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LA based pop/rock band North of Nine have the looks, the sound and a great team, after all they are managed and executive produced by industry mogul and ex-American Idol judge Randy Jackson. With a buoyant piano and rock bite they’re lead single “Can It Be You?” has been heating up the airwaves, it is off of their debut EP Alive, which it out now.
GroundSounds recently caught up with this five-piece for an exclusive interview about musical inspirations, influences and more, check out the exclusive interview below.
To people who are new to North of Nine, how would you best describe your sound?
We are a modern pop rock band with hooky and melodic choruses that are easy to remember and sing along to. To get the true experience, you HAVE to come out to a show and see us perform!
“Can it Be You” is your latest single, can you tell us about the inspiration for this song?
“Can It Be You?” is about a moment we have all experienced… There’s that somebody we used to be with and now we are looking to re-ignite that flame with, or, find somebody new. The song hits on all of the emotions and feelings of needing that flame back in your life.
The video for “Can it Be You” was also the first video you have done together as a band, what was it like filming together and how did you decide on the concept?
We put together our ideas and a few key elements of how we saw the song coming to life as a video — and went out to directors. Dennis Lui’s treatment really resonated with us – a literal visual of the “symptoms” of being in love. We shot in an old warehouse in downtown LA with an awesome group of models, including Charlotte McKinney. We had a blast and loved working with Dennis.
You recently came back from SXSW, can you tell us about that experience?
SXSW was awesome. It was our first time performing outside of LA and the response from the crowd was really great. It’s such an amazing festival, so for us to have the opportunity to perform was great! We definitely will be back in Austin soon and can’t wait for next year’s festival.
What would be your dream music venue or festival to play at?
Wembly Stadium would obviously be great – or Madison Square Garden or the Staples Center. But we’re really having a blast performing at more intimate venues right now to smaller audiences and getting to know our fans. It’s a journey.
What do you think are the key factors in performing a great show?
Music most importantly, but stage presence and crowd interaction are super important too. I love being a part of a band because we’re having a blast on stage together. We love playing music together and that translates to the audience.
Randy Jackson has been a mentor to Jackson Guthy from the beginning of his career, how has his mentorship impacted you guys as North of Nine?
Randy as been such an amazing influence and he executive produced the record. He is a great friend and believes in our work – he’s believed in me from the beginning. It is humbling to have his support. With North of Nine, he was the key to bringing us all together and finding our sound.
Who have been your greatest musical influences?
We all have different influences and I think that’s why our EP has a little bit for everyone. Personally, I love bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and newer artists like Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake. Extremely talented musicians and performers.
If you could do a collaboration with any artist who would it be and why?
It would be awesome to collaborate with a hip hop artist – someone like Kendrick Lamar. Our styles together could be really cool.
Tell us what’s up next for North of Nine.
We’re currently on a radio promo run for “Can It Be You?” – which has been great. We’re actually on the bus right now. In the next month we head out on the road for the summer – performing music off our EP “Alive.”
Stay in touch with North of Nine: FACEBOOK | WEBSITE
