"Self Control" during Quarantine with South Florida's 'The Carmics'

Engaging with creativity and music making during quarantine, The Carmics have released their debut music video for their sophomore track, “Kids.” Singer, Mattias Herreman’s inspiration for this track came by an idea that everyone, especially adolescents find escape in music.

Listen to The Carmics’ new single "Kids' out now on all streaming platforms!

Lead guitarist, Nick Gerarci, and singer and bassist, Mattias Herreman, began their music project in Orlando, Florida in 2017, where they meddled in the local music scene. Drummer, Pedro Romanelli, formerly of 'Castafellas,’ joined the group and altered their sound with a heavy Punk influences. Soon after, guitarist, Cairo O’ Toole, formerly of ‘The Takers and Leavers’, joined the group. With Cairo's melodic heavy guitar style and Nick's raw rhythm tone, their musical collaboration was cohesive from the beginning.

The Carmics released their track, "Self Control" in December 2019 and have been writing new music since their first song release. Previous to the COVID pandemic, the group were playing shows throughout Central and South Florida. They planned to debut their track, "Kids" at the end of March but recording stopped due to the pandemic. The group continues to write tracks for their upcoming album and are planning to release upcoming singles. The Carmics spoke with SoundBite Magazine about their recording process, favorite records, and provided advice for fellow musicians.

How did the band discover and decide on the name "The Carmics?” Is there a meaning behind the band's name?

The Carmics: Once the band went through it’s final lineup change we decided it would be a good time to start fresh. We all brainstormed on our own time but it wasn’t until Nick spat the idea “Carmic.” Like any good band name we slapped a “The” at the beginning and made it plural. “Carmic” was a combination of our names: Cairo, Matt, and Nick. Pedro’s name just didn’t sound right.  

How did the band meet and begin collaborating on music?

The Carmics: While under Harbor Drive, we established a friendship with former band “Castafellas.” Once Castafellas fell through we all knew we needed to snag Pedro as soon as possible. He joined the band and his drumming style changed our sound. We began writing, releasing our debut single “Self Control.” During this period of time we began another friendship with former lead guitarist of “The Takers and Leavers” band member, Cairo O’Toole. Not long after he officially joined the band and we became the four piece we are today.

What is your creative process for recording? How do you record your music (at home? in a recording studio? What's your 'diy' process?

The Carmics: Matt usually starts off the process by writing a stripped down version of the song. He’ll then bring the track to the rest of the band and they’ll jam it out for a session or two. The song usually ends up being built this way. Before Covid, we would test out the new tracks at live shows and see their response. Once we’re fully comfortable with it we’ll go record in Orlando with Ian Matheson, our producer/engineer. 

Could you walk us through your songwriting process for "Kids" and "Self Control?"

The Carmics: “Self Control” was an experience. At the time we were all living in apartments in Orlando. With no real practice space we ended up building a makeshift rehearsal room in a tool shed behind a chicken coup. One hot Summer day, the band decided to invite Lucy to the writing session. Let’s just say it was a real trip. Thus the birth of “Self Control.” Matt had written a chorus and some verses for “Kids” after having the melody stuck in his head. He invited the band members over to the house and they jammed out the track in hours. One of the smoothest song writing sessions we’ve had so far. 

How would you describe your music to first listeners discovering your music?

The Carmics: A high energy combo of Punk, Pop, and Classic Rock influences. With aspects of our own personal taste, we try to embellish our individual sound in the scene.

What inspired each band member to pursue music? Are the bands or artists that inspired you? 

Pedro:  Drumming began as an instinctual thing for me. I was always banging on random furniture until my parents bought me a drum set at age 5. I played the same beat and fill for about two years until I got bored and gave up. I had forgotten about drumming until around 8th grade when I created my first band, Castafellas, an Alternative Rock/Punk Rock trio. After half a decade of exploring the Florida music scene the project came to an end. I immediately joined The Carmics, The Greyt Adventure, and The Boas. My style is greatly influenced by drummers such as Tre Cool, Loniel Robinson, and Anderson Paak. As well as all the musicians I’ve had the pleasure of Jamming with.  

Matt: My story is quite funny actually. I never imagined I would want to be a musician let alone perform live. Back in high school, public speaking and presenting projects in front of the class was always nerve racking to me. I had basic knowledge on how to play guitar since I picked it up as a hobby during my freshman year. It was a very on and off hobby. I learned from my sister's boyfriend at the time, Nick, who you now know as my present bandmate. Fast-forwarding to my senior year where my ex-girlfriend invited me to a local band’s show. Their name was Castafellas. After seeing them perform and especially seeing how Pedro presented himself behind the drum kit, I knew I wanted to be in a band. I then hit up the only musician I personally knew, Nick, and we began our musical career side by side. 

Nick: My grandfather was in a country band in the 1950s and 1960s that played around the Midwest United States. Both my parents worked when I was a kid, so I spent a lot of time at his house hearing his stories and listening to him make music on piano and guitar. He was entirely self taught and that inspired me to go out on my own and learn as much as I can about music. When I moved to Texas in 2006, I found my mom's flamenco guitar from the 70s. Coincidentally, a new guitar store called "Dale's Guitar Shop" opened up in my neighborhood at the same time. I found a lot of inspiration from my guitar instructor, Keith Amyx, who turned me on to acts like ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughan. That, combined with my personal influences of Robby Krieger and Slash molded the way I play guitar today. 

