TAKERS LEAVERS | UNSIGNED SPOTLIGHT
FOR FANS OF: Hail The Sun, Every Time I Die, Bilmuri, Thousand Below
Introducing Takers Leavers; the Costa Mesa post-hardcore quintet featuring vocalist/guitarist David Baqi, bassist Karem Idrees, drummer Lannis McDonald, and guitarists Mayauel Garavito and Robby Friend
Forming in 2016 after a phase of line up changes, the band has released two EPs to date (2016 “Filthy Animals” and 2018 “Break & Bloom”). With songs like “Fist to Wall” and “Lost and Found”, the band proves to offer a dynamic sound which varies between aggressive riffs, powerful melodies and lyrics, to hauntingly memorable choruses. After establishing themselves in their local scene, TL began to hit the road in 2019 with other up and coming bands like Elk Grove, Atticus Finch, and Nature Talk. In early 2020, they released a new single titled “Act 1: Quiet / Chaos” paving way for a more matured sound.
Since the band’s formation, Takers Leavers have worked with producers Adam Sisco (Infinite Signal, James Deberg), Andrew Wade (Wage War, Miss May I), and Paul Leavitt (Have Mercy, Hundredth). The band have also released a number of visually stunning music videos collaborating with Amber Paredes, Kyler Suchery, and William Barber.
We sat down with Takers Leavers to discuss the band’s biggest influences, dream tours, and why YOU need to be paying attention to them right now.
WHY DO OUR READERS NEED TO CHECK YOU OUT?
“We really enjoy the music we write together and think the readers of Caliber TV would love it too! Also, someone once said that if you listen to our songs backwards, you can hear the voice of Morgan Freeman reciting a recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from memory. So, that’s pretty cool.”
WHAT IS THE ONE SONG OUR READERS NEED TO LISTEN TO AND WHY?
“Up until now, we’d all probably say “Fist to Wall” off of our second EP “Break & Bloom.” But since we have some new music coming out, check out “Act 1: Quiet / Chaos” and PUT UR SEATBELT ON PLZ”
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES IN/OUT OF THE SCENE?
“In our home town, our friends in these bands inspire us beyond words: Differences, SET SIGHTS, Fairwell, The Arson Choir, Within Reach, Them Evils
Out of the scene, we love the teachings of many philosophers but our biggest influences are each other. We try and better ourselves as well us our surroundings as often as possible, and as the saying says, ‘You are the company you keep.’”
WHEN SHOWS EVENTUALLY RETURN, WHY SHOULD NEW FANS COME SEE YOU LIVE?
“Our stage energy! Some of us are gear nuts so we take extra care with our live sound. We think we sound pretty tight! Also, we’re really nice people and LOVE meeting new friends. What’s that?? You like video games and anime? SO DO WE.”
DREAM ARTIST(S) TO TOUR WITH IN THE FUTURE?
“We would LOVE to tour with Sleep Token, Dayseeker, Every Time I Die, and Spiritbox to name a few!”
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