Richmond-based rockers Telltale are poised to make major waves with their self-titled debut full-length album, out now via Rude Records. Telltale is ready to captivate audiences far and wide with infectious energy, evocative lyrics, and raw talent. As they gear up to support 408 on the Hot Mess Tour, we caught up with the band’s vocalist John Carteret a few weeks ago to get into the pressure of coming up through their local music scene, what fans can expect from the album, and more.
JG: Your single “kissinginacarcrash” conjures up a ton of evocative imagery. Can you shed some light on the inspiration behind this track and what listeners can expect from its sound and message?
John Carteret: The idea behind “kissinginacarcrash” is really just that, kissing in a car crash. It felt like an apt metaphor for where I was in life, ignoring imminent disaster and only focused on feeling something good.
JG: Telltale’s debut self-titled full-length album is set to drop on May 17. What can fans expect from the album and how does it represent your musical evolution since your previous EPs?
John Carteret: In the past, we’ve danced between a lot of different styles and influences, trying to be one thing or another. We could only pull together a handful of cohesive songs at a time. This record was very natural though. We did a lot of the production elements ourselves and really kept it close to the chest. It’s my 10 favourite songs we’ve written so far.
JG: Releasing a debut album is a significant milestone in any band’s journey. How stoked are you for the album to finally be out in just a few weeks?
John Carteret: It can’t come quick enough, honestly. We really wanted to write a traditional album, in the sense that you listen to it front to back. I think the singles will make even more sense to listeners in context with the whole thing.
JG: As a Richmond-based band, how has your local music scene shaped your identity as artists? Do you feel any sort of pressure to put on or represent for Richmond?
John Carteret: There’s always an inherent pressure from your local scene. It’s never so much about competition as it is learning from your peers and growing with them. As soon as I see another band doing something right or pushing in an area we’re not, my first thought is “How can we be doing that in our own way? We need to put this on the agenda.“
JG: Supporting 408 on the Hot Mess Tour this spring must be an exciting opportunity. What can concert-goers expect from a Telltale show?
John Carteret: Our set is pretty long. The die-hards always know what to expect, but I constantly think about how to get new people engaged. It’s tough to keep an unseasoned listener dialed-in for 40 minutes, so there’s a lot of interactive moments, sing-alongs, that sort of thing.
JG: Looking ahead, what’s coming up for Telltale in 2024 after the album drops? Any collaborations on the horizon, festival appearances, or other goals you’re aiming to achieve as a band?
John Carteret: There’s still some parts of the world we haven’t been to. We’re putting the finishing touches on this album rollout and locking in the rest of the year’s calendar. My main goal right now is to just stay in motion, and I think we’re doing that.
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