www.facebook.com/cotterband
From: Columbus, OH
Sounds like: Pop Punk
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “The Fear Within" and is there any meaning behind it?
All of us got started with music on our own, 5+ years ago for each member. Our sound developed around the idea on which this band was formed - things may not be okay right now, but at some point they will be. I suppose 'emo' is just the natural result of that emotion. Beyond that, it came down to the primary influences of our two main songwriters, Howard and Zach, with many of their influences overlapping. The name 'Cotter' came from an old friend of Howard's that unfortunately lost her battle with depression. It's his hope to never see that happen again
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Primarily, we want people to understand that it's okay to feel not okay. That what you're experiencing isn't unique, in the best way possible. We're out here, we feel your pain, and we're a community with open ears. To support one another through their trials, and to not shun anyone away for feeling different. All-in-all, it's okay to not feel okay.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Emotional rock, for sure. All of our songs deal with something heavy. There are few songs that you'll hear from us on your morning commute playlist, but we're always going to be there when you're feeling down.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
This varies between band members, but to list a few: Microwave, Mayday Parade, Jason Lancaster, A Day To Remember, Bad Religion, Four Year Strong, and Coheed and Cambria. Narrowing down that list is hard - there's just so many influences coming together, and we hope that shows in our music.
5. How has Covid affected what you do as a band?
COVID was originally a sore spot for us - we had a show planned a week out, then everything shut down. Instead of giving up, we decided to take the energy we had for shows and turn them inwards; it wasn't long after everything shut down that we had plans to release our EP. We worked to get our first round of merch sold. We did livestreams. We did everything we could to reach out to the small community we've built and never gave up.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Pop Punk?
Pop Punk is in a state of resurgence and we want to be at the forefront. As millennials get older and the idea of mental health becomes more palpable to the public, pop punk is going to soar. We're doing our part to foster a small community of pop punk bands around Columbus.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Ohio?
The music scene in Ohio needs work. It needs comradery. After the EP was released, it's been a focus of ours. Not for any band-related gain, but to have a united pop punk scene here in Ohio, we're all going to do better in the long run
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Honestly? We're unfamiliar with the royalties paid out by subscription services (although we wish that was a problem we have). We've yet to see any revenue.
9. What’s next for Cotter?
Developing our sound is at the forefront of our next move. Writing more intricate and involved music. Beyond that? Reaching everyone we can possibly reach.
10. Any shoutouts?
Shoutout wise, I know we'd all like to thank Will Deely of Heavy Things for giving us our first shot in a show and believing in us. Brave The Sea was wonderful to play with, and we'd like to give a huge thank you to them too.
