Bay Area local band First in Flight will be playing a show at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco next week on Thursday, April 5. They’ll be headlining the show along with Fritz Montana and the Y Axes. The show will also double as their upcoming EP release show.
We wanted to learn more about these guys so we reached out to them to talk about how they came up with the band name, how they describe their sound, and what’s the funniest thing that’s happened to them at a show.
How’d you come up with the band name?
Our focus was on what brought us together. Pat and Max moved across the country to pursue a dream of music. David and Richard left old bands with the idea of starting something new. We all held our breath and took a big risk, but we knew staying stagnant in this world would only leave us behind. The flights, travel, and the risk paid off when we got together for the first time and discovered our potential, and we agreed that when the next big opportunity or risk presented itself, we would be the first ones on board.
How would you describe your sound?
Imagine eating cotton candy in the middle of a mosh pit. A sweet chaos that urges you forward. A high energy dance rock.
When did you first become interested in playing music?
Pat: I had a video project in 8th grade and needed an idea, my close friend was a drummer, and we said we could try covering a song. I got a real rush from it, and now here we are.
David: I got jealous of the attention the bands at my high school talent show got. So I decided to pick up the bass.
Richard: In 7th grade, I met more people who played instruments and I got the game Guitar Hero 3. I eventually moved on to a real guitar and kept going.
Max: My parents met in a band, so I grew up around music; I’ve always loved it.
What’s the funniest that’s ever happened to you at a show?
At one of our first shows ever in front of a big crowd, Richard was getting ready to hit one of his infamous guitar bends during the climax of our song “Syringe”. He somehow trips over himself straight into the drumset subsequently knocking mics, cymbals, and cameras all over on the floor. He miraculously didn’t miss a beat and kept playing.
Where do you like to hang out most in the city?
You can usually find us cruising through the city’s many thrift shops.
What’s your favorite place to eat in the Bay Area?
Pat: Golden Gate Tap Room, San Francisco.
David: Anywhere my godfather is catering his delicious tacos.
Richard: California Sourdough, San Jose
Max: Burrito Express, Milpitas.
What do you say to people who think that the music scene in the Bay Area is dead?
It hasn’t died, but it has gotten smaller, due to different forms of entertainment becoming more prevalent. What we will say is while it has gotten smaller, it has also gotten stronger. The musicians in the scene all know each other, support each other, attend each other’s shows, attend music meetings, and create a real sense of community. It’s sort of us against them mentality when it comes to big business, negative influences, etc. There are a lot of hardworking musicians in this scene that are pushing to be better every day.
If you could put your own version of a supergroup, who would be in it and why?
Pat: Brandon Urie (Panic! At the Disco)
David: John Taylor
Richard: Kirk Hammett
Max: John Bonham
These are all people that individually inspire us so naturally, it would be interesting to see what they would do together.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to find out about you?
We are avid Milk Tea consumers. We probably have it 2-3 times a week. Usually, after practice, it actually helps Pat’s voice a lot, or if we’re having a meeting it will usually be at a milk tea shop.
Is there anything you’d like to plug?
Our second 3-song EP is coming out April 5th. It features three of our favorite new tracks and we are really excited as a group to share it with the world. Additionally, we will headline a huge EP blowout release show on April 5th at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, with Fritz Montana and the Y Axes as support. Look out for both.
First in Flight plays the Bottom of the Hill w/ Fritz Montana and The Y Axes // Thursday, April 5, 2018 // 8:00 PM doors — music at 8:30 PM // All Ages // $10 in advance – $13 at the door
