By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Orlando, Fla.-based pop punk outfit Outatime! have unveiled the music video for their new single “Husky Fight,” their first release after their debut EP and first to come off their upcoming full-length record.
The video explores the dangers of domestic violence and sexual abuse that has escalated worldwide due to the lockdown restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, as the band expressed there aren’t many platforms for victims to speak up.
October is also known as Domestic Violence Awareness month and Outatime! wanted to pay tribute to two people lost to domestic violence – one of their close friends’ sister and a teammate from the singer’s hockey team.
Outatime! is Mike Forbes, Justin Robertson, Nikk Serrano, James Marlowe and Ryan Pyle.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with the band about “Husky Fight” and more.
Music Bugle – How was the band name decided?
Justin Robertson – I think we had gone through a bunch of different band ideas when we first got together. Mike and I had been going to Universal Studios a bunch at the time and reminiscing about the old “Back To The Future” ride that was converted over to “The Simpsons” a few years back. He sent the idea over in the band group chat and it just took off from there.
Mike Forbes – We thought it would be fun to harness that nostalgia.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Orlando, Florida to someone who has never been there before?
James Marlowe – Hell, but with Mickey ears.
Mike Forbes – Orlando has truly lived up to its name, “The City Beautiful.”
Nikk Serrano – I have lived here my whole life. To sum it up – hot, muggy, Galaxy’s Edge, beautiful springs and “Florida Man.”
Justin Robertson – If you’ve never been to Orlando, it’s a majestic paradise that is always 100 degrees outside. It has no mountain ranges, but we have Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Mount Everest and Splash Mountain within 20 miles of each other. We have a castle made for a billion princesses, a mystical land for wizards and superheroes and some cat in a hat. Other than that, it has easily one of the best music scenes south of Atlanta and I wouldn’t give that up for anything!
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your upcoming full-length record?
Nikk Serrano – This process was probably the most fun I’ve ever had writing and recording. We, over time, have been able to demo each song before we went to the studio. We have had a process going with writing and working on demos from one another. It’s just overall amazing. We all took some time to work on the songs and then sent over to Dylan at Close Quarter Recording Studio, who helped us really bring the CD out in a way I could not even imagine.
James Marlowe – It’s been a very collaborative effort, since some of us live states away, so a lot of back-and-forth writing and sending demos. We have really perfected our craft with this record and took our time with each song. What I love most is how Nikk and Mike work so well together lyrically and vocally.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Nikk Serrano – It’s been crazy. I am sure I contracted it back in November of 2019. It took me out for two months. Lost 25 pounds and did not want to eat. Breathing was so hard. It’s no joke. Take care of yourselves and wash your hands and put a mask on. When the pandemic hit, we had already left on tour, following all the guidelines we could. It was so crazy.
James Marlowe – We had to cancel our tour after only two shows. Although that was a major bummer, we’ve taken this time though to really self-reflect and perfect our craft.
Justin Robertson – It’s helped us realign our sights and pushed us to recording a new record, which we have had a blast putting together!
Music Bugle – What do you miss the most about performing in front of a live audience?
Mike Forbes – Watching other bands share their music and of course, playing music with four of my best friends.
Nikk Serrano – The feeling it gives me and the stress relief it offers. Music is my therapy for my anxiety and depression.
James Marlowe – I miss seeing fans screaming the words to one of our songs back at us. That is the most humbling experience I’ve ever witnessed.
Justin Robertson – I also miss watching people sing along and getting excited when their favorite song is about to be played.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about pop punk music?
Mike Forbes – The upbeat, energetic songs and catchy choruses.
Nikk Serrano – It’s been a huge part of most of our lives growing up. It’s some of the amazing music and bands who help push the music industry.
James Marlowe – The community that encompasses collective and inclusiveness.
Justin Robertson – The raw energy that comes with it. It’s a different kind of feeling that you don’t normally get in any other genre, except maybe the O.G. hardcore scene.
Music Bugle – Which of your songs was the hardest to write?
Nikk Serrano – (Laughs) This is a hard one! I don’t think I’ve come across anything yet. Music, when I write, flows through me. I try to write and put my feelings into the music I write. Each song is a story in itself!
James Marlowe – I don’t think there has been a song that was harder to write than the rest. What I do love about the writing process is how we could have a lead or lyric written out for one song and we will mess with it for another idea.
Justin Robertson – Being states away – Ryan living in Maryland and James in Virginia – we have found a way to get into a groove and really make it work!
Music Bugle – Does social media make it easier or harder for a band to stand out these days?
Mike Forbes – It can go both ways. On one hand, it can be oversaturated. However, it gives musicians everywhere an opportunity to share their art at some capacity, which is awesome.
Nikk Serrano – I think now, more than ever, it’s a new day and age. Social media has been a savior for this crazy time!
James Marlowe – Easier. I think social media allows for bands to connect to their fans in a more organic way.
Justin Robertson – A little bit of both really. It’s easy to go out there and find new bands to listen to, but on the other end, if those bands can’t pinpoint a specific algorithm, it can be an uphill battle to try and get new listeners.
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you guys?
Nikk Serrano – I’m also a nerd who loves “Star Wars” and “Dragon Ball Z.” Ask me any “Star Wars” or “Dragon Ball Z” question!
Justin Robertson – Like Nikk, I’m also a big “Star Wars” fan. This quarantine has helped me catch up on “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels” series. I’m also slightly obsessed with my dog, Miso, who is a Shiba Inu.
Ryan Pyle – I love to garden! I planted a 20×30 ft. garden this summer with a bunch of different vegetables and melons.
James Marlowe – Like Justin and Nikk, I am also a massive “Star Wars” fan. I’ve been rewatching “Clone Wars” and starting “Star Wars: Fallen Order.”
Mike Forbes – I’ve played ice hockey almost my entire life. I’m a nerd like the rest of the dudes, but mainly “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” for me. Also, my dog is my best friend.
Music Bugle – What has been the most productive thing you’ve done while in quarantine?
Mike Forbes – I started getting into skating again! There is a dope skate park by me that I’ve been taking my board to and just getting back into it!
Nikk Serrano – Writing and recording the full-length while also becoming an azure cloud engineer.
Ryan Pyle – Gardening, playing video games, recording and playing with some puppies!
James Marlowe – Aside from writing for the full-length, I have been taking up other hobbies, like mixology. I’m a big fan of cocktails and the complexities behind certain recipes.
Justin Robertson – Writing and recording! We were also fortunate enough to become ambassadors for Liquid Death Mountain Water!
