“Don’t believe everything you’re told”
Strong. Empowering. Fierce. Just a few words to describe Australia’s hottest new band, Tonight Alive.
You know them: you’ve danced to their hit “What Are You So Scared Of?”, heard their song on an episode of The Hills and kept up to date with them through Twitter while they were on tour—with bands like Never Shout Never. And if aren’t familiar with this talented group—now’s your chance to check out the music!
Tonight Alive consists of five members: female lead Jenna McDougall, lead guitarist Whakaio Taahi, rhythm guitarist Jake Hardy, bass guitarist Cam Adler and drummer Matt Best.
You might think that having a female vocalist would create a bit of a “Girl Power” vibe to the group, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Tonight Alive is all about being true to who you are and being proud of it—no matter your gender—which is well reflected in their single and first full album title “What Are You So Scared Of?” which drops in Canada and the U.S. this Valentine’s Day.
Faze was lucky enough to grab a quick Q&A with lead singer Jenna McDougall. We got up close and personal with this rising star, asking her about the confidence needed to get to where she is now and what she’ll need for the future.
Faze: It seems like you have no trouble being exactly who you are—which is an admirable quality! Where do you all get your confidence from?
Jenna McDougall: Thank you so much! I think we get our confidence from each other. We are more comfortable with one another than I’ve ever really seen anyone! I think when you’re accepted by the people you love, nothing else should really matter. Something I found growing up was the most important thing you can learn is to be happy with who you are.
Faze: If you could do a duet with any musician/band (living or dead), who would it be?
JM: Frank Sinatra.
Knowing what you know now about the music biz, what advice would the “present day” you give to the you of 5 years ago?
JM: Don’t believe everything you’re told. Stay head strong and don’t let people sway the things that you stand for. And of course, relax and enjoy yourself; everything is going to turn out the way it was meant to!
Is being a musical success everything you thought it would be? What were some expected and unexpected things that come with the fame?
JM: I don’t consider the stage we’re at to be ultimate success and I definitely don’t consider this “fame.” We still have high hopes for our future and will always be working towards a goal!
As for unexpected things, I don’t think I ever considered we would be able to influence or make an impact on our listeners the way we have so soon! I always wanted to have a message and to be a band that made growing up easier for kids just like the bands I listened to did for me; but I could never have anticipated the way it would feel to know your lyrics and your experiences would help people!
The debut album from TONIGHT ALIVE, What Are You Scared Of?, is available starting February 14. Check it out!
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