Backstage at the Beach: Artist Q&A from Oceans Calling and Country Calling

Ocean City Tourism: Welcome to Ocean City! Is it your first time here?

Vance Joy: Thank you! It is my first time here, yeah. It’s nice! I like it. My first impressions are that there’s a lot of mini golf, and sometimes you can have a ropes course connected to the mini golf, and a lot of crab shacks! I think the band is on a mini golf trip at the moment. It’s got a classic, nostalgic beach feeling to it, which is nice, so I feel relaxed. It’s super cool. I bought a t-shirt from the crab place I went, and I’m going to wear it on stage as a little nod to the town.

OC: Oh fun! Where did you go?

VJ: It was the place called… what’s the place across from Jolly Roger?

OC: Higgins?

VJ: Higgins! Yeah, I went to Higgins.

OC: Oh, they’ll love that! How was it?

VJ: It was good, yeah!

OC: So, when it comes to playing festivals like this, how is it different from playing a regular venue show?

VJ: It’s nice! It’s like a mix of people [in the audience]. There’s people that know you really well, people that know a couple of songs, and people that are waiting for the next act to come onto the same stage, so you kind of get a good mix. It can be a real lottery, but I kind of like that random energy of it.

Festivals are fun, and you can go see the bands after! I want to go see Weezer tonight. I love them, they’re a pretty influential band. It’s good, you know? And you can kind of get amongst the people and get a feel for the atmosphere of the festival which is always nice, as opposed to when you play a headline show. Here, you can go watch music, and it’s nice.

OC: Is there anything you do differently in terms of the setlist [at a festival]?

VJ: Yeah! Usually we play for one hour, which is perfect. So you try to keep it tight and keep good energy. Sometimes you feel like you want to tell a story or two between the songs, and you just react to the mood of the crowd and try to give them a good vibe and get some connection going. We’ve been away for 6 weeks doing a short tour and this is the last show. So, we’re relaxing and like “let’s just go out with a bang and have fun.”

OC: How has the tour been? What’s been a highlight?

VJ: Well, we’ve played some other cool festivals. We played Bourbon and Beyond, which was cool, and we went to St. Augustine, to a cool festival called Sing Out Loud. What’s a highlight? Movie night on the bus after the shows is fun, and going to the beach has been really nice as well.

OC: Very nice! Have there been any cool fan moments that have stuck out to you?

VJ: Yeah! Plenty. It’s been nice. During my show I’ve been going out to a little B stage and playing a few acoustic songs. Sometimes people hand me stuff, little gifts and letters and stuff, and I like to give my guitar picks to kids I see. Sometimes we have a range of ages, so I give a guitar pick and I like looking back at the photos and seeing that that lands well with the fans.

OC: What’s your pre-show ritual?

VJ: I do some voice warmups and hang with the band and get a bit of good energy going. Make some jokes, sing some covers with the band, and then we go out. It’s really chill. Honestly, we feel relaxed before we play.

OC: Have you heard of Thrasher’s?

VJ: Thrasher’s? What’s a thrasher?

OC: So, Thrasher’s is right up here on the boardwalk, and they have world famous french fries. So, if you want to try any Ocean City staples, that’s where you have to go. Orange crushes are another one. Have you heard of those?

VJ: No, I haven’t heard of Thrasher’s or orange crushes, so that’s my combo.

OC: That’s your combo!

Ocean City Tourism: How was today’s set? How was the energy of the crowd?

T.J. Haslett (Drums): It was awesome!

Nick Reider (Trumpet): Yeah, the crowd was great.

TJH: Yeah, this time it was packed before we even got on stage!

Will Lopez (Saxophone): It was really cool, especially that it started raining right before our set and people stayed. It’s cool to be working and working and finally seeing people coming out to support it and appreciating it.

TJH: Yeah, and people come out for other bands and it’s cool to show them our music too.

OC: Any cool fan moments?

NR: As soon as we were done, there were 15-20 people grabbing stuff and getting it off [the stage] because the changeover for bands is quick. I grabbed the setlist, because a lot of fans like to have it, and I just randomly gave it to a woman. She goes “Today is our anniversary! We came here to see you!” She started crying, asked me to sign the setlist, and then took a photo with me. It was really cool.

TJH: We get a lot of that. Brandon’s lyrics I think help people a lot.

