The Last Second Save answered our questions about his music and how he makes it. Let’s see what they have to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
The Last Second Save is the optimist view that there is always a last chance to fix things. Save your life at the last second. Everyone loves a good underdog story, I hope my lyrics/music tell that story.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
It all started with a piano, specifically the same baby grand piano that I post on my social media. That piano was my grandparent’s piano which was passed to my parents which has since been passed to me. When I was a kid, around 12 years old, that piano was in our family room and I used to spend hours hitting those keys and coming up with songs. Fast forward to today and I still use that piano to write songs.
How would you describe your sound?
I really wanted to find a way to incorporate piano and pop punk where piano was the front/center instrument. Piano fronted pop punk is the best way to describe my sound. I tend to lean toward the ballad song style rather than heavy.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Something Corporate, Relient K and Mayday Parade are big incluences because a lot of their songs utilize piano as the main instrument.
What’s the last song you listened to?
No I Can’t by Last Youth
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I really enjoy finding new music on Spotify. Looking for specific genres and finding something new. Instagram is another great way to find artists specifically in whatever genre you’re looking for.
Who is your dream producer?
John Feldmann (Blink 182)
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Probably Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade. We both play piano and sing so I think a collab session would create something magical.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
Growing up in NJ, the pop punk scene was pretty big. It all started when I began hitting some keys on my home baby grand piano. I figured out pretty early that I could write some chord progressions and write lyrics as well. Being a kid in middle school with a mom fighting cancer led me to start my journey on writing sad songs or creating characters in the songs of other people’s lives. It was addicting.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Usually I write the chorus first or sing the melody of it. Maybe I’ll hum something semi-catchy and I’ll run downstairs to the piano and figure out the notes. Next comes verses/lyrics and all the other instruments besides piano. The songs are written with only the piano first and words over top.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
At shows or on Instagram. I’ve met countless people from them contacting me after hearing a song of mine.
https://www.instagram.com/thelastsecondsave/
https://www.facebook.com/TheLastSecondSave
What’s next for you?
Meet new fans. Continuing playing live shows. Continue writing new songs. Most important of all, keep it fun.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I recently signed a 2 song record deal with Negative Progression Records. Seth Hyman is the Label Exec and believed in my songs enough to bring me on their label. Through them it’s opened a lot of opportunities like recording with Will Beasley I Richmond, VA as well as having both songs Mixed/Mastered by Paul Leavitt. Paul is best know for working with Yellowcard, Senses Fail, All Time Low, The Used and The Dangerous Summer. It’s been an amazing experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity through NPR.
Bio:
The Last Second Save is a Baltimore, Maryland based band. The music is focused on the nostalgic feel of the early 2000’s pop/punk scene. Listeners will feel a sense of loss, love, heartbreak and growing up as they listen to the song collection. Jesse, the singer/songwriter wanted people to truly be taken back to the growing up phase in their life and remember the simple days as well as the tough times. Originally this project was a solo project with only an online presence but now it is a full band endeavor that has been playing live showing in the DC/Baltimore area.
