Exclusive Interview

When did you decide that a career in music was for you?

(AUSTIN): Probably when I was a freshman in highschool. I had to do career exploration for school and everything just sounded lame to me, music was the only exciting option. However, my teacher said I had to choose something more realistic… so then I chose being an archeologist.. Guess music WAS the more realistic path. 

(COCO): I popped into this world with an absolute hankering to play drums, the love for all music expanded from there. I have never wanted to do anything else. As cheesy as it sounds I was quite literally born to do this I think.

(DAN): I was always interested in music from a young age, but I saw Angels & Airwaves in concert in 2010 and it blew my little mind. I knew from that day that I really wanted to make playing guitar my life somehow.

 

Who are your musical inspirations and why?

(AUSTIN): Paul Mccartney.. Amazing singer-songwriter and bass player.. Need I say more? On the producer side of things I'm super inspired by Eric Valentine. He’s made some of my all time favorite records.  Finally Carly Rae Jepson, no further comment on that.

(DAN): From a guitar perspective, I'm really influenced by Dave Navarro from Jane's Addiction. He has such a great combo of punk rock attitude and guitar hero shredding in his playing that really appeals to me. 

(COCO): Dave Grohl is my biggest inspiration. I mean a drummer turned front person? Come on! His playing style, his stage presence, it’s all so inspiring. I also have to give a lot of credit to Brody Dalle and Alanis Morrisette. Badass rockstars AND they are powerful women? Sit me down and I will go on for hours about them.

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Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know?

(AUSTIN): I have run multiple marathons, including the New York City Marathon. I’ve been to 6 out of 7 continents. I was a janitor that summer after I graduated high school.

(DAN): I'm a huge nerd for comic books of any kind, I love a good little horror movie, and I absolutely adore a good monster truck rally. 

(COCO): I’m a proud aunt to 3 crazy toddler boys. I have a rescue pup named Elmo (who will actually be making a quick appearance on our upcoming tour). I ran an underground homebrewed craft beer delivery service during COVID…don't be a narc! 

What song of yours best describes you and why?

(DAN): "Hamms In a Glass" is probably the one that encapsulates all my favorite kinds of guitar playing. There's huge chords, fun little finger tapping sections, and a shreddy solo. Just a silly goose time.  

(AUSTIN): ‘WLBRN ST TVRN’ because I like to get rowdy.

(COCO): ‘IM IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE’... I mean its in the title!

 

What has been the best gig you have done to date and why?

(AUSTIN): Bonnaroo 2023 because we absolutely burned the whole place to the ground.

 

(COCO) Bonnaroo 2023 barn stage at noon on a Thursday. If you know you know. If you don't, I feel sorry for you.

(DAN): My favorite gigs are always ones with some fans singing along. We had a couple shows at Bonnaroo in '23 that just seemed to ignite with every tune, and those are always memorable.

 

If you could perform a gig at any venue where would it be and why?

(DAN): The Egyptian Room in Indianapolis. I'm from the area and saw a lot of shows there growing up, so playing there would be a full circle moment. 

(AUSTIN): Fuji Rock! One thing you might not know about me is I love Japan! 

(COCO): I’d love for us to play NO COMPLY  in Louisville one day. It’s a crazy DIY festival usually deep in a skatepark bowl. It looks INSANE.

 

What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?

(AUSTIN): Probably signing to Rise Records. Would love to collaborate with Tim Robinson (actor extraordinaire) in the future.

 

(COCO): I think forming the dream team has been the best achievement. We’re so lucky and have, genuinely, the greatest team in rock/alternative behind us. They’re our family and champions! (shout out INDEGOOT, WME + CAA, MY LOVELY ATTORNEY, and RISE RECORDS). Something i’d like to achieve is years from now the same team that believes so hard in us KNOWS they bet on the right horse. That will be so satisfying. 

