Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
J- Well, we are a 2-piece project. I live in Central Illinois, while Dan lives in Minnesota. As the summer wraps up, we are finding time to record new music while trying to balance with family time and “Real Jobs.” Since there are some travel issues, I have been learning this year how to translate Scarboard energy into an acoustic set for smaller shows. With bigger opportunities, we do everything we can to both be there.
Dan- Well, J and I live in different states right now. We are both dads, with families and jobs. Needless to say, that takes up most of our time, haha . Thankfully, it’s easier than ever now to collaborate with people from all over the world. This gives us the opportunity to do something we love, despite having our own separate lives…. It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it... Beautiful…
Tell us a bit about your influences.
J- My tastes are all over the place, as far as musicians go, the biggest influence on my writing would probably have to be Ravenhill, Listener, ’68, Foo Fighters, and Motorhead.
Dan-I listen to just about everything, but my go-to’s have always been rock, pop punk, and metal. I don’t know if there are any specific artists that have particularly influenced me more than any others. I draw inspiration from anything that I think sounds good.
How did you start?
J- Over a decade ago I started doing emo covers on Youtube and in 2016 started a Facebook page under the name of “My Imaginary Friend.” I never was able to find a sound that I was happy with until adding my best friend Michael as the drummer. He pushed me creatively until we came up with something that felt aggressive and catchy. Before we completed the recording process on our first single, Michael stepped away leaving room for me to turn to an old friend, Dan, to step in and add his own style to the mix. With this rebirth, and the aggressive new sound, I decided the name I had picked no longer fit this project. We needed to become a reflection of that aggression. We released the first single, “Bloodwater,” in 2022 under our new name, “Scarboard.” A tribute to one of the largest great white sharks in the ocean.
Dan-I grew up playing music. It’s been deeply engrained into my very DNA. I’m still waiting on it to give me super powers, though…
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
J- It is so hard nowadays to stand out as a unique act. It is so easy to get access to recording software and put together almost any style of music that you want, that the market has become saturated with creativity. Ultimately that’s a great thing for Indie artists, with a bit of knowledge we can all record our own music. But on the other hand, with so much for the listener to choose from, marketing yourself as something different becomes a challenge.
Dan-The music industry is an extremely tough market. There are sooooo many different artists out there now, and they are extremely good! There’s a lot of competition. Ultimately, you gotta love what you do!
What worked for you marketing-wise? What advice or tips would you give to new artists?
J- Festivals, festivals, festivals… With the way that the world has changed in the last several years, I have seen the crowds at small Indie festivals get smaller and smaller. But this has been one of my favorite marketing tools in my tool kit. I have made what looks to be lifelong friendships with people in these festivals and one thing that I have come to realize is that “band bros” are fiercely supportive of other “band bros.” sharing each other’s music and promoting each other’s shows. As a listener, if my favorite band calls out from the stage “Everyone go check out Scarboard tomorrow on such and such stage!” I am going to make it a point to check out that set. A lot of smaller festivals that some bands seemingly play at every year have a tendency to become more like family reunions or summer camps where you can network with acts from all over the country and beyond.
Dan- Networking, networking, networking! You’d be amazed at what sort of opportunities can come your way because of who you know. In a market that’s so saturated with incredibly talented artists, being good isn’t enough. You gotta get out there and make those connections.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
J- Honestly, Dan and I are a couple of dads that live in different parts of the country. I’ve not really thought that this would be a project that would go on massive tours or anything. But we have found some small successes so far and if some noise that we put out can get us some cool shows or a free pass into some of our favorite festivals during the summer, I would consider that a win. Maybe one day we will get enough streams to buy each other a cup of coffee. Scarboard is for anyone and everyone. If you like what we are doing, come hang out. We are just happy to be creating.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rrLEoxGndJjsfDUmYBxLs?si=bcM2dzjHT5i-huNYGPVnTg&nd=1
Dan- Buy each other a cup of coffee?! That’s a lot of streams! Life gets crazy at times. I’m just trying to enjoy the ride. If I can keep doing what I love, I’ll be happy. (But I’ll be juuuust a little happier with that cup of coffee )
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
J- Oh man, 2023 has been a writing frenzy for me personally. We have a few more in the works that will show some of the range that we are capable of. We will have another single or two out this fall with the hope of some sort of full length by the time summer comes around. I have been working on designing some merch as well. Hopefully, you will be able to find yourself a Scarboard T-shirt online or at a show in the near future.
Dan- Wait.. We have new music coming out??
@scarboard_j