In the midst of almost back-to-back tours, a new record label, the addition of a new (official) member, and even a couple of weddings, Broadside has also somehow found the time to release their highly anticipated fifth studio album “Nowhere, At Last.”
With an amazing blend of rock and synth used to fight against the feeling that your every move is being criticized, “Nowhere, At Last” is easily one of the best albums this year. Each single outdid the last sonically, and the release of the full album tied everything together into one alluring story, crafted by band members Oliver Baxxter, Patrick Diaz, Domenic Reid, and Tay Ewart.
I’ve been lucky enough to see Broadside live twice in the last year. First was with Silverstein on the “25 Years of Noise” spring tour (where I first discovered them, and they quickly became one of my favorite current bands). Then, as the opener for State Champs' sold-out hometown show in Albany, NY, in January.
Now, I’ve had the opportunity to ask lead vocalist Oliver Baxxter a few questions on the new album, who they want to collab with, and coping with self-doubt.
Your latest album, “Nowhere, At Last,” was released at the beginning of April. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of everything that’s happened since its release?
Two thoughts: this might not be a cave painting, but in 300 years, whoever’s around—people, robots, or something else—might find our band as a way to connect to the old human world. Or maybe they just throw it on and move to it, whatever that looks like then. At the very least, we’re trying to do something bigger than ourselves—just to say, “We were here, and we tried.”
Also, “Oh god, now what?!”
A lot of fans have been commenting that these songs have been helping them with their mental health struggles. What does it mean to you to be able to help people like this with your music?
I think feeling connected to anyone in this life is a beautiful thing. People can read the same book or watch the same kind of media and take completely different things from it—I feel that way about music too. A lot of the artists I look up to have helped me through some really isolating moments in my life.
I’m not saying that’s exactly what people are experiencing with our music, but I understand that kind of bond—when someone can put your feelings into words in a way you couldn’t yourself, and suddenly it feels a little more manageable. That’s the goal. Nobody wants to hurt, but sometimes it helps to hear from someone who does.
The music videos for the songs tell the story of feeling like you’re constantly being watched. How have you learned to cope with the feeling that there are “eyes on you” all the time?
I haven’t, to be honest—not completely. As I’ve gotten older, it feels like the internet hurts me more than I’d like it to. Even on a good morning, my eyes can’t help but find the one thing that gets under my skin—something that makes me feel like I need to go for a run immediately, or feel guilty over something small, like being a bad dog owner because I didn’t mince his carrots into his kibble.
I cope by stepping away from it. Being alone on the river, hiking, looking for rocks, getting dirty—I love being in the water or up on a mountain by myself. That’s where I feel human again.
What was it like working with director Sam Link on all of the music videos?
We love Sam. He’s an old friend, so getting to work together at this point in our careers has been incredible. We trusted him with the vision and the process from the start. He’s an amazing director with an unrelenting drive to see things through.
In a world that can feel pretty grey, he’s a sunbeam. Being able to maintain that visual continuity across the videos felt like a real privilege—it’s not easy to lock something like that in over the course of a year with someone as busy as he is. We’re really happy with how it all turned out.
The lyric, “The cherry’s burnin’ red on my ego death,” is an interesting metaphor. How did you come up with the concept of "Cherry Red Ego Death"?
A lot of smokers in big cities pose like they’re in a music video. You see it on corners or posted up on stoops—the ego on display, always aware of being watched.
The song is about having a conversation with yourself, the real version underneath all of that. So the visuals became an extension of that idea: a person lighting themselves on fire, unable to stay still long enough to pretend they aren’t burning.
Of the album songs not previously released as singles, which one (or ones) would you love to play live?
Definitely "Mushroom Cloud," and I’m hoping for a tour where "Is This It?" could make the setlist; it feels like a strong headliner closing song to be honest.
A little over a year ago, you announced your signing to Thriller Records. How have you guys been settling in?
Really well; they take great care of us and keep us on our game with the social media, etc. They’re all very kind and loving and will pick up the phone or come to a show in a heartbeat. We are very happy with our decision, and the roster is wild!
Before you signed with Thriller, you collaborated with a few of their artists, such as The Home Team and Devin Papadol of Honey Revenge. Who else on the label would you like to collaborate with?
Dark Divine, but we want them to do our makeup.
The band has been a trio for the last few years, until touring drummer Tay Ewart became an official member. When did you know it was time to make Tay an official member, and what has it been like so far?
We believe an official title feels good sometimes. He’s been our brother for years and committed to the band, so the transition was easy. Also, his country (Canada) and ours (redacted) aren’t the best of friends right now, so he looks great on paper.
How are you preparing for your European co-headlining tour with Hands Like Houses in mid-May?
Luckily, we just wrapped a week of shows with The Maine here in the states, so we’re practiced and just the basics, staying healthy, preparing to cry to our dogs over FaceTime, etc.
What direction do you see Broadside heading in the next few years?
I believe this year will give us a better idea of what the future of Broadside looks like and whether people want us here!
Catch Broadside on tour in Europe this month with Hands Like Houses.