(DAN): I'm an easy man to please, I'm just amazed and happy anyone cares at all! Anytime I see people singing the words to our songs with us I feel invincible. I'm looking forward to whenever we can do a little headline tour. 

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Tell me a story from backstage or after a gig?

(AUSTIN): We played The Racoon Motel in Davenport Iowa and after the gig we went up to our venue provided digs for the night… there wasn't quite enough room for all of us. Dan and I had to split the couch.  Dan got the couch cushions on the floor and I got the actual couch (no cushions) and my backs never been the same since. 

(DAN): We literally got lost backstage on our way to play at the Rave in Milwaukee. That place is a goddamn maze. 

(COCO): The crew with INCUBUS let me bring my whole family backstage when we were direct support for a few shows (biggest we had ever done at the time). I will never forget the looks on their faces! 

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What do you like best about being a musician and why?

(AUSTIN): Stability, making my parents proud, benefits, and chicks (kidding.. Im the bass player).

(COCO): The joy it brings! You’ll never see me sad playing music. 

(DAN): I love playing live shows more than anything. I get to have a fun little time playing guitar with my best friends every night and get to be the instigators for a punk rock party. What's not to love about that?

 

If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing?

(AUSTIN): I would be (at least) a semi-professional soccer player if not starting midfielder for the Seattle Sounders FC. 

(COCO): I’d honestly probably be doing something with wood shop/lathing. Shout out to my highschool woodshop teacher (and pen pal) Greg! .. maybe i’d open a senior dog rescue sanctuary on the side.

(DAN): I would maybe try to be an english teacher. 

 

What has been the best gig you have been to as a fan and can you tell us about it?

(DAN): We were lucky enough to open for Something Corporate at their NYE reunion shows last year, and they put on a killer show. They had been broken up for years so I never got to see them until then. You best bet I sang my little heart out.

(AUSTIN): The Bad Plus. Drummer/band leader Dave King is a fellow minnesotan and a far out cat. 

(COCO): Knocked Loose at Cafe Coco in 2015. I’m pretty sure they got banned.

 

What would your ideal festival line up be and why?

(AUSTIN): IDLES. Queens Of The Stone Age, and Beck. It would be SICK.

(COCO): We’ve already played on my ideal festival line up! (‘Roo ‘23)

(DAN): I would love any festival that throws enough money at the Gallagher brothers to reunite Oasis. Then they just play every song they've ever written. 

 

What would you say is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

(DAN): My dad once told me "you either have to go to class or read the book...not necessarily both." Wise words from a wise man.

(AUSTIN): You’re always arriving.

 

(COCO): Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

 

What things make you happy and what things annoy you?

(AUSTIN): Distracted drivers annoy me to no end. What makes me happy is my wifes smiling face!

(COCO): A really good joke will turn my day around. What annoys me is when someone is at the same level as us and extremely entitled… listen bud, we know you’re ALSO not making any money right now, no need to front. 

(DAN): Happy? A laugh and a glass of scotch. What annoys me? When the scotch is gone.

 

What things do you like to do when you are away from music?

(COCO): I really enjoy just resting haha. I deal with some chronic health issues so rest is SO important! 

(AUSTIN): I like to focus things that make me feel good. Exercise and running are big ones. I also like to watch funny videos.

(DAN): I love reading a comic book, watching a horror movie, or petting a dog.

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Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?

(AUSTIN): Yes!

(DAN): I think it's a great way to be able to communicate with our fans, especially the ones who haven't gotten a chance to see us in concert yet. 

(COCO): Yeah I do. But I don't think it should be the end all be all. 

 

How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?

(DAN): I can only speak for this band, but we just dress how we normally do and don't think about a "look" so much. Helps that we're all stunningly handsome though.

(AUSTIN): I think it’s important but not too important. It's more about the music.

(COCO): I think people can fall into more on looking the part than being genuine. However, I think it can be important. But, for us? I don't know.. we pretty much wear our street clothes and i’m lucky if I get to put makeup on. Our image is raw just like our music haha.

