On Valentine's weekend, I had the honor to connect with Sleeping With Sirens' frontman Kellin Quinn and discuss his journey as an artist and songwriter in the midst of a pandemic. From being a stay-at-home teacher Dad, as he calls himself, and diving into various music projects including a solo project called Downer Inc, he has kept himself as productive as possible while simultaneously becoming the rock for his family.
The ongoing pandemic has left a lot of room for reflecting and growth for many people, and Kellin has directed his focus to being present in life.
"I've been trying to not let the outside world affect me and try to focus on what I can do," Kellin said. As far as the concept of 'doing' goes, he has recorded guest vocals on several records since the start of the pandemic. Kellin noted that one of his favorite collaborations has been with Florida-based band Magnolia Park on their single Love Me.
“It’s been keeping the gears moving in my brain as far as being able to be creative, and it’s awesome to be able to hear all the talented artists out there that are making really cool songs,” Kellin said.
Kellin mentioned that making music with all of these bands has been nice due to the fact that he hasn’t been able to see the members of Sleeping With Sirens for almost a year now. However, they are planning to hit the studio sometime in March to cook something up as a band.
How It Feels To Be Lost, released in September 2019, is the last album the band recorded together before the pandemic shut everything down. The album touched on themes of being at a low point and struggling to find yourself, but Kellin hopes the next album will be about finding yourself and being in a place of forgiveness.
“I want it to be a positive album and not so much a darker, kind of sad one, without it sounding too much like pop-punk,” Kellin continued. “As long as I can make that happen, that’s the goal.”
In addition to new music, Kellin has high hopes for touring once the world opens its doors again. After mentioning the upcoming 10 year anniversary of the iconic Let’s Cheers To This album, he discussed the possibility of a small intimate anniversary tour.
Kellin also highlighted some of his favorite tours he’s been on throughout his career.
“I really enjoyed being on tour with the Good Charlotte guys just because Benji and Joel [Madden] are two dudes that I look up to a lot,” Quinn stated, “I’ve also enjoyed the shows I’ve done with the Pierce The Veil guys because King For A Day has always been an awesome thing.”
Watch the full interview with Kellin below!
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