A Conversation with Ghost Town’s Kevin “Ghost” McCullough – HuffPost 8.27.14
Mike Ragogna: Rumor has it Ghost Town is quite a hard-working band. What’s the group’s history and recording/touring regimen?
Kevin “Ghost” McCullough: Yes we are! This is more than just a band for us. It’s a lifestyle! Since the very beginning in late 2012 we have kept ourselves busy. For the first nine weeks the band existed, we put out a song a week every Tuesday–Ghost Town Tuesdays–what most people don’t know is we wrote and recorded a song a week from scratch and then released it for free download. Some songs we would finish then 20 min later release them to our anxious Ghosts…Ghosts are our fans. Along with the weekly song releases our artists Alister Dippner–who we consider a 5th member of the band–would hand paint artwork for each song. These singles and a few more turned into “party in the grave yard.” We were on such a creative roll that we decided to also record an acoustic EP soon after. We finally took a break from that madness to hit the road after signing with Fueled By Ramen. We were ready to hit the road! Since the summer of 2013 we have toured until now with very little breaks! Whatever time off we did have was spent in the studio working on The After Party, we have actually written and recorded a lot of that record on the road! After hitting up the U.K for the second time in May and Germany for the first time at Rock am Ring and Rock Im Park, we got back to the States just in time to start warped tour and release, The After Party. We haven’t stopped since day one and don’t plan on stopping!
MR: What influenced the songwriting and topics of your earlier release Party In The Graveyard and who the heck was invited to this party anyway?
KM: The songwriting is influenced by so many things! From our love for Halloween and Tim Burton films to life lesions, bad break ups and the realization and acceptance of our own flaws! We also draw huge inspiration from our artist Alister Dippner aka Alister the Machinist! All of our Ghosts are very inviting beings so as long as you want to be yourself and have fun then you’re invite. That simple!
MR: The album’s topics are pretty playful, that’s part of the mission of the band, right? And did I understand it correctly, that the band is making music that embraces ‘”misfits,” which, quite frankly, I think includes everyone by this point?
KM: Yeah, we like to keep things fun and create our own dream worlds but we also touch on subjects that are not easy to talk about but usually things that everyone goes through! Yes, haha, everyone is a misfit so our music is for everyone. We encourage all our Ghosts to tap into their creative side we believe it’s good for the soul no matter who you are! This is not just for the “misfits” it’s a creative movement. Pick up a pen and draw something!
MR: Within the history of many ghost towns is the great story of great success then eventual decline. What keeps Ghost Town the band from becoming one itself?
KM: Every single Ghost that occupies this creative movement has shown that they aren’t just in it for the short term and we have dedicated our lives to make sure that this doesn’t just last our life time, but many after as well!
MR: What’s it been like interacting with fans and the world through social media?
KM: It’s been amazing to keep in touch. Social media has helped us amplify our voice! It’s been the perfect way to bring all of us Ghosts together…and keep us on the same page! We are so grateful we can ask questions and get overwhelming and immediate responses. Being in constant contact with our Ghosts has helped give us the best perspective when it comes to writing music.
MR: What tracks, in your opinion, party the hardest in this particular graveyard?
KM: Hmm… On The After Party, I would say “You’re So Creepy,” “That’s Unusual,” and “Dracula” crack the hardest!
MR: Traditional question…what advice do you have for new artists?
KM: Stay consistent with your fans and give them something different. There is nothing wrong with putting music out once a week instead of once a year. Don’t be f**kin’ lazy and you might have fun! Haha!
MR: Anything we need to know about Ghost Town that you hadn’t planned on revealing until my question just the second?
KM: Check out our comic book Haunted Youth Comics. It’s best enjoyed while listening to our music and it will help you understand Ghost Town even more!
MR: Will this party never end?
KM: NEVER!