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Can you tell us about any tattoos you have and the significance of them to you?

(AUSTIN): I have a wolf and a sparrow. I’d prefer not the share the meanings. 

(COCO): I have quite a few tattoos and a majority have significance (not all… who wrote the rules?). I have a small dog paw high fiving what is supposed to be my hand. It's for my late senior rescue, Chester! Forever my soul pup!

(DAN): I have a couple tattoos that are connections to my family and a friend. More planned!

 

If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?

(AUSTIN): I would allow citizens to become citizens in other countries while not having to pay american taxes.

(DAN): WOOF. Probably too much to name here.

(COCO): id make the IRS just tell us how much we owe for taxes. We all know you know the answer… JUST TELL US.

 

What would your ideal day consist of?

 

 (AUSTIN): 65 degrees and sunny. Beautiful fruit smoothie for breakfast, summit mt. kilimanjaro, burger + fries + a Guinness for dinner, lights out by 10 pm

 

(COCO): Wake up, walk the pup, sun is shining, house is clean, somehow i’m at the beach??? A campari spritz appears in my hand??? Matty Matheson is in my kitchen cooking me up a meal???? I go to bed by 9 pm??? 

(DAN): Sleeping in, couple cheese burgers, couple glasses of scotch, and a load of laughs with my pals. Then a quick show at Madison Square Garden or something.

 

If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?

 

(AUSTIN): f*cking love you guys.

(DAN): We love chatting with you after shows - come say hi! Also sorry if we smell.

(COCO): Welcome home. We’re happy you're here. 

 

How would you answer the question Who are Winona Fighter and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?

 

 (AUSTIN): It would seem like there's a major difference but there's not!

(COCO): There honestly is not much of a difference. I’m definitely more approachable off stage than I appear on stage. I think that’s it. Also we all genuinely love each other, the on stage relationship is the same as off.

(DAN): Who are we? Best pals that make music we love and like to have a laugh. I'd say we are a lot more chill off stage. When we strap on the guitars we just let loose. 

 

What was the first record or song you purchased and why?

(COCO): Not my first but  I distinctly remember I bought Panic! At The Disco’s “A FEVER YOU CAN'T SWEAT OUT” CD to learn front to back in my drum lessons (this was before everything was on an ipod or phone)

(AUSTIN): Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key of Life. Its an amazing record and I was immediately drawn to the music.

(DAN): I think it was the acclaimed 2000 hit song "Who Let the Dogs Out" by the Baha Men

 

What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?

(DAN): Surround yourself with people you love and trust. Do it for the love of the music and playing, nothing else.

(COCO): You HAVE to have thick skin. Also be VERY vocal about what you want. Also the embarrassing/uncomfortable moments are so worth it. 
 

(AUSTIN): Save some money up, move to wherever has the best music scene near you, and just try to start doing it.

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If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why?

(AUSTIN): I think Willow Smith would be sick. Shes a bad ass.

(DAN): I'd love to write a song with Tom Delonge (hi Tom!)

(COCO): How insane would a Miley Cyrus feature be. I think she's a rockstar through and through. 

 

If you could have written one song from history which would it have been and why?

(AUSTIN): Whats Love Got To Do With It - Tina Turner. I’d be a millionaire. 

(COCO): I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner. My dad has a vendetta against that song and I can’t let him live in agony anymore! so at least if I wrote it it would have never seen the light of day (or at least Foreigners catalogue)  

(DAN): Would have to be something by the Beatles... maybe "Something."

 

What things make you uncomfortable?

(AUSTIN): nothing. Also- clammy hands.

(DAN): Snakes. What the hell is up with them?

(COCO): my everyday life.

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If you wrote a book about yourself what would it have in it?

(DAN): Honestly? Probably pictures.

(AUSTIN): The tales of an endurance artist.

(COCO): Big lettering. Big laughs.