WL: Yeah it’s a lot of mental health stuff, and Brandon touches on a lot of subjects that are very relatable. You have people take it to heart, and the show is more than a concert. It means something. It’s an emotional connection, which is really cool.

We have a song called “Optimism in F#.” In the middle of it, Brandon gives this speech about depression and anxiety, and then he asks everybody to give each other a hug. It’s a really cool, human moment. Every single show, I jump down and connect with the audience. That’s something that I think about a lot. I remember [it] from all of the sets that we do, whether we’re playing the smallest club or a festival stage like this. It’s a big moment for me and for everybody in the audience. One big moment of connection. That’s just my favorite moment of the set, every time. Especially on big days like this, to look out and see all of these people and connect with them that way is so, so cool.

OC: How do you think the festival set changes compared to playing a regular show?

TJH: There’s definitely a timecrunch. We have limited time, so we have to think about how the set’s gonna flow.

WL: How the set’s gonna flow, what’s high energy that’s going to keep people moving and excited. And also the hits to bring new fans in.

TJH: On the fly stuff too. It started raining, and Brandom was like “We should do ‘Dancing in the Rain.’” Stuff like that.

OC: I know you play in Ocean City a lot, so do you have any favorite places to visit when you’re here?

TJH: I like the boardwalk and the beach. My family came here a couple times, and that was pretty cool.

NR: I come down a good bit with the different bands I play in. My wife and I always go to The Shark when we can. We feel like it’s the best restaurant in town. We try to go down to Assateague National Park because there’s nothing like that place, really in the world, with the beach and horses and the environment.

WL: I’m from Frederick, and for a lot of people in that area, this is where they come every summer. You go to Ocean City, the parents go out, and the kids go to the arcades. Since we’ve come back a couple times, I think one of my favorite things is Dumser’s for the ice cream and the burgers.

OC: What’s one word to describe playing a show in Ocean City?

TJH: Probably rowdy.

WL: I agree with rowdy. Ocean City exists for people to have fun. It’s the entire point of this town. So we come through, and everybody is ready.

TJH: Yeah, it’s a fun time.

NR: Enjoyable!

Ocean City Tourism: Have you ever been to Ocean City before?

BEL: No, it’s my first time and it’s so beautiful!

OC: You’re from the West Coast, so how does it feel to be on the Atlantic Ocean?

BEL: It’s beautiful. The beaches are so different here. The sand is so fine, and it’s just so beautiful.

OC: And the Rockville stage is so cool, right on the beach. How did it feel to look out and see that?

BEL: It was so cool. I didn’t know that it was going to be directly on the beach like that. Like I didn’t know that people were going to be set up with towels and everything and I was like this is a perfect festival, truly.

OC: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines?

BEL: Usually I’ll do a vocal warm up. And then, if it’s me by myself, I’m just getting in the zone and taking deep breaths. If I have a band, like today, I have this, like, pre-show chant that we do together, and then we go out there.

OC: Why is it important to you to incorporate your heritage in your songs?

BEL: That’s my identity! I grew up speaking Spanish and English in a bilingual household and I knew when I started writing songs that I eventually wanted to have some Spanish incorporated into my music. My mom is Argentinian and she would sing to us in Spanish growing up, so music and Spanish have always been sort of connected for me.

OC: What was your favorite part about your set today?

BEL: Everyone had just great energy, so it was really fun to look at everyone. There were so many ages too. That was awesome. I just had so much fun.

OC: Do you think playing a festival on the beach allows the crowd to digest your music differently?
BEL: Totally. It felt like everyone was in a really chill energy and ready to just, like, sway along and get into it. I definitely think the beach affected that, for sure. The breeze was so nice. I felt like I had my own fan like Beyonce or something!

OC: Which one of your songs do you think matches the vibe of Ocean City?

BEL: I think “Party Tricks” was really fun. I feel like everyone was dancing to that one a lot. Also “Are You Okay?” That one went really went crazy for everyone. Either of those two.

Ocean City Tourism: How do you think the weekend’s going? What do you think of Ocean City so far?

Rachel Ana Dobken: Ocean City is really cool. As a kid from the shore in New Jersey, it feels like a combination of all of the shore towns. It’s like AC, Long Branch, Seaside, Asbury… it’s like everything, which is super cool. It definitely has its own flavor, and everybody here has been so kind. And the festival’s been amazing. Yesterday was just an insanely amazing day, and it just went by so fast.

