by mariah estran
Kharen Hill
NYC pop trio Running Lights are no strangers to the music industry. From engineering to touring with big acts like Gnash as keyboardists and guitarists, these three have infiltrated those skills into developing their project.
The band is showing off their catchy pop sound with the latest single “One in a Million.” It’s a song that expresses a new lesson learned during these isolating times, a reminder of life’s brevity, and taking a leap of faith for the ones you love.
“One in a Million” is full of vibrancy as it builds up to a chorus that showcases the band's imaginative sound. A tinge of alternative style drum fills, passionate lyrics, and a blend of dance-worthy synth makes for another standout moment in their discography.
In honor of the new track, we spoke with Running Lights on how their backgrounds influence their craft, the story behind “One in a Million,” their sound development, and how they’re creating uplifting content for their fans.
In the beginning, you all were creating covers for YouTube, which were extraordinarily successful. But what was the reason behind the decision to begin creating songs of your own?
Mike: “It’s actually the other way around! I was already writing songs at that point. Doing YouTube covers was just a way to create a platform for my original stuff.”
That decision to focus on producing music paid off. You guys were then signed to IDAP Music. Can you tell us what that moment was like for the band?
Nick: “The moment Julian (IDAP) proposed the idea of a deal to us we were actually under a bridge in LA eating fish tacos from a food truck. Although the location was strange it was a very exciting moment… Oh, and the fish tacos were good too!”
Each member of the group has had extensive experience within the music industry, such as touring with other acts or mixing in a studio. How would you say that has helped the band develop creatively?
Mike: “As a touring musician, I witnessed an artist sign to a major label and subsequently work her way through the challenges in store until her first full-length release, which became a massive success for her. Essentially, I got to observe firsthand what a dream-come-true looks like, how some days are better than others, and how sticking to your creative guns is imperative.”
Nick: “While working at Electric Lady Studios I had the privilege of being in rooms with some major artists such as Bon Jovi, Frank Ocean and more. I was fortunate enough to see behind the curtain of a lot of major albums and what goes into them. When you begin self-recording, mixing or just making music in general you constantly wonder what the pros do. I think being able to KNOW what the pros do gives us a huge leg up creatively and takes out a lot of the guesswork that usually goes into the more technical side of making music!”
Steve: “Having been on the road and opening for major acts such as Taking Back Sunday, I’ve learned it’s better to be over prepared than underprepared so as a group we always think 10 steps ahead of where we are at the time.”
Running Lights’ sound kind of mixes pop with energy-filled electronic type features. What has inspired this sound?
Mike: “We wanted to create something that feels familiar to a pop music fan but is unique in that it uses elements that don’t necessarily live in the same vein.”
Nick: “A lot of the sounds we use actually start from Mike just recording a voice memo and putting into a ProTools session. For instance, the acoustic guitars in ‘One in a Million’ were all recorded on an iPhone.”
You’re just released “One in a Million” on August 7th, what can you tell us about the track and what inspired it?
Mike: “Yes! We’re living through a particularly low point in history. In a world clogged with fear, information overload, and straight-up bad vibes, ‘One in a Million’ is meant to remind you to take advantage of the magic moments that do wander across your path. I think everyone who’s been in love can relate, whether it’s new love or old; it’s meant to sound like a first kiss feels. As long as you have someone to love, you can make it through anything.”
On Instagram, the band has managed to create fun content during a time when we are remaining distant from one and another. How are you going to continue interacting with your fanbase while the future of live shows resuming is still uncertain?
Mike: “We’ve been getting really into TikTok. It’s been very different than creating content for Instagram in that there’s an ‘anything goes’ sense about it. We’re definitely more comedic on TikTok, so if you want a good laugh head on over to our page (@runninglightsmusic).”
What is next for Running Lights? Are there more songs on the way or an EP you can tell us about?
Mike: “There are always more songs on the way! We’re constantly writing new stuff, so in this case ‘One in a Million’ is literally one in a million!”