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LA-based Act As If have already accomplished quite a bit – having been placed in several major TV shows and gaining a big buzz in the area. They are about to set their sights even higher with their new album Steady. GroundSounds caught up with vocalist Peter Verdell to chat about the band’s beginnings, the new album, and life in LA. Check out the interview below, along with their song “L.A. Kid” and stay updated with the band HERE.
Tell us about how you met and formed the band
The band formed shortly after I recorded the first Act As If album, There’s a Light, on my own back in 2010. I had known our drummer (Diego) and bass player (Derrick) for a couple of years, from taking music classes together at Citrus College. They were both into my songs so it made sense for us to start collaborating. After playing some shows as a 3-piece, I was introduced to our keyboardist Sara, and then eventually to our guitarist Tristen. They are all wildly talented…I’m very thankful to have them on board.
You’ve got a new album coming out soon called Steady. How long have you been working on the album and what was your goal for the sound/direction of the album?
I first started working on most of these songs as far back as 2 years ago, with some being as new as 6 months ago. We began recording the album in fall of 2013, and finished up in summer 2014. It’s definitely the longest process we’ve ever taken! But I think the album we’ve ended up with is worth it. For sound and direction, I went into the studio having The Cure and The Killers and Vampire Weekend as some sonic goals, but what we did ended up being quite different, but I think quite cool.
“L.A. Kid” is a great track with dual vocal harmonies that work really well and a nostalgic quality to it. What is the story behind this track?
I wrote “L.A. Kid” about a girl who lived a few blocks away from me, in downtown LA. We met through some mutual friends and she just instantly struck me as being beautiful and sharp and fun. We did some friendly things around town, and then the friendly things turned into more-than-friendly things, which was actually quite great. So I wrote this song, and even though the romance didn’t last as long as it could have, I’ve always thought of her as a great person.
Another one of my favorites is “Keep Me By Your Side.” What inspired this song?
This song was inspired by my dad, who died of cancer when I was 5. The older I get, the more it affects me–it’s kind of strange. This song touches on a couple other struggles…the struggle to find romance and the struggle to have success. But it’s kind of all a longing for me to be reunited with my dad at some point. I don’t know how that works. But it’s a beautiful idea, and I cling to it.
At what point in the writing process did you create “It’s That Simple”? When did you decide that would be the album closer?
I wrote It’s That Simple in one sitting, alone in my apartment, after watching Moonrise Kingdom for the first time (good art always inspires good art, I think). I was so excited about it that I sent a terrible rough demo to my sister and to my friend Nikki that same night, and thankfully they both loved it. I wasn’t sure how it was going to fit on the album, and honestly wasn’t even sure if it should go on at all. But it made it’s way on…and I think it’s a special way to end things.
You’ve already had a number of song placements on TV. What is the experience like hearing your music in a scene on a show? Do you always know when it’s happening or do they sometimes come as a surprise? Which one has been your favorite so far?
Usually we know when a placement is going to happen, but every once-in-a-while I’ll find out from a random tweet or text from a friend, haha. Those experiences have been all over the place…they’re always exciting, but sometimes I’ll have my ear to the speakers with the volume turned all the way up and be like “Okay, I think I hear it now!?” I’m still waiting for our epic montage scenes. I think it’s gonna happen with the new album.
How difficult (or easy) has it been to emerge as an up-and-coming band in LA? The market is filled with opportunities but also saturated with thousands of musicians. How do you navigate through the clutter?
It’s the hardest thing. Totally, the hardest. And we’ve had moments where it’s seemed like we were breaking through, and plenty more moments where it’s seemed overwhelming and I’ve felt really lost. I’ve just come to a point where I know my songwriting is great and I know my band is great and I’m not ready to give up!
What is your go-to spot in or around LA when you need to get away?
My sister lives 5 blocks away from me, and her building has a rooftop with chairs and tables and plants and an amazing view of Los Angeles. I love it. It’s almost always empty as well, so it’s like…just me and the skyscrapers.
What are your plans for the rest of 2014?
We’re going to put out this album and continue pushing into the new year to get it heard by as many people as we possibly can. Not 100% what that’s going to look like yet, but I’m excited. THANK you for being part of this with us!
Act As If – “L.A. Kid”
