Anthems for those who resided on the sidelines, images of ‘RollerCoaster Tycoon,’ and much love for Philly were sewn together when we talked to Nothing but a Nightmare about their 2020 release, ‘Kleptomania,’ as well as finding their footing in what’s the current “new normal” for musicians everywhere.
Kendra: Did you all grow up in the Philly area and that music scene, or are some of you transplants?
Nothing but a Nightmare: Yes! We are all based out of Philly which is cool to be surrounded by that. Our local area always talks about “Pink’s” success story because she grew up in Doylestown which is close to us. Philly is an important part of our musical lives and songs off this new record like “Curtain”, openly discuss that.
Kendra: With a song like “Amusement Park,” I have to ask…if there was a park built around the themes of your 2020 release, ‘Kleptomania,’ what would the prominent, signature ride be?
Nothing but a Nightmare: Ooooo, love this question. I would say like a ‘Rockin Roller Coaster’ type thing would be cool where it’s in the dark and all you can hear is like me screaming falsetto notes haha. Not sure what I’d call it, but that would be awesome.
Kendra: Y’all go in on “Problems Being Cool.” Did you all grow up on the outskirts of popularity?
Nothing but a Nightmare: Yeah for sure. I think some of us are more “nerdy” than others such as David and I, but yeah “Problems Being Cool” definitely is autobiographical and still holds true today. Love that I could write an anthem for the nerds!
Kendra: Let’s talk about Philly again. How do you feel the Philly music scene will recover once the pandemic is over and live music can resume to normal?
Nothing but a Nightmare: I think when the opportunity comes where people can go back into live spaces it’ll boom. Now that’s dependent on a lot of things, but I think some of these organizations that are helping small venues are gonna be key in the coming months. The government isn’t talking about the effect on the entertainment world cause they’re only thinking of the big guys that can’t tour, not the little guys and small venues. Unfortunate, but true.
Kendra: Have you been able to maintain any level of normalcy throughout this with smaller, outdoor shows or even live streams?
Nothing but a Nightmare: Yeah I’ve been playing a lot of outdoor acoustic shows lately. It’s not bad, the whole thing is mentally damaging of course and lately I’ve tried to be pretty open on how it’s affecting me and that it’s okay to not be okay. I hope this year opens up eyes on mental health more as well and that everyone can seek help and shouldn’t be embarrassed by it.
http://youtu.be/LA-p4ltP9yY
Kendra: With all that has transpired this year, how do you feel 2020 has shaped your creativity and drive moving forward?
Nothing but a Nightmare: Creatively it’s helped actually. Songs take on new meaning and become more emotional. It also has allowed for us as a band and myself to open up more which is super nice.
Kendra: Usually, this is where I ask people what they have planned in the coming months but with the world in a strange place right now, plans aren’t as concrete as they typically are. You can go ahead and let us know what you have tentatively planned…
Nothing but a Nightmare: Just gonna keep being creative and opening up more. We’re here to entertain and make people feel something. If we can make someone’s day better or express a particular emotion…we’ve done our job.
