IN THE SPOTLIGHT: TWIN XL

Upon the first listen, TWIN XL will keep you dreaming about their sound. TWIN XL, formed and based in Los Angeles, California, showcases the talent and charisma of Cameron Walker-Wright (lead vocals, guitar), John Gomez (guitar, vocals), and Stephen Gomez (bass), along with Dave Briggs (drums). They released their debut EP, How To Talk To Strangers, on March 1, 2019 via The Century Family. Earlier this year, they performed at 8123 Fest in Phoenix, Arizona, in addition to supporting The Mowgli’s and Jukebox The Ghost. This summer, they toured the U.S. on a headline tour, with a show at Mercury Lounge in New York City. This coming fall, they will embark on an extensive tour across the U.S., opening for The Maine.

UPCOMING SHOW: November 6 (w/The Maine) | Bowery Ballroom

Amidst their busy touring schedule, the band kindly chatted about the process behind creating the debut EP, the “TWIN XL” pizza topping, along with their tour essentials.

What’s the story behind the formation of TWIN XL?

We have known each other for over ten years through playing shows together in separate bands. We connected about a year ago after we all moved to Los Angeles around the same time and started writing together. We didn’t plan to start a band together; we were just writing songs without a particular destination for them. After listening back to the first few, we decided that we loved it that it sounded like a band we wanted to be in.

What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?

My first instrument I [Cameron] learned how to play was the drums, but it wasn’t until I taught myself how to play guitar that I started to write my own songs.

Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of?

I am definitely most proud of our new and debut EP. This is the most connected I’ve ever been to any music that I’ve ever part of.

You released your debut record, How To Talk To Strangers, on March 1, 2019. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?

It was a very organic and natural process. We decided to actually start the band about halfway into making what would eventually become the How To Talk To Strangers EP. Some songs, such as our single “Good”, happened so quickly, while others took a bit more time to get right. I feel like the EP is so diverse, and I’m really proud of that.

While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?

AirPods, Nintendo Switch, Gatorade Zero, and my guitars.

What are you currently listening to?

I've been really into a band called Sir Sly lately. There’s this artist called Des Rocs I think is really awesome.

What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant in NYC? Any places back home in LA (or Arizona/Connecticut)?

NYC is so great because you literally can have ANY type of food. I love going to St. Mark’s Place for sushi or ramen. That’s always the move for me. In Connecticut, we have Frank Pepe’s Pizza, which everyone loves.

If there were a pizza with the name “TWIN XL”, what toppings would it feature?

Pineapple...definitely pineapple.

Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?

I love Spiderman because he’s often a little unsure of himself, but he also has a good sense of humor about it.

What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?

Question: What did you have for breakfast?
Response: I had a Starbucks coffee and a breakfast sandwich. It was solid.

Many thanks to David and Amanda for coordinating, along with the band for sharing their time and thought to respond to the questions!

Stay up-to-date with TWIN XL by following them on Twitter (@wearetwinxl) and Instagram (@wearetwinxl), and liking them on Facebook (/wearetwinxl)!