Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Moontower

Moontower, the indie electro trio, has captured the attention of the industry with their left-of-center pop melodies and French house-inspired production. Composed of band members Jacob Culver, Tom Carpenter, and Devan Welsh, the group is having a breakout year with four singles under their belt. We caught up with them to learn more about their latest, “Got My Way.”

PC: How did you each discover your passion for music?
Jacob: My dad. We listened to the Beatles together every Sunday morning. This was a huge reason I became obsessed with writing music.

Tom: I think it’s actually listening to music with our dads for all of us. Mine was rocking out to Rush and the Who while my dad quizzed me on which album each song came from.

Devan: My parents were always blasting music around the house, especially my dad Marty. I always associated those loud moments around my family members with such joy. Sound filling up a room with people you love is such a primal experience. I didn’t fully realize the enjoyment that came from playing an instrument until learning the guitar in middle school.

I was inspired and astounded by the Edge [of U2]. He was able to make a guitar sound not like a guitar. His contributions to the sound of the band felt very purposeful.

By imitating his use of guitar effects, I eventually got super into multitrack recording by the time high school hit. In retrospect, I’m so happy I was able to find an outlet for expressing myself. It was so nice to have making music to look forward to after arduous hours of lifeless homework.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Devan: We’re incredibly thankful for every member of our team. Moontower is very much a group effort. It takes a team to influence a career in the direction it wants to go. With the band, I’m so lucky to have Tom—one of the most adept producers in terms of his knowledge and ability on the drum and bass side of things/no one’s better at making people dance than Tom—and Jacob—works endless hours/days/weeks/months workshopping every aspect of his songs before coming to Tom and I with his vision—as my best friends and partners on this project.

Outside of the band, Carina works her ass off tackling both the mundane and creative aspects of our to-do lists, which we’re thankful for as it allows us to have our heads more in the clouds. Last but not least, no one’s better at using their hands to execute an idea other than Fish, who directed a video you got to check out. Even beyond our traditional roles, each of us has been uniquely responsible for shaping the direction of Moontower.

Jacob: Every show we play is a reminder of why all the stress and uncertainty is worth it. They push us forward, challenge us, connect us with people from around the world, and give us new stories to tell.

Devan: I’m half Spanish Peruvian, but I’m terrible at speaking Spanish. My family is a little ashamed of me, and I get it.

Tom: I love learning theme park history. There is absolutely no reason for that, but I love it.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Got My Way.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
Devan: “Got My Way” came from a fruitful and very fun writing retreat in Lake Arrowhead. The song was originally just vocal chops, which made it to the final released version, a Moog bass, and Jacob’s vocals.

In that version, Jacob had the same verse lyrics that are in the final version we released, with the exception of the chorus, which he wrote later on in the process of cracking the song’s code.

On the production side of things, Tom and I were inspired by Jacob’s story and wanted to make sure we weren’t getting in the way of the powerful words that he was singing. This is why the first version made at Lake Arrowhead started out so minimal. While the version we released is a lot bigger than we expected, the three of us think it does the message the most justice.

PC: Jacob, this is a personal song for you. Did that bring any extra nerves/pressure to the writing process?
Jacob: Honestly, the more personal a song is, the more comfortable I feel. When my mother had her heart attack, she was already recovering in the hospital before I even knew it had happened.

I went through a whole range of emotions so quickly: loss, regret, relief. We’re lucky she’s still with us. We’ve had a really beautiful relationship, but when something like that happens, it makes you wish you hadn’t taken even a single second together for granted.

This song is about how I would’ve felt if she had passed. It’s a little hyperbolic—maybe sounds like we’ve been further apart emotionally than we really are. But my emotions in that moment were surreal. They were amplified because of how scared I was. I wanted to write from that place.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you all?
Tom: This year has been such a lesson in being reactionary and not writing your plans in ink. We had different expectations for the year in February, as did everyone, but we’re learning the beauty in the curveball that life is throwing. But we have more singles, more videos, and more innovative ways to bring live music to people without asking them to venture outside of their own homes! We’ll be back on the road soon. But honestly, figuring out the puzzle right now is really exciting in its own right.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jacob: Lots of Post Malone.

Tom: Dixie Chicks.

Devan: Sarah McLachlan.

PC: First album you bought?
Tom: All-American Rejects’ Move Along.

Jacob: Duran Duran’s Greatest Hits.

Devan: Kool & The Gang’s 20th Century Masters.

PC: First concert you attended?
Devan: Earth, Wind & Fire.

Jacob: Counting Crows and Maroon 5.

Tom: Rush.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jacob: To Pimp AButterfly. It taught me that if you put enough care into your music, it can speak for itself.

Tom: Justice’s Cross. I never thought about making music from such a radically different perspective.

Devan: Mylo Xyloto. Importance of taking big risks, striving for the best in your relationships, keeping the people you love, and the people that love you close.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Devan: Slane Castle, Ireland.

Jacob: Glastonbury, UK.

Tom: The Pageant in St. Louis.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Tom: Snacks so you can never get angry.

Jacob: Gas station sandals.

Devan: Hydro Flask filled with cold water and noise-canceling headphones.

To keep up with Moontower, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.