Hunter Thomsen and Coley O'Toole of We The Kings talk Vans Warped Tour, "The Story Of Tonig
Hey, Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us today for an interview with Music Mayhem Magazine. Let’s start off by talking about your newly announce greatest hits album, which is now available for preorder titled, So Far. What made you guys decide to release a greatest hits album? Why did you name it So Far?
Hunter: We have been lucky enough to put out as many records as we have, so we decided to put out a record out with all the songs we love as well as the songs our fans love. With the name "So Far", all of our records have started with an "S", and it's titled "So Far" because we aren't done yet! We will always be putting out music for us, for our fans, and anyone who will listen.
On the topic of new music, you recently released your music video for your “The Story of Tonight” song which was created by Hamilton (The Musical). What made you guys want to cover a song from a musical? Can we expect any new music from We The Kings soon?
Hunter: This song has been special to us, we wanted to go and watch the Broadway performance not realizing you CAN'T get tickets. So we started listening to the iTunes and some of the tracks they released. Trav really liked "The Story of Tonight" so we started jamming it out and it sounded really fun and cool to us. So we put it out and it's caught like wild fire!
If you were ever asked to create your own musical like Hamilton what would be the name of the musical & what would it be about?
Hunter: I really love the idea behind Hamilton. The story of this country is wonderful and a great history lesson. I have always admired the story of Beowulf. It's said to be the oldest poem ever written and its history of times we may never know. Was it real or just lore?
You released your album “Strange Love,” back in 2015, How would you say We The Kings has progressed or grown as a band, Especially since the release of your very popular hits like “Check Yes Juliet” & “Say You Like Me”?
Hunter: Well I think music changes all the time, maybe daily at this point. All of us in the band listen to different music. So we put our little touches on songs to make them We The Kings.
Speaking of albums, ALL of your album titles begin with an S. Even the greatest hits album you recently announced, So Far. Is there a meaning or reasoning behind the S titles?
Hunter: Not really we started with "Self Titled" and then went into "Smile Kid" and kept going from there.
We are only days away from the first day of the 2016 Vans Warped Tour which We The Kings are going to be out on all summer long on the main stage. What can fans expect from your Warped Tour performance and what sort of setlist can you fans expect to hear?
Hunter: Well we have been going over a set list for a little while. Trying to find the best and most crowd loving songs to play since we only get like 25-30 minutes. It will be a high energy set with some craziness on the side. We can't wait to play in front of our beloved fans and maybe some new comers.
What is one thing each of you are looking forward to on Warped Tour this summer?
Coley: Playing everyday is number one in my book but I'm also looking forward to hanging with old friends and making new ones along the way. There are some great stops along this tour and as a runner I always enjoy getting outside the fairgrounds and checking out some trials or quiet back roads.
What will an average day of Warped Tour consist of for We The Kings?
Coley: Most days I'll get up early and go for a run then grab some breakfast and coffee. At some point before or after the set well hit the merch tent to say hello to the fans. Everyone pretty much has their own thing they do during the day to keep busy on the tour, but by nightfall it's usually a party.
I know fans can expect a great performance from We The Kings this summer as all of your shows are always so energetic. What is your favorite part of your live set?
Coley: My favorite part of the set is when we first walk out on the stage-- it's there you’re hit with crowds energy! From the first note till the last it’s magic every time.
Almost all of We The Kings has their own Youtube channels where you each vlog your daily lives, all of which are very successful. What tips would you offer to a fan that wants to start their own Youtube channel?
Coley: I'd think having something to say or do that moves and inspires people is most important. Don't do it for money or fame, do it for the pure enjoyment of a passion...people will be drawn to the honesty.
Will the fans be seeing any We The Kings band vlogs all summer on Warped Tour or just vlogs on each of your channels, or both?
Coley: I'm in favor of build our WE THE KINGS channel. Individually each person is unique and funny but as a whole we are a brotherhood and absolutely hilarious. Everywhere we go, whatever we do, it's always a great time.
If you had to choose ANY song from the entire We The Kings discography to showcase the band to a new fan or to someone who hasn’t yet heard of you, what song would you show them first?
Coley: The song that first hooked me was “All Again for you” and I still love when we get the chance to play that song. I would also show a listener “Say You Like Me” because it's great tune and I was in love with it the first time I heard it.
What can fans expect from We The Kings after this summer’s Vans Warped Tour? Anything in the works yet?
Coley: We are always planning for the future. We will be out on the road but when and where is still being ironed out. We will also continue working on new music and looking forward to the next record.
Anything else you wish to say to your fans or our readers that I haven’t mentioned in the interview?
Coley: Much love to all the people that support the band and us personally. We are very lucky to have a fan base that allows us to see the world and make music for a living.
Pick Up "SO FAR" by We The Kings Now: www.wethekingsmusic.com
Pick up tickets to see WE THE KINGS on Vans Warped Tour: www.wethekingsmusic.com/tour
