I recently had a chance to interview Everfound’s lead singer Nikita Odnoralov by email. Keep reading to hear about their tour plans, and other future endeavors.
What is the meaning behind the name Everfound?
The name was made up by Yan and Ruslan one day when they were driving around town thinking about how much they disliked our old band name. The meaning came later. We like to say the name comes from the idea that Jesus expressed in John 10:29: “For my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.” (NLT)
Could you give the readers a quick history of the band?
We’re four Russian brothers. Our grandparents were professional musical theater actors in Russia, and our grandmother taught us all classical piano since age six or seven. My parents are incredibly talented, and actually if you see us live, my dad is running sound. My mom helps manage the band. When Ruslan was around 12 or 13, he wrote his first song and since then we’ve been writing and playing music. We’ve been touring/recording full time for about 3 years, playing 150-200 shows a year. So far this year we’ve toured in the US, Europe and Asia. At the moment we’re in the midst of our Christmas tour, Rock the Halls, and negotiating a record deal with Word/Warner Bro’s.
Tell us a little bit about your newest album Dawn in Our Eyes, what are some of your favorite tracks from the album and why?
Gesh. That’s tough. I love all the songs on that record, but one that stands out is “Someone.”
What is the story behind the song “She Said?”
We love writing songs in a style that will allow our listeners to connect in their own way. My story with the song is different than yours may be. But originally the song came out of the idea that charm is deceptive and truth is NOT what we make it. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. The song raises lots of questions about let downs and deception…which is why we wrote it the way we did.
Who are some of your musical influences?
We’ve got lots, and they’re all different for each of us. We all love The Killers, 30 Seconds to Mars, and Coldplay. Lyrically, we’re diverse from Josh Ritter to U2….a good song is a good song!
You just started your Rock The Halls Christmas Tour, what kind of work goes into planning a tour like that?
Well, first we determine our routing with our booking agent and management. Markets, venue types, sizes etc. Then we decide on a theme or a message of what we want people to walk away with from the show. After that, we build a set musically. Then we go into a rehearsal place and set up and begin to design the stage and different elements around the songs. For example, some of the Christmas covers feature snow machines, while other upbeat energetic original songs will have confetti cannons or whatever. It takes several months to pull it off, and the reward is incredible. Sharing our stories with people before the songs and seeing people’s faces from the best seat in the house when the canons fire or the snow goes off on a high chorus is priceless.
How do you decide what songs you’re going to perform on the tour?
It depends on the show/tour. We’ll check our iTunes sales and see what’s most popular with our fans. Radio in the market where we’re playing will also help. Our song “She Said” is doing well with college stations and some of WAY FM’s stations. For example, it was #2 on WAY FM’s station in Colorado/Kansas/Wyoming area. We’re definitely highlighting the song when playing in these markets.
How much time per week do you spend rehearsing and preparing?
Honestly, not as much as we would like. With negotiating the new deal and amidst several other projects, it’s tough. But we’re trying to get to where we’re writing and rehearsing five to six hours a day.
Since it is a Christmas tour, what are your favorite Christmas songs to perform?
Oh Holy Night & Carol of The Bells!
Who are some bands you would like to tour with?
The Killers, U2, 30 Seconds To Mars, to name a few.
What are some of your favorite activities when you’re not touring or making music?
We enjoy a good movie or read. Also, bowling with friends is a good time. We all love writing/creating….either HTML code, architecture design, stories, or whatever. We’re art fans.
Thank you so much, Nikita, for taking the time to answer these questions for our readers here at Indie Vision Music!