In an era where pop punk is experiencing a revival, Northbound's music stands as a nostalgic beacon, echoing the mid-2000s sound that shaped his formative years. In this engaging interview with RIVAL, Northbound delves into his musical journey, from his debut in 2012 to his latest fourth album, Juniper, released on July 12th. At 30, he reflects on the influences that have molded his music and shares insights into his lyrical inspirations, drawn from everyday life and the philosophy of writers like Bukowski. His dedication to his craft, evident in his commitment to maintaining an online presence while staying authentic to his roots, is truly inspiring. This conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist dedicated to his craft and resonating with a sound that continues to captivate listeners.

RIVAL: So, how did you get started in music?

NORTHBOUND: It started really, really young. I remember being at my second birthday party; well, I don't remember it, but I have a home video of it, where I had this little inflatable guitar that I would play with all the time. My mom always says that that's when she knew I would be like a musician. I got my first guitar when I was around eight years old.

RIVAL: Your mom sounds really special to be able to recognize and encourage your talent and your path so early. NORTHBOUND: Yeah, my mom rocks; she's really the best. RIVAL: Are there any non-musical influences that impact your music, books, films, or authors? NORTHBOUND: I like anything created by Charles Bukowski. I think he is fantastic, and I've been really into his stuff, especially since I moved to LA. Los Angeles feels like a character in all of his books and poems.

RIVAL: Do you write all your songs yourself? Or do you collaborate with other songwriters?

NORTHBOUND: I write everything. I would say I take everything to the 90% mark, and then that final 10% is my buddy Andy, who plays guitar with me, and Sam, who's produced the last couple of records. I run everything through those two people. But it's mostly me.

RIVAL: How many songs would you say that you write before they get chosen for the final album?

NORTHBOUND: I think every album has about 20 to 30 songs, and I pick my favorite ten from that.

RIVAL: Do you think you'll ever do a ‘B-Side’ album?

NORTHBOUND: Maybe I do have many songs that will probably never see the light of day, but I have thought about that.

RIVAL: Did you experiment with new techniques or instruments while recording this album?

NORTHBOUND: Nope, this is straight guitar music

RIVAL: Your mom sounds really special to be able to recognize and encourage your talent and your path so early.

NORTHBOUND: Yeah, my mom rocks; she's really the best.

RIVAL: Are there any non-musical influences that impact your music, books, films, or authors?

NORTHBOUND: I like anything created by Charles Bukowski. I think he is fantastic, and I've been really into his stuff, especially since I moved to LA. Los Angeles feels like a character in all of his books and poems.

RIVAL: Do you write all your songs yourself? Or do you collaborate with other songwriters?

NORTHBOUND: I write everything. I would say I take everything to the 90% mark, and then that final 10% is my buddy Andy, who plays guitar with me, and Sam, who's produced the last couple of records. I run everything through those two people. But it's mostly me.

RIVAL: How many songs would you say that you write before they get chosen for the final album?

NORTHBOUND: I think every album has about 20 to 30 songs, and I pick my favorite ten from that.

RIVAL: Do you think you'll ever do a ‘B-Side’ album?

NORTHBOUND: Maybe I do have many songs that will probably never see the light of day, but I have thought about that.

RIVAL: Did you experiment with new techniques or instruments while recording this album?

NORTHBOUND: Nope, this is straight guitar music

RIVAL: Your music is very nostalgic to that mid-2000s era of pop punk, which has made a significant comeback in the past couple of years.

NORTHBOUND: That's exactly what I'm going for, and I think that's what I've always been going for. I make the stuff I like and what sounds like the music I listened to in my formative years and still listen to today.

RIVAL: So this will be your fourth album, correct? When did your first record come out?

NORTHBOUND: Yes, it’s the fourth album. The first album was released in 2012

RIVAL: At 30, how do you keep your skin looking so good? Haha

NORTHBOUND: Dude, my skin regimen is literally this; I went to Ulta, I told one of the employees that I'm a dumb man, help me. So, she sorted me out with some basic skincare products that I don't even use that much.

RIVAL: Do you ever feel pressure to conform to creating music that other people want versus what you want?

NORTHBOUND: I think it's always in the back of my head if people will like it, but honestly, it's not that important to me. I don't find it hard with the music; I'm going to make what I make, and when it comes out, I hope people will like it. I'm just trying to make a good product that represents me. But outside feedback means almost nothing when I am in the creative process. Once the music is released, at that point, I start to care and get curious about how the listener perceives it.

RIVAL: Being direct about your brand is important, and I appreciate that you’ve stayed authentic about what's important to you.

NORTHBOUND: That's exactly what I'm going for, and I think that's what I've always been going for. I make the stuff I like and what sounds like the music I listened to in my formative years and still listen to today.

RIVAL: So this will be your fourth album, correct? When did your first record come out?