OC: How do you think fan interactions contribute to your music?

RAD: It’s interesting because I do think art, at the end of the day, all comes down to fans. A lot of people showed up for our set, and we played relatively early. I just felt the love. They were clapping, they were singing, and I just thought… how is this… I’ve never played here before! It’s just the magic of working hard and letting it be, and hoping that you put it out there and it’ll find people.

OC: How do your clothing style and music style mix?

RAD: I always say it’s definitely influenced by the music. I’m a visual artist too so I think a lot about branding and, like, how I want to present myself. There’s always a stigma like “oh, you’re a female singer/songwriter.” And it’s like “no, I’m a female rock musician. There’s a big difference, you know? I would say my music is inspired by a lot of 70s rock, and that’s kind of, I guess, the style of the outfits. These are Free People bell bottoms that I studded myself. And the back of this vest too. The star came from a drum head.

OC: We loved when you got on the drums during your set!

RAD: For me, I always knew I was a drummer but I also love playing the guitar equally as much. I think it’s important for me as a front woman to be able to do both. It’s a huge part of the show, and it’s not always something I can do live, but when I can, it’s really important to me.

OC: Can you tell us a bit about your musical journey?

RAD: I was always singing and playing guitar when I was in high school, but I was very shy. I sort of wanted to do it really young as a child, but I had really bad stage fright, so I was like “alright, I don’t know if this is for me.” And then when I got to college and was more confident in myself I started studying music and was like “oh, this is 100% what I’m supposed to be doing.” But, it’s never too late. I’m 35 and started fronting my band 10 years ago. I don’t think it’s ever too late to start. Walk your own path. So many people have told me “well, are you a drummer or are you a guitar player?” And it’s like… “yes! I’m both.” There are no rules to this.

OC Tourism: How was your set? How do you think the crowd was today?

Luke Borchelt: Great! Hearing everybody sing “ Ocean City” was nuts. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played for in my life, and everybody was fired up. It was awesome. My parents are here, all my aunts, uncles. All of our family came out when we found out we were going to play.

OC: Being from Maryland, how does it feel to play a festival like this?

LB: I had a list of goals last year, and I said I want to play Merriweather for Saturday in the Country [festival], and I want to play Country Calling. I mean, those are the biggest things you can do as a country artist in this state. So, it’s unreal. To be someone that’s from here and playing at this festival means a lot. I hope it’s not the last time.

OC: What are your favorite spots in Ocean City?

LB: M.R. Ducks, Seacrets… It’s always Thrasher’s Fries for me. Gotta have my Fisher’s Popcorn. We keep Fisher’s Old Bay flavor in my house always. Goes insane.

OC: What do you think that everybody should know about Ocean City?

LB: I think the locals here really care about the town. People that grew up here. People don’t think about the residential, year round scene, and I’m just getting to learn about the year-round spots.

OC: A lot of people don’t realize that there is still a lot to do [in the off season]. Some things do shut down, but there is so much to enjoy no matter what time of year you come.

LB: I want to come in the winter and see what’s going on!

OC: Obviously the inspiration behind your song “Ocean City” is the town itself, but what made you want to write that song?

LB: I think I just try to write about what I know—Maryland places, Maryland stories. I wrote the song with Rich LaFleur. He’s another Maryland country artist. We were down in Asheville, and we’re constantly missing home. The beach when it’s cold, I feel like that’s such a strong image. I remember coming to Ocean City in October, November when it starts to get cold and you’ve got your sweatshirts on. That’s where the song came from.

OC: What’s upcoming for you?
LB: I’m going to drop a song before the end of the year, for sure.

Ocean City Tourism: Welcome to Ocean City! Is it your first time here?

Colton Bowlin: Yeah. It’s been a blast. It’s a dream come true for me. The first festival and second show we’ve played as a band, so I had a heck of a time.

OC: How did the band all come together?

CB: Met my managers in Atlanta and they introduced me to the band. We had a couple sessions and practices and played our first gig a couple of weeks ago. Kind of went from there, and now we’re taking it on the road.

OC: How did the set go? What stood out to you?

CB: The amount of people that kept coming in and showing up. They seemed to really dig it, so that meant a lot to me. It was awesome. I couldn’t really believe I was here when I was up there playing.

OC: How does it feel to be at a festival like this with artists like Luke Combs and Luke Bryan?

CB: It feels good. It feels like hard work is paying off, and I think I’m heading in the right direction. I feel really blessed.

