IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Walden — Urban Vinyl Magazine

If there were two words to describe Walden’s sound, they’d be “supersonic canvas”. Walden, formed and based in Athens, Georgia, features the talents and charisma of Richard Becker (vocals, guitar), Jamie de Lange (bass), Eric Hangartner (vocals, piano), and Andrew Mendel (drums). They released one EP before putting out their most recent, titled The Static, on April 5, 2019. They have shared their stellar sound at festivals, such as Bonnaroo.

Taking a pause from creating music, Richard generously shared some of his time and thought to discuss the beginnings of Walden, the process behind making the new EP, and his favorite superhero character.

What’s the story behind the formation of Walden?

We formed during our senior year of high school. We went to high school in Marietta, Georgia, and we were doing this talent show. Eric, Andrew, and I were playing together; that was the first time we really played together. Jamie was playing with a different band. Shortly after that, we formed the band. We’ve actually known each other for our whole lives. Jamie and Andrew grew up in the same neighborhood since they were 6, and Eric and I went to preschool together. It took us to senior year of high school, and we formed the band.

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

I started playing the guitar in 7th Grade; that was my first instrument.

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

I’d say “New Age” is one of the songs on the EP I’m most proud of, or one that we’re most proud of because the lyrics dig into the theme. I think they lay out the concept in a very unique way. We try not to slap you in the face with an idea or forced opinions. I think this song accomplishes exactly what we wanted to accomplish with this EP, and we’re really proud of the lyrics, and we’re proud of the sound. We think we really made something really unique, unlike anything else.

You released a new EP, The Static, on April 5, 2019. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing the EP?

We wrote some of the songs a few years ago, but in the past 8 months or so, we wrote 3 of the 4 songs on the EP. We took them to pre-production, we wrote all of the songs, we worked with our producer in making sure they were as strong as they could be. In October, we went into the studio and started tracking the drums and bass. We went up to Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville (North Carolina) where The Avett Brothers, Manchester Orchestra, Sylvan Esso, and so many amazing artists have recorded. It’s in this renovated church, and is a beautiful studio. It was really inspiring tracking our music there. We did a few days there, and then we went back to our producer’s studio to lay down the rest of the instruments, and lastly, put the vocals on. The lyrics took the longest time; we were touching them up until a few days before we tracked the vocals and finalized the songs because we put so much thought into them. We put a lot of thought into every single track on this thing, which was something we always wanted to do. We definitely think we accomplished that on this EP, which is something we haven’t before.

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

We have a GameCube in our tour van, which is very essential. It’s a great way to bond with other bands we tour with.

What happens before you go onstage? Is there a Walden pre-show ritual?

We kind of go running around to get our muscles warmed up. We need to be loose before you go onstage, so we might do some push-ups, jumping jacks, and do some sprints to get amped up. We then get into a huddle, and remind ourselves why we are doing this, and that there’s a bunch of people out there who are excited to see us. It’s amazing people even come to watch us; that’s a pretty crazy concept that we try to remind ourselves of. Just a little pep talk, hands in, and say “Walden” on 3.

What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant in NYC? Any places back home in Georgia?

That’s tough because I’ve only been to New York a few times. I’m pretty sure there was this really awesome Chinese place. We actually went to it in Philadelphia. I know the guys love trying pizza from all different cities. Eric is known to hop on our Instagram, go live, and do a pizza rating. He loves trying pizza from all different places. Pizza is definitely a staple. I’m the only one in the band who eats vegan. New York is phenomenal for their tasty vegan food. I love trying veggie bowls from different restaurants for their unique flavors.

Can we shout out Athens since we were there for so long? We lived in Athens for 6 years, and that’s pretty much where we formed our band. I have to give proper credit to that city. I would say The Grit is incredible; it’s the best vegan/vegetarian place in Athens. Also, Utage is the best sushi place in Athens. I know all the guys are on that train.

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

It would definitely have pepperoni. Pretty much 99% the guys order pizza, it’s just straight pepperoni and cheese. Simple, with no frills. That’s how you can tie it in with the band. We’re not trying to do anything that’s not necessary, just the important stuff.

When I eat pizza, there’s obviously vegan cheese, with mushrooms, onions, and sundried tomatoes.

Who’s your favorite superhero character, and why?

I’d probably go with Superman because I’ve always wanted to fly. That’s just a necessity. If I were going to choose a superpower, I’m going to have to fly. Superman also has super strength, and who wouldn’t want super strength. It’s a double whammy there.

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

Where would you most want to play a show, without any parameters?

The Moon.

We’re going to make it happen. Once Elon Musk has space travel for cheap, we’ll make it happen.

A tremendous thank you to Richard and Walden for taking the time and thought to respond to the questions!

Stay updated with Walden by following them on Twitter (@waldentheband) and Instagram (@waldengrams), and liking them on Facebook (/bandwalden)!