of Silence’ dropped earlier in 2021 and by the end of the year you already had another with ‘Ellis.’ Did you have enough time between writing and recording each to learn anything new that you were able to implement on ‘Ellis’ that you may have not done with your debut?

1st Base Runner: There were lots of new things I learned along the way. I think the most important was to have more confidence in myself.

Kendra: Going with baseball analogies here. If you were indeed the first baseman, which positions do you feel ‘Seven Years of Silence’ and ‘Ellis’ would play to ensure a homerun?

1st Base Runner: Hahaha! I don’t really know much about baseball. Someone needs to be in the outfield and I suppose the other should be an umpire.

Kendra: You’re out in Austin. A great place for music and musicians. With that, what would you say is the best venue for musicians to play, and which is the perfect spot to go to as a fan?

1st Base Runner: I think the Mohawk is one of the good remaining venues for local bands. The Parish was one of the best-sounding rooms in Austin, so it used to be my favorite place to see a show. Big tech has shifted the musical landscape of Austin a lot over the last decade.

Kendra: Since it’s January, I’m asking everyone…not for a lengthy resolution, but for a resolution, a goal they have for this month. What’s yours?

1st Base Runner: I am completing Light Roars, my third EP. I have also recently formed a full live band, so playing live sets is another good one.

Kendra: With two records out now, what can fans – both new and old – expect from you as we break in the early months of 2022?

1st Base Runner: A video for Near Me will be released at the end of January. Ellis vinyl will be available soon as well. I hope to see you at a show sometime soon!