OC: Since it’s your first time in Ocean City, do you have any first impressions?

CB: I love it here. I even talked about moving here. I’d probably buy a place. But I love it so far. It’s been pretty killer.

OC: Have you gotten to see the town or explore a little bit?

CB: Yeah, we went through town. I couldn’t tell you exactly where we were, but I enjoyed it. I like it all. It’s a lot of pretty scenery. We had some pretty good seafood and stuff. It’s a really great spot here.

OC: I know you have an EP coming out in 6 days, so what are you most looking forward to?

CB: I really think people will like it, because I really enjoy it. I’m my worst critic, so for me to really like it, I think everybody else will. I’m just excited to get it out to them. It’s a big step forward for me. Just signed with a label, so I’m excited to see the results.

OC: Since you already have one album out, has your music evolved at all or have you learned anything along the way?

CB: Yeah, I mean, playing with all of these different people and opening for these different acts, it’s all great experience I’m taking in, from guitar playing to learning tips. Everything has been a learning experience and it’s been great. I can’t believe it.

OC: Do you have any pre-show routines?

CB: Just kind of jam out and sit there and get ready. I hate to wait to play. I’m really anxious. I don’t really get nervous, but if the band’s around, I’ll jam with them like we did today. Take it easy until I’m called on stage.

OC: Which of your songs is your favorite to perform?

CB: Probably “Time for Sale.” It’s one that's coming out on the upcoming record at the start of next year, and it’s a real personal song to me. With the band behind it, it really plays out how it’s supposed to in my eyes and my ears. It’s just a really personal song to me, so I like that one a lot.

OC: Do you have a song that you think best matches the vibe of playing here in Ocean City?

CB: Probably some of the stuff off the EP that’s coming out—“Turn the Page” or “How to Be Me,” the title track. I never thought I’d see people singing my songs, but it’s been awesome.

OC: What do you think you’ll remember most from today?

CB: Just what a good time I had. It’s probably one of the best shows I’ve played and feelings I’ve gotten from it. Overall, one of the best experiences that you can have, I think, playing a show. Beautiful view, great weather, great people, and great artists to be lined up with. Just an absolute blessing. Probably the good time that I had is what I’ll remember most about it. 

Ocean City Tourism: Tell us how you’re feeling about playing at Country Calling!

Jimmy Charles: It’s amazing to be back! I’m so happy for Ocean City. I live in Nashville, but Ocean City will always be home. It’s great to come back and spend time with family and friends. And my gosh, the lineup with three days now of country music… my heart is melting. To be able to be a part of that, I’m just so grateful. People showed up again today and I just felt the love in the room. I felt the hometown love, and my son got to come out and sing the song that I wrote for him when he was born, and I about lost it. It was a rollercoaster. It was fun!

OC: How does it feel to be performing here on the main stage in your hometown?

JC: It just feels so good. I’m the only returning artist, and that’s because people showed up early last time. They moved me to the bigger stage, which is a great feeling. It’s like “you did good, and now we’re going to put you on a bigger stage.”

OC: So other than the Boot stage, I’m sure, what’s your favorite venue to play in Ocean City?

JC: I love to play Bourbon Street on the Beach! My friends own that place, and we actually do a ticketed event there now to benefit different needs in the community. That’s a completely different thing than this, but the good thing is that those intimate shows are kind of more honky tonk. I’m up on the bar, and everybody is right there, and we’re just partying and having a good time.

OC: What kind of message do you want people to leave with after your show?

JC: We want people to feel, but also have fun. “Don’t Let the Devil In” is a rockin’ song, but it’s got a great message. “Never Had a Bad Day,” that’s a rockin’ song, but it’s got a great message. I’ve always used my platform, even when it was smaller, to do good things in the world, lift people up, and help needs within the community. The world needs good. If I can get up on a stage like this and have a positive message, that makes me feel better.

OC: Do you want to talk about growing up and getting started in Ocean City?

JC: I think everybody who knows me knows how much I love Maryland and Ocean City, and I take you guys wherever I go. I’m always bragging about how beautiful it is here. Growing up at the beach really has inspired a lot of the different music, even if it’s not talking about the beach. I write a lot of songs when I go to the beach. Nashville is a great home, but the lakes aren’t the same as the ocean. I’m pinching myself. To get to do this in front of the hometown crowd on the beach… life is good.