Following in the footsteps of bands Augustana, Plain White Ts, and Secondhand Serenade, Parachute is a raw, emotional quintet that debuted out on the scene in 2008. “She Is Love,” the band’s first single, received modest radio airplay. The video most notably got much needed spins on VH1 a year and a half ago, which helped put a face to the band that teenagers everywhere desperately were looking for.
Touring behind their second record and opening at Darien Lake at the end of the month now for Buffalo’s own Goo Goo Dolls, the hard work is starting to pay off. I spoke to lead vocalist Will Anderson about the new album and what the band’s been up to since the last one.
What has happened since the last record came out?
We toured with Kelly Clarkson, The Script, Three Doors Down, Sarah McLaughlin. We toured, toured, toured and wrote our new record while we were in Europe. We came back and recorded it and we now our new record is finally out.
Speaking of your new album, which is called the Way It Was, what does this album mean to you? Did you take any new risks with this one?
I think it’s the next step for us. I think the touring situation helped us hone in on our sound a little more. It’s a big album—lyrically and the way it sounds. It’s an ambitious album and it is a good reflection of where we are as a band right now. A lot of bands don’t make a second album—and we are really happy with this one.
How has the crowd’s reactions been to the new material while on tour?
It has been great! It’s amazing to see the kids out there sing the words to songs that aren’t even out yet! After the shows, we kind of see what works with the crowd and what isn’t.
You played with a lot of bands—including your recent spot on the Goo Goo Dolls tour. Is there anything different with each band that you go out on tour with?
Some bands are hyper, some are always in your face, but we found that we adapt to pretty much anyone, especially when on tour.
You can catch Parachute opening live for the Goo Goo Dolls at Darien Lake Friday July 29. For more on parachute visit their web site: http://www.weareparachute.com/
