Features

Broadside are on a roll! The Richmond, VA based band is about to release its sophomoric album, “Paradise”, via Victory Records and are currently on tour with the likes of Real Friends, Tiny Moving Parts and Have Mercy. We caught up with vocalist Ollie to talk about the new album, which will be out June 16 and is already being heralded as 'one of 2017’s Most Anticipated Albums' according to Alternative Press.

PRT: You are out with Real Friends, Tiny Moving Parts and Have Mercy right now. How is the tour going so far?

Ollie: Tour is going VERY well, we are learning so much from these incredible bands. Real Friends are pro at this point and they actually care about promoting the underdog bands. The crowd reaction has been incredible as well.

PRT: Can you sum up Broadside's history in the form of a tweet?

Ollie: We have been climbing this mountain for 5 years and we almost see the sunrise.

PRT: For people who haven't heard of Broadside just yet... if you were the lovechild of two other bands, which bands would have had sex and which position were you conceived in?

Ollie: Taking Back Sunday and Morrissey in the back seat of an uber, positions vary

PRT: "Paradise" is your second album... did you think about the dreaded sophomoric slump going into writing and recording this one?

Ollie: We really didn't, we just want to write a good album with honest lyrics. We are still growing and have a lot of room to grow so we don't like to put a cap on anything. 

PRT: I read you discussed whether or not you would edit yourself or speak the harsh reality of the creative industry. Can you tell me a little more about what you mean by that?

Ollie: Well, often, people want you to be "weird" but you're not allowed to be "really weird". We live in a time where people are afraid to say anything or promote anything that doesn't SELL. It's a shame because a lot of creative people are climbing on top of each other to get in that temporary appreciation for the flavor of the week. So do you create for you, your fans...or the corrupt mass marketing plan to capitalize on young people and temporary sadness?

PRT: What does paradise look like for you personally?

Ollie: A quiet coffee shop, my journal and a beautiful girl to catch the gaze of between pages. 

PRT: Whether it's the trumpet in "Puzzle Pieces" or the ukulele in "I Love You I Love You It's Disgusting", it seems like you recorded the album with an anything goes kinda mindset. Was there a lot of experimenting with sounds and instruments that didn't make the album?

Ollie: We wanted to give that vacation vibe while staying true to lyrical content. We wanted to create a moment for the listener, a ukulele will take you "there" and that's magical.

PRT: What's up next for you once the new album is out?

Ollie: We want to reach a new level of exposure. Share our vibe with as many people that want it. The world is fucking dark these days, bring the Paradise, if only for half an hour.