Cairo: My dad was in the business so the idea of being a musician was always in the back of my mind. I was sort of raised around musical instruments; ever since I hit about 10 I got hooked, and I tried to learn every riff and solo I could to emulate some of the guitar heroes I admired at the time: Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmour, and Jimmy Page. Later I started diving into other territories: Brit Rock from the 60’s and groove-based music like Motown and Funk. I guess most of my musical style lies within the realm of Alternative/Indie and Garage Rock: The Smiths, Joy Division, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cure, Beck, Pixies, as well as NYC Post-Punk revival from the Strokes to Interpol and lots of other 00’s Alternative.

What are the group's goals or plans for this upcoming year?

The Carmics: Hoping that we can return to playing live shows soon. Consistently releasing our new singles will be at the top of our priority. As well as creating music videos and more content for our supporters. 

What are your tips on staying focused during the pandemic and quarantine?

The Carmics: Honestly we haven’t even got this down yet, it’s a frustrating time especially for musicians. Keep your head up and stick to what makes you a musician, music. Keep writing, keep making songs, use social media as your playground. SPREAD YOUR MUSIC.

What's your advice on learning a new instrument? How did each band member start learning how to play music?

The Carmics: Practice, practice, practice, practice. Learn the songs you love. Learn them slowly and then build up your speed. Stay loose, playing instruments is supposed to be soothing and fun, don’t be tense! 

Matt: My uncle gave me his acoustic guitar when I was in 7th grade. I learned “Island in the Sun” by Weezer and then put the guitar down for a couple years. Nick came around and became my guitar mentor. 

Nick: Find something you WANT to learn. Pick your favorite song and take your time learning it. It's much more fun to learn “Welcome to the Jungle” than it is “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Patience is a virtue. 

Cairo: I think a great way to learn an instrument is to learn to play songs that you like- that way, practice becomes just “playing.” But you have to love it enough to want to put time and effort into learning and improving whatever it is you’re playing- Forced practice becomes a chore, but you won’t advance without really trying and pushing yourself.

Pedro: Be your own drill sergeant! You won't learn unless you put in the time, so make sure you're passionate and dedicated. I hate feeling unconfident playing live, my bandmates are counting on me to be knowledgeable. 

What are your recommendations on staying engaged with your fans on social media?

The Carmics: Stay consistent. Have a posting schedule and try to stick to it. Don’t kill yourself for missing a day or two. Ask fans questions, do polls, get them involved in the band. Most importantly, FEED THEM MUSIC. 

What are your suggestions on finding band members to start a band that also collaborate with your musical vision?

The Carmics: Start by reaching out to people you know who are musicians. The next step would be putting up flyers and hitting up people you think could have potential. It’s going to be hard finding perfect band mates who agree with every aspect of your taste. But that's part of being in a band. You’ll work through it, have ups and downs, but at the end of the day you’re a family and you’re all in the same place to do the same thing. 

Check out SoundBite’s playlist curated by the Carmics on Spotify:

What are your top 5 favorite records?

Matt : “Konk” The Kooks, “Tell Me I’m Pretty” Cage The Elephant, “Abbey Road” The Beatles, “What Do You Think About the Car?” Declan Mckenna, “Acid Rap” Chance the Rapper

Nick : In no particular order…"L.A. Woman" by The Doors, "Time" by Electric Light Orchestra, "Something/Anything" by Todd Rundgren, "Illmatic" by Nas, "Come on Pilgrim/Surfer Rosa" by Pixies

Cairo: “Turn On the Bright Lights” - Interpol, “Room on Fire” - The Strokes, “The Sound of The Smiths” - The Smiths, “Strange Days” - The Doors, “Parachutes” - Coldplay (like I told Matt I’d be fake if I didn’t)

Pedro: “Whatever People Say I Am, I Am Not” by Arctic Monkeys, “Caress Your Soul” by Sticky Fingers, “Swimming” by  Mac Miller, “So Long And Thanks” by Milmine, ‘The Break Up Album” New Port

Which songs would describe your experience during the pandemic/quarantine?

Matt: “Hunger” - Florence + the Machine

Nick: That song from Donnie Darko...all around me are familiar faces, worn out places, going nowhere…

Pedro: “Chronic Sunshine” - Comso Pyke 

Cairo: “Cruel Summer” - Banarama 

Who are your favorite local bands that you think people should know about?

The Carmics: The Haunt, Mustard Service, Bruvvy, American Love Story, The Summit, The Greyt Adventure, The Boas. 

What are your favorite places to dine/take out in South Florida?

Matt: POC American Sushi Buffet

Nick: Skyline Chili in Sunrise. I'm a Cincinnati native so I have to represent.

Cairo: Tijuana Flats plz.

Pedro: My House. 

Could you share your favorite photo of you as a kid? and your favorite childhood memory?

Matt: When we were around 12 years old my dad would always take me and my best friend Alejandro (2000hd) to Burger King on Fridays. We would always race to the stop of the playground they have installed there and brutally throw each other down the climbing ropes. Always would end up with rope burns and bruises. It was a fun yet chaotic time. 

Nick: My grandfather used to always sit around and play guitar and sing old western songs. To this day, I'll still bump "Big Iron" by Marty Robbins.

Cairo:  I’m 12 in the picture actually (look at those bangs baby) but my 10th birthday was definitely one of my favorite memories, my parents took me to Disneyland and we stayed in this nice hotel. I remember thinking it was the coolest thing cause I didn’t expect it at all.  

Check out The Carmics on: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Spotify / Photography

Coverage by Veronica Potes @veropoteart

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