Get To Know: Grouplove

Empty Lighthouse had the opportunity to catch up with the Los Angeles based band, Grouplove, as a preview to their show in St. Louis next Tuesday.

The band includes five members: Christian Zucconi on vocals and guitar, Hannah Hooper on vocals and keyboard, Sean Gadd on vocals and the bass, Andrew Wessen on vocals and the guitar, and Ryan Rabin on the drums. Grouplove's catchy and upbeat tunes fall into a few different genres of music, including alternative rock, indie-pop and indietronica.

Ever since forming in 2009, the band has been known to put on lively performances, which instantly landed them headlining slots at popular music festivals around the world.

Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooze, Outside Lands and Glastonbury all soaked in the love and entertainment from Grouplove's acts.

The band released their debut album Never Trust a Happy Song, was released in 2011 and made it to the top 5 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart, focused and geared to new and developing acts.

The album featured the band's debut singles "Colours" and "Tongue Tied" which both gained much positive praise and success.

Want to get to know Grouplove better? Look no further than reading out recent interview with the awesome band, answered by Ryan Rabin, drummer of the band.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you get your start in music?
GROUPLOVE: I began piano lessons when I was about 8 years old, and that eventually turned into writing songs, then playing drums, then recording and producing music.

It all starts with the piano.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you come up with the name "Grouplove"?
GROUPLOVE: We met on the Isle of Crete four years ago, and referred to ourselves as "the group", then when keeping in touch afterwards, we would sign off our emails "group love all around".

That soon became "Grouplove".

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you consider your musical influences?
GROUPLOVE: We all have very different musical influences, but personal I grew up on everything from prog rockers YES, to Michael Jackson, to Nine Inch Nails.

We all have fairly broad musical tastes.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you listen to in your spare time?
GROUPLOVE: Usually we listen to what our friends or tour-mates are working on because you're just naturally around each other so much, that its exciting to share what you're doing with the people you're living and travelling with.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What has been your most memorable experience while touring?
GROUPLOVE: The shows themselves are the most memorable moments. The connection with the fans is better than any silly late night party story.

But, that said, one time in Portugal I accidently stumbled into Coldplay's dressing room.

we had just played right before them at a festival, and may have stolen a pair of Chris Martin's custom bath slippers that happened to be laying around. Oops!

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
GROUPLOVE: Whoever sounds the least like our band at the time. its always the polar opposites that make the best collaborations.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you want with you?
GROUPLOVE: Massive supplies of food, water and porn

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What advice would you give to other young people looking to succeed in the industry?
GROUPLOVE: My only advice would be to try and keep the process as spontaneous and natural as possible.

The moment you start over thinking and planning a creative process to result in something preconceived, it can sound like just that - contrived.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: When you hit a creativity block, what re-inspires you?
GROUPLOVE: The five of us have all hit creative strides at different moments. When its all at once, a great song usually comes out of it.

If one of us isn't feeling all that creative, another band member usually brings that creativity back out there.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How do you balance your music along with your personal life and other obligations?
GROUPLOVE: It's impossible.

It's a very unique lifestyle and not for everyone. The personal sacrifices are huge, but the benefit of doing what you love for a living is worth it.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Did you ever want to pursue a career other than music?
GROUPLOVE: Personally, I'm really obsessed with soccer, specifically English football.

It would be nice to have a little side career of being a massive football star. Too bad I lack the athletic ability needed for that.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: what are your upcoming plans in regards to more touring, releases and recording?
GROUPLOVE: After our St.

Louis show, we are doing the Big Day Out Festival in Australia in January, then immediately going to Japan for a few shows, and then immediately back to Europe for another two week tour.

After that, our US headlining tour starts, and including some more US festival dates, which should take us into next summer.

To stay up-to-date with Grouplove, be sure to follow them on their website, http://www.grouplovemusic.com, and catch them at a show coming to a city near you!