By Robyn Kass-Gerj
special to the chroncile
Originally from Bradenton, Florida, the band We The Kings has produced five albums and has had multiple tours.
We the Kings – consisting of Travis Clark (lead vocals), Hunter Thomsen (lead guitar), Danny Duncan (drums), Charles Trippy (bass) and Coley O’Toole (keyboard, rhythm guitar) – recently released a brand new single, “The Story of Tonight,” in February and began their national U.S. tour, “From Here To Mars Tour,” on March 16.
“We’ve been in rehearsals and we’re pumped,” the band’s tour manager, Duncan Johnson, said. “This is our second day of practice and I’m really proud of what this tour is going to be. There’s a whole new set list and a whole new show. It’s going to be a great time.”
Along with Johnson, I also had the opportunity to speak with O’Toole.
HC: What made you choose to record your own version of “Hamilton” the musical’s, “Story of Tonight” and make it the new single?
O’Toole: It was mostly the lyrical content, and it made sense with what’s going on in the world today. We just love the song and the meaning behind it.
HC: You guys just released the new album “Strange Love” in December, but with the release of your newest single, should fans be expecting another new album in the works?
O’Toole: There will be a record eventually. We have a bunch of songs on the table and we try to make an album every two years. Right now we’re mostly just pushing the new single “Story of Tonight” and the tour. After, we’ll take some time to work on a new album and get it out there.
HC: How would you compare this album to your past ones?
O’Toole: Each record changes and each is a diverse compilation of what the group is listening to. It cooperates a modern sound with what’s going on in our lives at the time. We try to let the music evolve then throw in some spice.
HC: What were some of your favorite songs on the album to make?
O’Toole: Personally, I liked making “Runaway.” It was a collaboration between Hunter, Travis and myself. I also like “Howl at the Moon” because it has a big chorus. I wasn’t crazy for “Love Again” at first but after playing it live for a little bit it has really grown on me. Now it’s one of my favorites to play live.
HC: What are you looking forward to on this tour?
O’Toole: I’m mostly looking forward to getting closer as a band and playing live every night. Plus, the constant positive energy from the crowd of being on stage. Personally I don’t like having too many days off. I like constantly getting to play live every night. But as a whole we’re all close, and it’s a good time just to hang out.
HC: What can the fans expect from the live shows?
O’Toole: As always, lots of energy and a good contour of the set. We’ll play some older songs as well as some of the newer songs. There will be times when we improvise some things so we’ll never play the same show twice.
HC: I understand that you and Travis have kids. Is it hard being away from them while you’re on tour?
O’Toole: Yeah, I have a 17-month-old boy, and it’s definitely hard leaving. Both [of] Travis’ kids and mine will come visit when we have time off. Travis was able to have his family visit while we were in Australia and that was really nice.
HC: Are there any cities you’re specifically looking forward to [visiting] while on tour?
O’Toole: I’m from Connecticut, so I’m looking forward to there and the New York area. I’ll get to see my family since we won’t be performing too far from home. Definitely looking forward to Chicago. I love playing there and in San Francisco. There’s definitely the big cities we love visiting, but sometimes it’s the places that no one would think of that are pretty great, like Boise, Idaho, but I don’t think we’re going there on this tour.
HC: Is there anything you want me to mention to the readers?
O’Toole: Just thank you to our fans for the support. Please keep following our music. If we’re coming near your then put your friends in the car and come sing along with us!
Not only is the band promoting their newest single and latest tour, but the guys are also taking time to promote charitable foundations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA). The band has been promoting BCEFA through Twitter and has helped to raise a lot of donations.
Make sure you check out We the Kings on the “From Here to Mars Tour.” They will be playing New York City on Thursday, March 24.