Amherst Drive, which formed in Los Angeles in 2017, is the brainchild of experimental multi-instrumentalist Derek Kortepeter. Kortepeter uses his lifelong influence of growing up with Southern California’s punk music scene to create a sound that is unique and also true to his roots.
Amherst Drive recently dropped their debut EP named For Freedom and Democracy, that can be found on Bandcamp below!
We managed to catch up with Derek as he talked about the band’s latest EP and more!
How has the release of For Freedom and Democracy gone down with fans?
It’s been an incredibly positive reception. I can’t remember a time that my music was received so warmly by people. It caught me off-guard a bit but I am beyond ecstatic about the results.
Can you tell us something about the EP no one else knows?
You’ll laugh at this, but the bass I recorded on was missing the high G string for the entire record. I had planned to restring, but I never need super high notes so I just didn’t bother. I might just play a three stringed bass from now on LOL.
What is your favourite track from the EP?
Oh God this is like picking your favorite band, it’s an impossible task. If I had to just pick one on a gut reaction I’d say it is track two, which is the song “Mental Case.” The groove on the track is just so damn cool and I love how my voice sounds. There’s this swagger in it that I didn’t know I was able to produce when I sang.
Will there be a tour or any festivals planed in 2018?
Not at the moment but if it changes I will tell everyone on my social media ☺
What was it like growing up in the Southern California punk scene?
Cathartic. When you don’t feel like you belong anywhere the punk scene takes you in and makes you feel like you matter. Social rejects are more than welcome, and that continues to this day. Punk saved me from myself.
What was the first gig you ever attended?
My own. LOL. I was in the 4th grade and covered an MxPx song in a talent show with my cousin on guitar. My voice cracked all over the place and I swore I’d never sing again. Guess I was wrong about that.
If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
Again with the hard questions! LOL honestly if I really had to think about it I’d say CBGBs if it was still open. It has faded away sadly and all the memories along with it are fading too. I’d give anything to have that place re-opened and play where my idols played. Social Distortion, Agnostic Front, Bad Brains… man the list is endless.
What do you think bands have to do to keep smaller music venues around the world open?
Embrace different genres playing on the same stage in the same night. We can’t be narrow-minded and have punk be one night and metal be the next. The genres and scenes have to blend. We love music, just in a different way sometimes. Also we have to make sure that we get locals involved, get them to realize the gem of a venue they have in their neighborhood and get them out to see shows. Make them feel welcome and not be gatekeeping dickheads.