March 28, 2024

Can you tell us what you’ve been up to over the past few months?

We’ve been recording, rehearsing, and mixing. We were lucky enough to take a few weeks in Cincinnati, OH where  we got to eat, sleep, and breathe our songs. We were living in the same house with a studio in the basement. So, it didn’t matter what time it was, we were playing/recording music at all hours of the night. It was paradise. 

What led to you guys forming Stop Thrust?

Claron and Jordan were both separately writing songs for their own projects and when they shared what they were working on with each-other they realized that it would be really interesting to write songs that contained two peoples perspectives. When they compared influences the sound and shape of the band became clear. 

How did you guys all meet & become a band?

Matt and Claron have been friends since they were kids. Claron and Jordan met at a wedding. We all ended up living in the same neighborhood and drinking at the same bar. Thankfully, it was the same bar where Will was drinking. Jams turned into songs. Songs into a set. Suddenly we were a band. 

What’s the meaning of the name “Stop Thrust”? 

Well, it’s technically a fencing term:  “A counter thrust attack into the opponents forward movement or oncoming attack.”

A lot of our songs are about relationships and the way people engage with each other in an emotional dynamic. Considering the fencing definition, we figured, what’s more telling about a relationship than using someone else’s words against them. 

Can you tell us a little something about each of you?

Will was a varsity quarterback.

Matt always takes home leftovers. 

Jordan blacks out when she sees a dog. 

Claron hates bios. 

With all of you already having a good social media following, you guys have an incredible jumping off point to promote this project!! Can you spill any details about your new show?

Our June 4th show at Pianos is the first in our three part summer series leading up to our EP release show at our home away from home, The LetLove Inn, in Astoria on August 14th. Our second show will be at the iconic Rockwood Music Hall (follow us on Instagram @stopthrust for more details.) 

Can you tell us what this show means to each of you?

We love making music together. It’s another opportunity to do that. At a venue we’ve always wanted to play. 

What do you hope your supporters will think of show?  & What do you hope they’ll get from attending?

We always make sure to have a professional photographer on hand so you can put your phone away and become a part of the experience, not just as an observer. It’s your party too. 

What do you hope to gain out of your new band?

We’ve all been working in the theater industry professionally since we were out of college. That is still a major part of all of our lives. The joy of the band is that, unlike most theatrical gigs, we create every part of it. Singing our words, creating our stories, and putting on the type of rock show that we personally wish we saw more of.

What do you think is the benefit of having a following on social media in the music industry? 

It used to be that you just told your fans about things that were going on and now we have a platform for an ongoing conversation with them. 

Does your fanbase have a name?

A band shouldn’t name their own fanbase; when the fans name themselves, we’ll know.  A fanbase has no name. 

How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?

Every time we have a live show, we want our fans to feel like we are throwing a wild house party for our friends, and they are always invited. 

What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?

Instagram. Facebook is dead. 

What was the craziest fan encounter you guys have had?

Claron was recognized at the Guitar Center in Times Square. That was a change. The pack of strings still cost the same, but he actually smiled for a few minutes. That was also a change. 

Will there be an ep/album out soon?

First EP – August 14th. You should probably take the day off. And maybe the next day. 

What’s an average day for you guys look like?

It’s chaos with laughter sprinkled through it: a steady combination of music, the subway being down, tequila, and rarely enough sleep. It works for us. We f*cking love it. 

Where do you guys hope the band is in 5 years?

We just want to play: as often and as loud as possible. We want to work with the artists who have  inspired us over the years. Cutting a live record in the Blue Room of Third Man Records, going on the road with July Talk, talking muscle cars with Alison Mosshart, playing connect four with Josh Tillman, and sharing food and drink with all of our friends in between. At the end of the day, we want what everyone wants, to make a career out of what we love and have a hell of a time doing it. 

Anything you want to tell your supporters?

We don’t take ourselves nearly as seriously as we sound. So, come see us play and then say hi. 

Thank you guys for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions.

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