Emo music has always appealed to youth, but not enough older people remember that kids are still making it. The North Texas band my point of you is an exciting new entry into the contemporary emo game; their music resonates beyond the bubbling DIY scene in their home region. Musically, they’ve got all the hallmarks: shimmering riffs, elongated melodies, and plucky dual vocals. Songs shift from twee innocence to jilted angst in an instant, imploring listeners to feel everything at once. The band has an East Coast tour coming up, but if you can’t see them in all their live glory, you can read this interview, and listen to their debut EP, This is my first heist, below.
You’re bringing back the second-wave emo sound. Do you think there’s
potential for a sixth wave, assuming you believe in the much-debated fifth
wave? What might it sound like?
my point of you: Not sure? Seems to be a lot of bands right now pushing the envelope. It's an exciting time for heavy music and were so stoked to be a part of it.
When did you first fall in love with the genre—was it in someone’s basement, or down a Reddit rabbit hole? The internet really shifted potential for discovery.
I think this is a bit different for all of us! Going to DIY shows has had an indefinite effect on our taste and love for the scene. Jonah and Gannon have both spent quite a lot of time in sweaty living rooms prior to us forming the band. But yes, definitely agree the internet has had a huge influence on the resurgence of emo these days, and has helped us find tons of cool shit.
Your press photos have this All-American jock/nerd thing going on. Why were you drawn to that aesthetic? Does it influence your music?
We thought the idea was just silly and wanted to lean into some sort of drama! One of our favorite bands, Paper Mice, has a detective themed photoshoot and I think we all wanted to do something sort of leftfield aesthetically. Our friend Lee helped us conceptualize the shoot and was a huge help with getting the costumes made. We shot the photos at our favorite local bowling alley!
Have you ever taken the Jock-Nerd/Prep-Goth test?
We haven't? Good idea though!
It’s easy to hear your cited influences—Mineral, Everyone Asked About You, and Carissa’s Wierd. Are there any artists you don’t collectively agree on?
Yep we love all of those legends. Overall, I think we have a mixed bag of
influences! We definitely love the band PEE and Heavy Vegetable a lot. Some of us are pretty into funny bands like Cold Play and Wheetus. I'd assume we would have some disagreements in that regard.
Your EP is called This is my first heist. What’s the greatest heist of all time?
If we could figure out how to steal the Statue of Liberty, that would have to be it right?? We’ll make our attempt on August 4th after the show.
You recorded most of the vocals in a closet. Did the process have any other notable quirks?
Lots of light beer involved, maybe some fast food too. Our friend Santi helped us record the songs in his bedroom that was pretty small, so all 5 of us sitting criss-cross in front of Santi’s desk made for such a casual experience. Probably spent half the time cracking jokes and the other half bothering each other!
How do you feel about the scene’s obsessive archival nature? Do you feel
like there are a lot of cameras or phones on you, and does that affect how
you’re performing?
I don’t think it is something we think about too harshly. Were all very grateful that anyone cares enough to put us on the internet. We’ll probably watch those videos when we’re old and boring!
Your first show was just eight months ago. Where do you hope to be in
another eight months?
Making millions … Nah, just kidding. Hopefully we’re still cranking out tunes and wasting our time together. It’s been such a sick ride! Thanks for your interest in us and our sound. Means a ton!! Shout out Syd Campbell, Lee McClain, Rite Field Records, Santi Lara and Miller Lite.
