Common Grounds is a band from Los Angeles, California. Moving from Northern California to hopefully transition into the next big step of their music, they were hoping to find people who shared the same interest in music. They wanted to also find others that were equally passionate and dedicated about their musical endeavors as they were. What they came to find was worse than what they had dreamed it would be.

After searching out a place on Craigslist and eventually having the intentions of moving in as discussed with said owner of the place, it turned out to be a scam. They were then left out in the streets, without money and homeless. The band members had no choice but to live out of their van while working full time and still trying to pursue the dream of making music together. Sadly, they are still living in their van working tirelessly to make ends meet, but they remain optimistic on what the future holds for them. That is what I call dedication and heart into a project you really believe in. It also helps to share that same passion with friends who are willing to do whatever it takes.

They are currently saving their expenses for their EP release due in November. If you dig what you hear, support them. Like many of us they have dreams, and sometimes all that is needed to be known is that someone cares enough to go to your shows or buy your music. Sometimes even just listening and sharing it with others can be enough. Though it doesn’t make the job any easier, it helps to know that there is a purpose for why we do what we do in this world. Happy Listening!

What is the name of your band? What did your band’s name come to mean? Did you go through a series of changes before you decided, “Yes, this is the one.”

We are Common Grounds.

It pretty much means when people come together to make something happen.

We haven't changed the band’s name before.

That’s a pretty positive outlook to the band’s name. I like how something so simple can mean so much. What are your bands influences and what would you consider yourselves to be?

Pop rock, emo alternative, pop punk, blues. Nevershoutnever, Silverstein, simple plan, mayday parade, a day to remember, The Holdup, and the list goes on forever and ever.

Very into all those genres. Silverstein and Simple Plan really do bring me back. Honestly really good bands. So every band has a time and place where it all started. Where was yours?

We met each other in high school in 2010 but we actually grew up together in the same trailer park without knowing.We formed our band in March of 2016 after moving to Los Angeles.Before Common Grounds, we were in our past band Lost In Lights.

After four years of playing shows, touring, and working together we realized music is what we want to pursue in hopes of playing music full time.

We are currently an independent band but who knows what the future holds.

Ah, I see, very interesting. I can appreciate your surroundings growing up wise. Because like me not many people live in pretty suburban neighborhoods. People can have houses and stuff but that doesn’t mean it’s a great place to live. I feel it really does shape you and have a worldlier outlook on things growing up and on music that is created. I like your music a lot so I see a bright future for you guys. OK, so on to a really fun question. What kinds of instruments do you play?

As a drummer, I like using TRX cymbals and Vater drumsticks.

I one day hope to get a Truth drum kit but as for hardware and such, I'm open to use whatever's available. I chose TRX cymbals because they have a great sound to them and the durability is unbelievable. I choose Vater drumsticks because they are super durable as well and because of how innovative they are as a company.

When it comes to music, the final decision on purchasing something comes down to whatever specific opinion I have on that product.

It's never the cost, style or color but more so the specific sound, durability or quality.

No, I see what you are saying, it really does come down to what suits you sound wise and quality wise. Nice choices of instruments. So as a band where has this journey taken you traveling wise? I guess what I mean to ask is where have you performed and do you have any favorites?

We have performed all over California at places like our hometown venue the boardwalk In Sacramento, the house of blues in Hollywood, Jerry’s pizza in Bakersfield and we've also played our fair share of house shows and venues that have come and gone in our hometown.

Our favorite venue we've played is the boardwalk for sure. We've had some great memories there and played some really cool shows.

We don't have any shows lined up at the moment but we're scheduled to record our EP in November so right now we're just focused on getting ready for the release, but stay tuned because we will be playing shows following the release.

We have some ideas in mind for covering songs but we haven't played a show yet.

I have never been to California, but I hope to soon. The Boardwalk sounds cool so I will have to take your word on that, seems like you guys have a good time in that spot. Aside from that I guess what I want to talk about now is songwriting. Who writes your songs and what do you tend to write about most?

I would say the theme in most of our music is to follow what you love to do and live life to the fullest. We grow up way to fast to think back about what we haven't done. Topics can change overtime but I will always write about things that can be inspiring or helpful to people going through a tough time.

We all write our own parts to our songs, (i.e. I play drums so I write the drum parts. Mikey sings so he writes the lyrics and so forth with the other members).

Ah cool, I like how each person really takes ownership of what they produce. I guess that goes without saying in a band, but there are rare occasions where one person is the brains of the operation and the rest just kind of follow that structure. Which I guess brings me to the next question. What is the process when you guys get together and write a song?

Our music making process starts usually from a full song written on guitar then everyone else starts making their parts to the song.

How has your music changed or evolved into what it is now? I know it’s a little early for that question but a band just doesn’t come to be when you start shows. There is a lot of backstage stuff, meaning writing songs and practicing together etc., so there is still some growing that is done during that phase I would say.

Our music has evolved over time by us starting this band coming from different genres such as post hardcore, pop punk, indie and such.

What is your biggest challenge as a band so far? What have you done to overcome such challenges? I realize this may still be too early to answer, but I am sure there has to be something that comes as a struggle for you guys as a band. Nothing good comes easy, I’m sure that is true for your band as well.

Our biggest challenge as a band has been moving to LA and working full time while also maintaining our band.

We hope to one day quit our jobs to focus on music full time but as for now we're still in music making process and such.

The ultimate direction for our band would be playing music full time for people who enjoy our music and support us.

We hope to inspire people to follow their dreams no matter how hard or scary you think it might be.

Work hard and don't give up or let someone or something get in the way of what you want because hard work does pay off in the end.