We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful This Summer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with This below.
Hi This Summer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
There are a lot of risks that go into pursuing music professionally, but by far the biggest we’ve ever taken was going on our first tour.
In September 2022, we set out to Columbus, North Adams, Chicago and Muncie to play with bands we’d never met, for people we didn’t know at venues and DIY spaces across the Midwest. Honestly, we didn’t know if anyone would even come to a single show. We just had to hope that people cared enough to spend $10 and buy a ticket for some random band from Cleveland. But even more nerve-wracking than that, we didn’t know if anyone would even like us. We had to spend a lot of money and drive hundreds of miles for a chance that people would.
One thousand miles and four shows later, we can confidently say that going on tour was the best risk we ever took as a band. We were able to meet and play with excellent musicians, connect with new audiences and make incredible memories in every city. Going on that first tour gave us the confidence to do it again in 2023—this time, we want to make it even bigger.
This Summer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi! We’re This Summer – a five-piece emo alternative band from Cleveland, Ohio. Our members include Blaise Sypen (Drums), Bobby Martin (Bass), James Taton (Guitar), Justin Coleman (Vocals) and Joe Grospitch (Guitar). There’s not too much to say about us. We like to make fun (and sometimes sad) emotionally captivating music because it’s what we love to do. Since we formed in 2020, our only goal has been to have as much fun as possible making music we care deeply for.
There are a lot of emo bands out there; we don’t really know what separates us from them. Everyone in the scene is just trying to get noticed, and thankfully we’ve been able to write some songs and play live shows that can grab people’s attention. We’re just five best friends having a good time doing what makes us happy.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For us, nothing compares to playing a live show. It doesn’t matter how many times we do it. Every single performance is different and fun in a new way. Seeing people care about what we’re doing, cheer and have fun during our songs is incomparable. It’s gratifying and rewarding to bond and connect with a group of random people for 30 minutes. While we’re on stage, everything else just kind of fades away. The only thing that matters is the moment.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
It’s easier than you think to show your support for someone. Whether you’re giving someone a follow on Instagram or going to a live performance, every small action you do matters so much to the artist on the other side. All you have to do is give someone a chance. More often than not, people don’t want to take the risk. But that’s why it matters so much to artists when someone does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thissummeroh.bandcamp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thissummeroh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thissummerOH/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thissummeroh
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKLW_41aE1TPqbsEr8BGARQ
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Sam Comandatore, Sami Butler