Today we’d like to introduce you to Night Parks.
Hi Night, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Night Parks, is an alternative-rock band from St. Louis, MO. Former members of the band Giants in the Sky; Rick Dachroeden (bass), Sean Leonberger (drums), and Scott McAnally (guitar), joined up with EJ Arroyo (vocals, guitar) in 2023 to begin their journey together as, Night Parks. We have recently added another member, Louis Tang on keyboard and synthesizer. The name of the band was a collaborated effort by the first 4 members. We wanted to have a name that represented the tone and vibe of our music. Naming the band Night Parks gives the sense of ominousness and vastness that our music tends to lean towards.
In 2024 we released of first EP titled “Turn to Gold” which features 3 songs; Turn to Gold, Slow Sun, and Signals. The reception of the recording got the attention of many people in the St. Louis music scene. We have had the opportunity to play several shows in the area due to the positive response including opening up for band’s from out of town. We are proud to represent St. Louis and show that this town has some amazing and talented musicians. Just a few months ago, we recorded our second EP titled “Cursive Lines” that showcases where we currently are musically. The songs on the EP include: Cursive Lines, Mouths Agape, and This Body and I. We leaned more into the production aspect of recording on this latest EP. Both EPs can be listened to on your preferred streaming platform.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall it has been a smooth road. First and foremost, we wanted to be friends before becoming bandmates. Learning each other’s quirks and lifestyle is an ongoing practice, but that’s part of anyone’s journey as friends, especially friends that work so closely together and create art. Life happens, and good and bad events spring up sometimes. We just roll with what happens and move forward while being supportive of each other and all the people (and pets) that are involved in our lives.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Night Parks operates mostly as an alternative-rock band. “Alternative” being the easiest way to put our music in a category/genre that people can identify with best. We have been described as; post hardcore, emo, post punk, punk, and metal. We play and write all our own music. Each member writes their own parts but we collaborate on how the song will flow. A member of the band will have an idea and deliver that idea to the band. It can be a melody on the guitar or bass, a drum beat, a keyboard line, words, or simply humming something. From there, we work together and develop a song that further emphasizes the energy or vibe of the melody. It really feels like magic is happening when we do this. It’s almost like we are opening up a portal and each of us is a vessel for what is coming through. After the main parts of the song are written, EJ Arroyo comes up with the lyrics and vocal melody.
The members of Night Parks are all over 40 years of age. Sometimes it feels like this is a young person’s game; why are we still doing this? The answer is simple, we love it. We love creating something that did not exist and making it tangible, a real thing that you can now feel and hear. I think we are all the point in our lives that we just want to do what makes us happy. I’m not really sure what sets us apart definitively. I think the fact that all our experiences from the past and where we are currently make their way into our music. Through our music, we now have a timestamp on where we were at the time the song was written. Each song represents a moment in our lives, be it the way we played something, the style of which it was played, and the lyrics that represent the feelings at that particular moment. So, I guess that is what sets us apart, we are 5 individuals coming together to make something special that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share our story! We hope to meet and see you at a show!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/night_parks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightParks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NightParks
- Other: https://nightparks.bandcamp.com