NORTHBOUND: Yes, it’s the fourth album. The first album was released in 2012

RIVAL: At 30, how do you keep your skin looking so good? Haha

NORTHBOUND: Dude, my skin regimen is literally this; I went to Ulta, I told one of the employees that I'm a dumb man, help me. So, she sorted me out with some basic skincare products that I don't even use that much.

RIVAL: Do you ever feel pressure to conform to creating music that other people want versus what you want?

NORTHBOUND: I think it's always in the back of my head if people will like it, but honestly, it's not that important to me. I don't find it hard with the music; I'm going to make what I make, and when it comes out, I hope people will like it. I'm just trying to make a good product that represents me. But outside feedback means almost nothing when I am in the creative process. Once the music is released, at that point, I start to care and get curious about how the listener perceives it.

RIVAL: Being direct about your brand is important, and I appreciate that you’ve stayed authentic about what's important to you.

NORTHBOUND: I have struggled with that my whole life as I never want to come off as rude, so it took some time to find the balance.

RIVAL: Saying no is difficult for a lot of us. I struggle to say no often, and then suddenly, I’m drowning in commitments.

NORTHBOUND: I'm a classic over-committer because I don't want to disappoint people, but then I end up disappointing people in the long run because I can't keep up.

RIVAL: Are there any challenges you face with maintaining an online presence?

NORTHBOUND: Yes, I maintain only challenges, haha. It's hard, but I have to do it. If you see my social media, you can get an idea of what I'm about and all that, and that's important. But yeah, I don't particularly like it. I think the internet is fun, and I like to be on it, but sometimes you're just having an off day and don't want to be seen or whatnot, but the algorithm does not care. And neither do people in the music industry who are like, ‘Oh, this is the way things are now.’ And I agree, it's the way things are now, but it’s definitely a struggle.

RIVAL: Sometimes, recording yourself in a quiet room can feel ridiculous.

NORTHBOUND: That's how I feel too. I have to stop myself often from not making fun of what I'm doing. Like yesterday, I posted this video of me lip-synching to one of my songs that's coming out. I posted it to my story and captioned it like, ‘Oh, do you guys remember when I was 30 years old, and I was lip-synching in my room’, you know? But then I deleted it because I don't want people to think I'm making fun of other creators.

RIVAL: No, it's relatable. So many artists hate that they must be content creators when they just want to be true to their specific craft. Not everyone wants to share their opinions and life updates every day.

NORTHBOUND: People tend to put you into this position of needing a voice on trending topics, especially when you're an artist. I don't want to have a public opinion on politics or social things like that. I'm just an artist, and I don’t feel I’m able to give out major life advice.

RIVAL: I can respect that. What would you say is the best advice you've ever received?

NORTHBOUND: The first thing that comes to mind is I remember being a kid, probably 14 or 15, and I really wanted to play shows but was horrifyingly shy. I remember vividly crying to my mom about how I needed to be a musician and this desire to perform. To some, it may sound harsh, but it's something that’s stuck with me to this day; she was like, ‘Well, don’t cry at me if you're not even willing to try. If you try and fail, then cry to me, but don't cry before you even give yourself a chance.’

RIVAL: When you have big goals and big dreams, there will always be people who want to tell you it's impossible and that you’ll never succeed. That self-doubt creeps in, and suddenly you have imposter syndrome.

NORTHBOUND: Yeah, no, absolutely. I had it and still have it sometimes, but I always think of that ‘until I have proof that I can't do it, I'm going to do it.’ You know what I mean?

RIVAL: What keeps you inspired and passionate about making music?

NORTHBOUND: Life keeps happening, plus this is the only thing I'm good at. I have to keep doing it.

RIVAL: Are there any personal models or philosophies that you live by

NORTHBOUND: I think it's back to the Bokowski thing of, ‘Don't try to do it. Just do it.’ I'm always curious to learn about different topics, and I found it interesting when I read the Satanic Bible; there's the mindset of ‘live an indulgent life and do whatever makes you happy, and do whatever you want to do as long as you're not hurting other people.’ So there’s power in knowing that I'm not going to hold myself back from doing what I want to do in this short amount of time on Earth. I will do my best not to hurt anyone along the way, but this is my only life, and I have dreams to chase.

As Northbound continues to evolve as an artist, his unwavering dedication to his roots and authenticity remains at the forefront of his work. Despite the challenges of navigating an ever changing music industry and the demands of maintaining an online presence, his commitment to creating music that resonates with his personal experiences and his audience’s nostalgia is evident. With each album, Northbound not only pays homage to the mid-2000s pop punk era but also carves out his own unique space within it. His journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself while embracing the influences and inspirations that shape one’s artistry. As fans eagerly anticipate his next moves, Northbound’s music continues to serve as a heartfelt reminder of the enduring spirit of pop-punk.