Between frontman and guitarist Davo Sounds, guitarist Viano, bassist Netta Sherrell, key player Nikki, drummer Paris Jmal, sax player Vante, trumpeter Wei, and trombonist Royce Turner, there’s no shortage of talent anywhere in Attack The Sound. And their latest single, “Pick Up Your Phone,” is the perfect triumphant showcase of what they can do! 

“I’m super excited to see what the world thinks of this single,” Davo tells TREMG. “It took me 3 years of recording (between an army deployment and Covid) to complete. I hope people dance and groove this summer.”

“Pick Up Your Phone” tackles a mildly unhealthy relationship where you know you “don’t belong,” but you still choose to “roll the dice” and try to fix things anyway. It’s full of hope and a positive outlook while also offering a bit of fear and frustration, mirroring the mindset of someone who’s questioning their place in a romance.

“It’s a story of taking risks for love and hoping for the best,” Paris shares. “That’s how life works in general, right?”

If you love “Pick Up Your Phone” as much as we do, the band has a boatload of more material for you to check out! “Bad News” and “Music Soul On Fire” are two tracks the band recommends the most. Both songs show off their range and unique sound, which combines influences like Jimi Hendrix and Fiona Apple in a sleek way that’s bound to get stuck in your head. 

You can find “Pick Up Your Phone” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Attack The Sound on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Keep reading for more from our conversation with this mind-blowing group.

Congrats on your new single, “Pick Up Your Phone!” How does it feel to finally share the song with the world?

Davo: I’m super excited to see what the world thinks of this single. It took me 3 years of recording (between an army deployment and Covid) to complete. I hope people dance and groove this summer.

Paris: It’s right on time for the summer. 

What does the song “Pick Up Your Phone” mean to you?

Davo: I wrote it in reflection of thinking your person was gonna leave you after something stupid. In reality, you know you should part ways, but you love to be with them so you won’t.

Paris: It’s a story of taking risks for love and hoping for the best. That’s how life works in general, right? 

Is there a certain lyric on “Pick Up Your Phone” that you’re particularly proud of?

Davo: When I close out the verses, I used the last word “YOU” as a transition and a start of a new line. I’m not sure what that is called, but I was always amazed when my poet friends would do that at Word Play Open Mic in Chicago.

Between the eight of you, there’s a ton of talent on the table, with Netta performing in SIX, Dave working on Karaoke Storytellers in Chicago, and more. How do you balance your personal projects with your work in the band?

Davo: I guess over time I just found a way to make it work. I’m a busybody so balancing multiple things is kinda natural to me.

Viano: It’s never been really difficult. The band allows and encourages self-fulfillment in my personal projects.

Niki: I don’t currently have a personal project per se, but I did put on my school’s first music program to celebrate black history which was rewarding for my students. Balancing that was challenging, but rehearsing with the band kept my morale high when working with high school students.

Paris: Being an audio engineer actually helps me keep a sharp ear. During our production phase, I try to be an asset along with other producers to create awesome recordings. 

Vante’: I think the band being supportive of everybody’s other crafts helps, and as long as you make time for each thing, it’ll work out.

Do your personal projects influence your work as a group? How do you approach the two differently?

Davo: For me, everything I do personally is training or preparation for my role as a frontman. I use my karaoke performances as a chance to test new covers and learn how to interact with all types of crowds.

Viano: Absolutely, I’m always looking for the true version of Viano through music. So, anything I play is that journey.

Paris: During our shows, I help keep things tight and on point during soundchecks. I work with a lot of different acts. Most bands have the flow of things in stone. The band trusts me to be creative with our show production. 

Vante’: Of course. I think everybody brings a different style that comes from different musical backgrounds. The things we contribute individually sometimes end up branching off as great group ideas.

Your sound merges retro flair with a cool modern feel. Who are some artists who influence you?

Davo: Some artists that influence my song and writing are as follows: Bruno Mar, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Leon Bridges, Kings of Leon, The Stylistics, The Killers, Kanye West, Lou Rawls, JC Brooks, Lake Street Dive, John Legend, Weeknd…

Niki: Fiona Apple, Sevdaliza, Beyonce and Solange, Audioslave, Michael Jackson, Pink, Evanescence, Rihanna, Nirvana, FKA Twigs, and too many others to choose from.

Vante’: If I’m just going with sax: Hank Mobley, Cannonball Adderley, Johnny Hodges.

If you could “Pick Up Your Phone” and talk to absolutely anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you want to talk about?

Davo: If I could talk to anyone, I would love to talk to Jay Z about signing us and Sam Cook about how he found a way to own his music and help black artists make an honest living in the era he did it.

Viano: At this moment I’d call Miles Davis to understand how he was so damn good at putting the right group together.

Niki: If I could talk to anyone, it would either be Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, or Eartha Kitt. I would ask if they could be my mentor and help me navigate life in general from the perspective of talented, black women who have lived dynamic lives.

Paris: I’d use a phone that can reach back in time so I can talk with myself. I’d let my younger self know to go all out, to never give up, and stay focused on your dreams. 

For anyone who isn’t familiar with your music already, which of your songs would you recommend to them to get a feel for who you are as a group?

Davo: If you are new to ATS, I’d definitely say to check out “Bad News” and “Love is War” to get a feel of who we are and what we sound like.

Viano: I always vibe with “Bad News” and “People Make Love.” Both tasty tunes that represent the sonic range we look to bring listeners.

Niki: I think “Love Is War” and “Music Soul On Fire” express our genre as an alternative R&B group very well. I’m a fan of alternative music, which doesn’t have a lot of black representation, so I appreciate these two songs in particular.

Paris: “Music Soul On Fire.” (Drops mic) 

Vante’: “Bad News,” “People Make Love,” and “Love Is War” are some of my favorites right now for sure.

We at TREMG love getting to know new artists who haven’t gotten the success or attention they deserve. Who are some of your favorite underrated artists at the moment?

Davo: Some of my favorite underrated artists right now are: Bianca Shaw, Prez Harris, and Doso.

Niki: I am a fan of a TikTok artist by the name of in.iko. Their music is of a futuristic, almost alien sound that I really enjoy.

Paris: SharmonJarmon!, Jupiter aka Hari J, Ami, Jerimiah Collier, The Philharmonik, and Bianca Shaw. 

Is there anything else you’d like to mention that the questions didn’t touch on?

Davo: Thank you for taking the time to read our interview. Please join the Sound Squad email list at soundsquad@attackthesoundmusic.com!