Do you have a story behind your artist name?
For two years, We Demand Parachutes existed exclusively in group chats and Google Drive folders while everyone lived in different states and countries. When Kevin returned home from deployment, with the army, the group convened for the first time in North Carolina, where they spent two weeks focusing on creating a sound that could capture their stories and experiences. The name “We Demand Parachutes” originated as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the creative limitations faced during those early years, which they navigated purely through determination.
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you? What inspires you to write music?
When we first started together, it was very much about making something that we found exciting. As we have continued to grow, started to tour, play festivals and collaborate with others, it has evolved. We are chasing that feeling when you see a new person in the audience and their eyes light up with discovery. We always will make music for ourselves, but right now we’re trying to build something and we’re fueled by the reactions we are hearing from others.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
It’s essentially heavy pop. If you like the 2004 era of Blink, pop-punk and emo, if you like alternative rock or post hardcore, WDP is right for you. We think our music is also infused with the newer synthwave, indie rock and electronic stuff that has our ear. We try to stay creative, we draw from what influences us, but we bring something fresh as well.
What drew you to the genre/instruments you are playing right now?
We all actually dabble in different instruments. Ben plays some piano. Seth grew up playing guitar and was a total shred god in High School. Kevin played the drums at one point. We’ve just all gravitated to what we love the most!
Would you tell us about your current project, album you are promoting?
“Cheerful Coping” is the story of the underdog. There is something powerful in having a mindset of resilience. Like the rest of the world, the three of us have all had some wild life happen these past couple of years. As a band, we’ve adopted the mantra, ‘Cheerful Coping.’ The world’s getting weirder. We think it’s important to keep that positive mindset and keep driving through the obstacles. Life is going to knock you down; you’ve gotta keep standing back up.
What are your top three artists or favorite song(s) right now?
We’ve been really into the new Bilmuri. They’ve got a great way of bending genres and telling stories that we admire. We also really like Knox and the new Goldsteps stuff. There’s a lot of great music coming out right now!
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you right now?
Come say hi on any of our socials; Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, & Twitter. And please follow us on Spotify or your preferred streaming service for the latest releases!
Homepage: https://www.wedemandparachutes.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wedemandparachutes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeDemandParachutes
Bandcamp: https://wedemandparachutes.bandcamp.com/track/cheerful-coping
What’s next for you?
This year we are trying to get in front of as many new listeners as possible, this means more shows, more music and more content!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for jumping with us!
Bio:
We Demand Parachutes is an indie rock band hailing from New England. The group was incepted by three members; Seth Richardson and Ben Shumaker both working in live sound and corporate audio, and Kevin McCord, deployed at the time as a Green Beret in the United States Military. W.D.P. aims to balance a nostalgic rock sound with big pop hooks, inspired to transpose experiences via songwriting.
