www.facebook.com/whitmoreband
From: Nebraska
Sounds like: Hardcore/Metal
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Whitmore" and is there any meaning behind it?
Each of us have a diverse background in the music scene. Robb (drummer) used to play in a few larger Omaha bands in the early 2000’s, as well did Josh (bassist). Kyle (guitarist) hit the metalcore scene in the 2010’s as well as Mitch (vocals). Our sound pulls from all of our backgrounds including punk, hardcore, metalcore, deathcore, etc.
The name Whitmore came from Robb, who got tired of telling the band which street he lives on to practice. The original name of the band was Una Vox Non (Latin for “the voice of no one”), but instead of trying to pronounce or explain it, the band decided to name themself Whitmore. Now, the running joke is that Whitmore street is named after the band.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We are a band who takes music seriously, but don’t take ourselves seriously. Our music speaks on a lot of topics ranging from depression and mental illness, to social cannibalism, to love, loss, and hating your boss. We want people to take away that it’s ok to not be ok, come to the shows for a good time and release that primal need, see a group of guys playing music the love, and to hear some anger music for happy (or not so happy) people!
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
We are a blend of hardcore and metalcore from the 2000’s. We draw inspiration from bands like As I Lay Dying, Evergreen Terrace, Norma Jean, Nodes Of Ranvier, Spite, Like Moths To Flames, Currents, August Burn Red, The Devil Wears Prada, etc.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
The top 3 would be Like Moths To Flames, As I Lay Dying, and Spite.
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
We formed just before COVID, had to take a 3 month break because of it. But, when we got back together, we hit the ground running, and – metaphorically – blew the doors off the hinges of the Omaha music scene. I think we partially got lucky, as we are a style of music that people were craving, but didn’t know how to describe.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Hardcore/Metal?
I (Robb) think it’s underrated. The newer generation is in for a treat when they see what we now call the hardcore/metalcore scene. We are a raw, play to the crowd, minimal tracks band. We believe that we should be able to play any song we write without tracks if it were necessary.
7. What's the current music scene like there in Nebraska?
The music scene is thriving! There are a lot of big names that have come through (some of which we have had the pleasure to open up for), and a number of bands that are on the up. A lot of people think Nebraska is just corn, corn, Korn, and more corn; but that is anything but the truth. Nebraska and Iowa (Omaha/Lincoln specifically) are a hub for all types of music from Indie (Brighteyes, Cursive), to Alternative (311), and Metal (Slipknot). So, yeah, the music scene, though it took a dive for a number of years, is back and BANGING!
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Music is for everyone. We don’t play music to be rich, we play music to have fun, and share some of our passions. If we monetize off of it, rad! If not, hey, at least we can say we did a thing.
9. What's next for Whitmore?
You never know! Honestly, we go with the flow. As of this moment, we are releasing our debut album Lighthouse Arcana at our annual GarageFest show, we have a number of shows lined up, and a small tour in Autumn, and going from there. Whatever comes our way, we’ll take it in stride.
10. Any shoutouts?
We’d like to thank our Mom’s and the Academy. Kidding. But, definitely our families, Aorta Music and Management, Metro Concerts Live, all of our friends, fans, and the people who have supported us through the years to get us where we are today. We can’t thank you enough for everything, and look forward to seeing all your stink faces at the table!
