Yes or No is a pop rock band from Chicago whose music conveys a sense of nostalgia accompanied by memorable hooks and well-crafted songs. The band’s debut EP “This State” is inspired by the simplicity of Tom Petty mixed with the emotional urgency of Jimmy Eat World. Vocalist and guitarist Matthew Murray talks about their EP and upcoming plans.
1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?
Matthew: Yes or No started about 6 months ago as the vehicle for a collection of pop songs I wrote over the past few years. Adrian (guitar) and Justin (drums) joined the band before we recorded the EP and had a significant impact on the final versions of these songs. Here is a generic bio:
Yes or No is a pop rock band from Chicago whose music conveys a sense of nostalgia accompanied by memorable hooks and well-crafted songs. The band’s debut EP “This State” is inspired by the simplicity of Tom Petty mixed with the emotional urgency of Jimmy Eat World.
2. How did you guys come up with your band name?
Matthew: As any musician understands, deciding on a band name is a difficult task. After many weeks of deliberation with no definite answer we started following each name idea with the question: “yes or no?” We think it is a great reactionary response to the band, which could work against us in the future.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Matthew: We are based out of Chicago, IL. I’d highly recommend listening to Minor Characters, Archie Powell & The Exports, The New Diet, Future Monarchs, and California Wives.
4. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Matthew: Although many of these songs are very simplistic lyrically, I’d prefer leaving it to the listener to decipher and re-interpret.
5. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?
Matthew: Tom Petty, Nada Surf, Big Star, Ben Folds Five, Superdrag, Limbeck, Delta Spirit.
6. Is there any story or concept behind the EP title?
Matthew: "This State" can be geographical or psychological. I think the title track encompasses both of these in some sense.
7. Who produced the EP and what was it like working with them?
Matthew: Pete Grossman at Bricktop Recording produced and recorded the EP with additional help from Justin Pence. I've worked with Pete and Justin once before and decided to return since they have a great sense of structure, timing, and melody. Pete also played bass on the record.
8. Who did the cover art for the EP and how much input did you have on it?Matthew: The photo credit goes to Shelby Pollard and Adrian Serrano (guitarist) added the graphics and text layout.
9. Do you guys have any new music in the works as far as a follow-up release?
Matthew: We are currently writing new music. We hope to release new music before the end of summer.
10. Will you be shooting a video for any of the songs off the EP?
Matthew: Unfortunately, we will not be shooting an official video for any of the songs off the EP but we plan on creating some sort of visual media very soon.
11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?
Matthew: We are playing our first show at Quenchers in Chicago on October 18th and a few acoustic shows scattered throughout the fall around the ‘burbs. We’ll be announcing more shows in the next few weeks.
12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Matthew: Name your own price at yesorno.bandcamp.com / soundcloud.com/yesornomusic / www.yesornomusic.com
13. What is it you'd like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Matthew: The BASS!
14. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
Matthew: A lot more shows and new music soon.
15. Any final words of wisdom?
Matthew: What would Tom Petty do? “Don’t bore us—get to the chorus.”
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