Diandra Reviews It All - Re-defining Mainstream and Indie Sound

Being called “indie” is the most positive, misunderstood word; usually attributed to an artists that is highly original and raw, all at once. Indie rock, indie pop, indie jazz etc. There is an indie version of every genre for those that may have the originator’s platform, but are reaching for different heights. Case in point, Autumn Walker are a quartet that been called alternative rock, indie punk, and even indie country, but their sole goal is to bring forth a unity between insightful music and a really fun concert.

Diandra: Being a quartet from Texas, how do you feel your style represents the state?

Lodin: Texas is known for its Americana and country influence in music. While we are often far from either of these genres, snippets of those influences can be found in our music. Texas to me feels free and individualistic. Its home to a wide range of people and is a very proud state. We are very proud of our state and the many cultures within it.

Diandra: Your songs “Step Back” is about smelling the roses in your life. What are the roses of your life that you carry with you, especially when creating music?

Lodin: My grandpa is definitely one of the roses. He showed me my first chords on guitar and helped spark my love of music, and trying to be positive in a sometimes negative world. Being in nature and solitude, alone with your thoughts, gratitude and trying to do the right thing no matter what.

Diandra: Having 4 personalities making music, what does each person give to both the personal and creative dynamic of the group?

Lodin: I’m somewhat quiet but am always thinking and observing. I try to make music and lyrics have meaning and depth.

Cameron: Honestly, I just like to play whatever comes to mind or whatever works for that song. Sweet and simple.

Mitchell: My whole nitch is high energy for the live show. I try to make sure everyone in the crowd is as hyped up as I am.

Dan: I’m an audio engineer so I try to view everything not just as a drummer but as an engineer looking at the big picture from a sonic point of view.

Diandra: The Ramones, The Clash, and Minor Threat are all cited as influences to your sound? Describe how each has affected your approach to music, and how you feel all interconnect in artistic message?

Lodin: These are all punk rock bands I was into as a kid. I’ve always had an affinity for punk rock because of the working class, blue collar nature and no-nonsense approach. Music for the people. Not glamorous.

Cameron: I like the song structure that all these bands have. They’re all iconic for obvious reasons.

Dan: I always loved the chaotic sense of unity that came with punk rock bands. I know that’s kind of a contradiction but it somehow worked. All that these bands had were four chords and the truth.

Diandra: You all have been playing since you were kids. How have you noticed your love for music grow and mature? How has it stayed the same?

Lodin: Coming out of a punk rock and hard music background my tastes have grown to include classic country, Americana, indie rock and some electronic. I love a good song regardless of genre. Growing up my taste has definitely matured to be more accepting and open to different styles and genres. If it gives me a certain feeling I am hooked.

Cameron: by just finding new influences in all types of music really. Also meeting some cool musicians along the way to learn from. I guess my music style has stayed the same by just keeping songs honest and not overdoing them …

Mitchell: I can listen to all the songs I grew up with over and over again, sometimes it’s hard for me to find something new I am into. I actually stay away from new music, not intentionally, but it always seems to happen.

Dan: I grew up a metal head and then it evolved into listening to a lot of punk rock and then I was listening to funk and hip-hop. So, it’s safe to say my musical taste has always changed but every style I ever got into had an influence on my playing.

Diandra: You started your rock band because you wanted to “give a show”. How would you define a top “rock show”/ experience? Is there a concert you have gone to that felt like a good example?

Lodin: Going to underground hardcore shows in and out of high school. The energy is incomparable.

Cameron: Some of the best shows I’ve have seen have been in small venues, but, probably, the best “concert” experience is when I went to riot fest in Chicago. Got to see Brand New and Morrissey in front of thousands. It was amazing

Mitchell: When I was 15 I crashed a college party that was having bands play in a basement. Right then I knew it was special because in San Marcos there are no basements with the hard lime stone beneath us. I walked down and saw this band controlling the room and creating their own atmosphere and vibe. Everyone was dancing and jumping around, I felt like I was out of my body watching the whole room. I wanted to obtain this power immediately, so I started a band.

Dan: When I was 12 my mom took me to a festival (bless her heart) and it changed me forever. Seeing how excited people got by the music made me want to be up on that stage making people react in the same way.

Diandra: Growing as artists trying to go further in mainstream/ mass attention, how would you define a catchy tune? How would you define “alternative” in terms of music?

Lodin: To me a catchy tune usually has a meaning that can be personalized. Alternative to me means anything that isn’t blatantly mainstream or lame. It’s usually a blanket term for a melting pot of genres. Sometimes music is hard to classify. A good example is Alt-Country. I always understood that to mean ‘good’ country as opposed to mainstream or Nashville country. Like Old 97s or Early Wilco.

Mitchell: I would have to say catchy tunes are the ones that stick with you after the set is over and you recap the night in your head. Just one part that you hum leaving the show while you drive home. Alternative is much harder for me to describe due to the fact that standards change at the drop of a hat nowadays.

Diandra: How would you define your sound and message as artists, currently, and what are your goals in terms of future sounds and music dreams?

Lodin: Our sound is always maturing and changing. We don’t really have a plan except to continue to push ourselves musically and creatively. If there is success involved in making something real and honest that we all feel good about, that is the ultimate goal.

Mitchell: My long-term goal is to meet the people I idolize as musicians and hang out for a tour. My whole life I have dreamt of the time when I would be able to say, “Goodnight, Cleveland!” or “What’s, up Detroit!” and actually play with bands on the big stage. As of the message and sound of the band, I just hope it’s something people can relax to and escape the crazy world we live in for a moment.

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