Music Spotlight: The Orphan The Poet

Alt-rock band The Orphan The Poet just wrapped up their tour with The Score following the release of their latest (+ very relatable) single Money. Bassist Jake Floyd chatted with us about the track + his favorite memories from tour. We’re stoked to hear what’s in store from these guys!

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on the release Money! Can you tell us about it?
Jake Floyd: Thank you! The song actually came about while we were in the studio. We’ve been joking in a lot of interviews that this is the most honest song we’ve written as a band—a song about not having money. But the truth is, none of the fancy things really appeal to us as people. We’d much rather sit in some hole-in-the-wall and just laugh with each other than try to talk in some loud club with expensive drinks.

AM: What’s something you want people feel when they listen to your music?
JF: I think whether you are listening at home or seeing us at a show, we just want the experience to be a happy escape for a little bit. There’s a sense of community we try to bring along with our music. Some of my best friends I’ve met through just liking the same artists, so if we can do that for anyone else, it’d just mean the world.

AM: How would you describe your sound?
JF: Yellow, pink and blue.

AM: What themes do you typically pursue through your music?
JF: I don’t think there are any specific themes we try to stick to. Sometimes it’s as simple as a barista saying he’s still a little buzzed from last night while he’s making your coffee, and that becomes a song!

AM: What other musicians are you currently listening to?
JF: Currently? Oh my, there are so many. I can tell you right now, I am listening to the new Lovelytheband album. It’s incredible. Also Bishop Briggs—everything she does is amazing. And AJR—their new animated music video came out, and we all watched it and were just crying together.

AM: Where is one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self/music?
JF: On stage 100%. Whatever else is happening in the world, it’s nice to be able to shut everything out and just make friends with the crowd while playing our songs.

Whatever else is happening in the world, it’s nice to be able to shut everything out and just make friends with the crowd while playing our songs.

AM: What was one of your most memorable moments from your recent tour?
JF: Being out with The Score was amazing. They are such an amazing band, and I can’t thank them enough for bringing us out with them every night. One of my favorite moments of this past tour was in Atlanta. Our new single Money had only been out for four days and there was a group of fans in the front row singing every word (which is insane by itself), but the second the last chorus hit, we saw this yellow confetti start covering the stage from the crowd. We were so in shock we could barely finish the song. We looked down and the fans had printed their own little yellow dollar bills with our logo on it. Such an insane experience!

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
JF: More music, more touring! Come to a show!

// listen to money:

// photos courtesy of Right Angle
// Listen to more The Orphan The Poet on Spotify + SoundCloud.