By Nicholas Jason Lopez
No “cheers” here.
“I’LL DRINK TO THAT!” is the latest single from Fredonia, N.Y.-based alternative rock trio The Weather Might Say Otherwise, as they celebrate their growth and showcase their newfound maturity.
Regarded by lead singer/guitarist Damian Brown as one of their most energetic songs they’ve wrote to date since their 2018 formation at SUNY Fredonia, as it explores the darkness of alcoholism and drug use.
In addition to Brown, the band also includes drummer Zach Richardson and bassist Tanor Morrison, whom all share influences that range from Biffy Clyro and Blink-182 to Dinosaur Jr. and Delta Sleep.
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with Brown about what they’ve been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – How did you guys decide the band name?
Damian Brown – One day, we were thinking about our plans in the great outdoors and I said disappointedly, “I thought we’d be able to do it” and Tanor retorted with, “Yeah, but the weather might say otherwise.” We thought it was dope.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Damian Brown – We think we’re really different from a lot of the bands that are around today. We’re just heavy enough not to be on the radio, but our songs pack a lot of emotion as well.
Music Bugle – What inspired your new single “I’LL DRINK TO THAT!”?
Damian Brown – It was actually a riff that Zach wrote and over the Summer, I jacked it. I wrote the rest of the parts in the song around it and we composed together. “I’LL DRINK TO THAT!” is one of the most energetic songs we have written so far. The instrumental is upbeat and moves really well, it contrasts the lyrics quite a bit. The song dives into some different themes about the darkness of drug use in general, but more so alcoholism. Drugs are a scary thing and they can really destroy you, I just try to talk about it a little bit.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Fredonia, New York to someone who has never been there before?
Damian Brown – It’s like you’re in “That 70’s Show,” but 40 years later. It’s a quiet little college town that we try and bring a little noise to.
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
Damian Brown – One of our songs that’s actually a b-side called “Jeebies In The Woodlot.” It took us about a year and a half to get it to its final form. Hopefully, we can release it one day, but of our released music, probably “The Ghost Of Jimmy Igoe.”
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Damian Brown – Most of us love twinkly midwest emo bands and a lot of math rock. However, bands like Biffy Clyro, Blink-182 and Taking Back Sunday are all staples to our collection. We actually have an artist picks playlist up on our Spotify!
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Damian Brown – It’s been a huge bummer, honestly. We haven’t been able to play any shows with a crowd or anything in over a year. It’s really disheartening and it kinda sucks your motivation away. We’ve written a lot of our best music though and grown so much, we try to appreciate the little accomplishments more now.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need an escape?
Damian Brown – I go to my room normally. I like to sit with my thoughts and write all my guitar parts and lyrics when I’m by my lonesome. Zach likes to take drives. He just enjoys driving around and cranking music. Tanor goes to his room or his car, or anywhere outdoors. We all live together, so escaping each other sometimes is a necessary action.
Music Bugle – What are your three favorite all-time albums?
Damian Brown – Mine are probably Taking Back Sunday’s ‘Tell All Your Friends,’ Reuben’s ‘Racecar Is Racecar Backwards’ and Mac Miller’s ‘Swimming.’ Zach’s are Kings Of Leon’s ‘Because Of The Times,’ Boxcar Racer’s self-titled and Biffy Clyro’s ‘Vertigo Of Bliss.’ Tanor’s are Delta Sleep’s ‘Twin Galaxies,’ Mac Miller’s ‘Swimming’ and Hayley Williams’ ‘Petals For Armor.’
Music Bugle – What has been your biggest challenge lately?
Damian Brown – Definitely maintaining the motivation to get the things done that we want to. We’ve been busy and stressed, so it’s difficult to push through sometimes. We try our best to look on the bright side and at the bigger picture nonetheless. We also spend Summers apart most times due to us living all over the U.S, so having Summers off can be refreshing, but also a setback. Juggling these things can be challenging, but that only makes us stronger.
