THIS GREAT STATE
This Great State interview.
-when did the band come together and why? What your back story?
Dillon Secklin (drums), Max Landis (bass, backup vocals), and Chase Daley (guitar, backup vocals) had previously worked on another project in Reno, NV, before meeting Keva in 2015. A few casual basement sessions and jamming at parties led to their formation as a group. Tumbleweed, the group’s first EP was released shortly after in June 2017.
We took a break from music-making, rejoining forces in December 2017 and releasing the next EP Basementsin February 2018. Writing and recording Basementsgave us the opportunity to explore a diversity in genres, setting us up for what’s to come with our upcoming full-length album. In the short period we’ve been together as a group, we’ve been fortunate enough to book some amazing shows; most recently Concerts in the Parkin Sacramento, CA, with a lineup including artists such as Franz Ferdinand, The Crystal Method, Peanut Butter Wolf, and Dance Gavin Dance.
What music influences the band
Our sound is most compared to bands such as Kings of Leon and Gossip. Our musical influences span several genres including City & Colour, The Clash, Tame Impala, and The New Pornographers.
Any album release past or current coming up?
We’re currently working on our next full-length album, hoping to release two singles in the coming months.
Who is everyone in the band and what do they do?
Dillon Secklin (drums)
Max Landis (bass, backup vocals)
Chase Daley (guitar, backup vocals)
Keva Tanyi (lead vocals)
Does the band have upcoming shows?
We’re currently working on our next full-length album, hoping to release two singles in the coming months.
What do you guys do in your spare time other than the band?
Chase - enjoys cooking and designing
Dillon - cannabis connoisseur and runs a dispensary in Reno, canna-fitness
Max - delving into new music, builds Gundam models
Keva - enjoys spending time with her dog and hiking
What are your plans for the future? Where do you want this to go? Goals short term long term?
With our new album, we hope to provide a more synth-pop, dance vibe, while still preserving our southern-rooted guitar riffs and garage-rock feel. Next year, we’re hoping to run a national tour, play as many shows as we can, and get the word out on our music. Our main focus is to provide great live music to our fans.
One sentence to describe yourselves
This Great State is an indie-alt rock band fronted by a femme powerhouse singer, backed with immersive drums, melodic bass lines, southern-rooted guitar riffs, and haunting vocals.
Why do you do what you do? This genre? Play etc
Like many musicians, we live for the opportunity to be on stage and thrive off the energy and interactions with fans. Many people have found our genre hard to pinpoint; we just make music that sounds great to us and highlights our central focus on Keva’s amazing vocals.
LINKS:
https://www.thisgreatstatemusic.com
https://thisgreatstate.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3W4u8qlwHVhYRdQiVaxHlm?si=bWKSUFBATpWfaMDXD3jHQw
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/this-great-state/1249112030
https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/ThisGreatState?id=Aifcix2xr2idwivyfidnro4kggu&hl=en
