Small Talk. is an emo/post hardcore band from San Diego, California. The band consists of vocalist Nestle Noah Frederick, Victor Andrade on guitar, and Ian Andrew playing drums. The band recently released an acoustic EP titled “I’ve Seen Better Days” on November 6, 2020 which features a few older fan favorites stripped back, and unplugged including a few new songs as well. The EP opens up with the single off the EP “Hawthorne” which starts off with the hauntingly beautiful lyric, “I miss the ghost of who you used to be.” Vocalist Ness says, “It’s all about people missing who I was. Sometimes people say, ‘I miss when you were happy or you changed,’ but they don’t understand how mental health issues completely rewire your brain. We are all still worthy of love.”

The next track “Fault Line” brings us back to Earth with a catchy & melodic piano line that will be sure to stay stuck in your head for days on end. The band incorporates one of my favorite, and seemingly very simple, things in music- duet vocals! The first time I heard duet vocals and remember feeling completely blown away was when I was younger listening to The Forecast’s 2006 “In The Shadow of Two Gunmen.” This track brings me back to a more peaceful timeline & I love it for that.

Then we have “Numb.” A word I use often to describe myself in my everyday life thanks to my Venus in Scorpio. This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of finding it difficult to put energy into a lot of things. The old saying “don’t sweat the small stuff” is an understatement to Nestle’s lyric “It’s not working anymore.”

The rest of the EP takes you on a journey of solidarity. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed with feelings of emotion & anxiety, and not sure how to place these feelings, Small Talk helps you find the words and reminds you you’re not alone.

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““We will always make sure everything we do is with integrity and inclusivity. Our shows have been and will always be a safe place for everyone. In all the songs we write, we always want people to know you are not alone, you’ll always have one person to help. We are in this together, trans people are everywhere, we are beautiful, we are worthy.” ”

— Small Talk.

-What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Ness (he/him)- as cliche as this sounds, I honestly don’t know what I would do without music. I used to be a barista and really loved making coffee, so honestly probably that. At that point i would be just working for money but I would literally be miserable. I just really cannot see myself doing anything else, nothing makes me happier than working on music ALL DAY, it’s what makes me thrive.

Vic (he/him) - absolutely nothing. it'd be a sad sad life.

Ian (he/him)- That's hard, I can't imagine life without music. I'd probably work dead end jobs till I got to the point when I could do music, study to become a psychiatrist or counselor so I could have a steady livable paycheck and buy all the gear I want.

-What is the first album/CD you bought yourself?

Ness- Dutchess by Fergie

Vic- Frank Sinatra “Best Hits” CD

Ian- Coolio - Gangsters Paradise

- Dream tour- If you could book yourself on a tour with any 2 artists who would it be?

Ness- My Chemical Romance & Circa Survive

Vic- Title Fight & Tigers Jaw

Ian- Saosin & Thrice

EP Review: Small Talk "I've Seen Better Days"