I have come to find that each city in the world holds secret treasures. For the Orlando/UCF area, I feel that the hidden gem is music. Numerous local bands exist, some better than others; but hey at least they’re pursuing their dreams!
When moving to UCF for school I immediately submerged myself in the local music at venues that were considered to be just another “hole-in-the-wall.” Earlier in the summer I came across a band that were ‘407’ locals, and nonetheless UCF alumni. The pop rock band is called Shout London and is composed of lead vocalist Tyler Whiting, bassist Chris Metz, guitarist Harley Marcel, and drummer Cameron Parker. Tyler and Chris graduated from UCF in 2012.
The four-man band has a similar sound to the genre that holds All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Go Radio, and A Rocket To The Moon. The band was put together in the early months of 2013, and has a rapid growing fan base. This honestly doesn’t surprise me at all; they are one word: brilliant. Their first EP self-titled, Shout London, was released earlier this year and they plan to release their first album in mid-November of this year.
KnightNews.com was given the opportunity to speak with Tyler for a little Q&A earlier this week.
Q: How did Shout London get started? Can you tell us about the bands background?
A: Well, Shout London was first started as my own solo acoustic project to just pick up gigs around town. Soon, my buddy who played the drums was super interested in playing. He bought a drum set immediately. I couldn’t tell him no after that and we started a band.
Q: When did you know you wanted to use music as your career?
A: About five years ago I started getting involved with bands in general. However, music wasn’t my sole career choice. I actually have three college degrees and a minor! After I received my BA I just thought it was a good time to push harder with my music because I had more free time on my hands (no more homework, woohoo!). Right now though, my two career choices are music as well as web design; which what two of my degrees are in, Go UCF!
Q: Wow, that’s impressive! Did you study music in school as well?
A: No, not at all actually, I never learned how to read it, and I can barely ready tabs too. It’s kind of pathetic being a musician.
Q: It’s not pathetic at all, it’s quite amazing honestly! Okay, so you said you and Chris are alumni, how did UCF help impact yours and the bands success?
A: I’d have to say UCF taught us to succeed you have to work hard. At the end of the day you can’t blame anyone except yourself for being unsuccessful. (yoU Can Finish!) Chris and I both have Bachelors degrees from UCF. We put that same hard work and drive from school into Shout London. We also have gotten nothing but great support from people at UCF! We also played a show for the unsigned club once when we were just starting out.
Q: What would you say your favorite memory from your UCF career would be? It doesn’t have to be music related.
A: My favorite memories were definitely music related. My first music project in Orlando was with my friend Brandon. We both played our acoustic guitars on campus while long-boarding. We would just cruise around and people would ask to take our pictures. We stopped in some of our favorite spots and jammed. People would come hang out and listen to us. I’m a big fan of the UCF campus atmosphere that is created by the students.
Q: Yeah, that is one of my favorite things about UCF as well! Well, I have to ask you, what inspires you? Who are your favorite musicians?
A: I’d say a lot of the people around me inspire me; my band-mates, my friends, my producer, and my parents. The bands I’ve been inspired by lately are A Day to Remember and Mayday Parade. Jason Lancaster has always been a huge inspiration as well. Last, but not least, past relationships have always played a role when it comes to inspiration for songs!
Q: Well what do you consider the “formula” for success?
A: Time + dedication + motivation towards something worth putting that towards. You have to truly believe in what you’re doing and be extremely passionate about it as well. If you are and you’ve put in the work, you will find success in it. It may not be the “get rich and retire success”, but then again success comes in many forms!
Q: So, Shout London has a new album coming out in November, is there anything you can tell us any secrets about it?
A: I am so excited for this album. We’re going to first release it on Bandcamp.com so make sure to look for it there first! There is eleven tracks and it’s full of awesome surprises. It’s a very versatile piece of art including acoustic tracks and even more pop punkish tracks. The songs are much like the first EP, but I’d say the sound is a little more grown up. We also made a new version of Don’t You Dare from the first EP!
Shout London’s next show will be November 18th at Backbooth in Orlando. It is $10 for pre-sale tickets, or $12 at the door. To get in contact for pre-sale prices message the group on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shoutlondonmusic . You can stay up to date with news regarding the bands fast-moving progress by liking the page, or following them on twitter at @ShoutLondonBand . Their music is available on Spotify, iTunes, BandCamp and YouTube.
