5 Questions with
Now, Now

Their Twitter page reads “You have no idea what we can do to you…” and I’d say that’s pretty fitting, as I have never been so pleasantly surprised and impressed with a band as I am with Now, Now. Consisting of Cacie Dalager, Brad Hale, and Jess Abbott and formally known as Now, Now Every Children, the Minnesota-based group is taking the world by storm, one tour at a time. Their music is beautifully raw and, especially with their latest album, Threads, confessional in a way that they don’t allow their lyrics to hold anything back. In advance of their upcoming Madison visit, I had the pleasure of interviewing lead singer Cacie Dalager, who discussed which songs are most personal to her, what it’s like working with Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla, and some of her favorite new bands.

Last year’s album, Threads, has been a huge success. I myself am a huge fan. How would you say it differs from 2008’s Cars? I understand you signed with Chris Walla’s label, Trans. What has it been like to work with him?
“I think Threads is darker and a bit more solid than Cars. We have learned more about ourselves as people and as a band since then. We are less timid as writers now. I think it’s difficult to ever fully be satisfied with what you create, but it feels like a step in the right direction for us. In regard to working with Walla, everything has been amazing. Trans is the perfect fit for us. It was the only label we really wanted to be a part of. Chris is a wonderful and knowledgable human being. The whole Trans team is awesome to work with.”

What’s your favorite song off Threads?
“I think for me it’s a toss up between ‘Colony’ and ‘The Pull.’ Those are the two songs I feel like I would maybe listen to if we hadn’t written them. They are the closest to what I would listen to on my own. ‘The Pull’ was actually the first version of the song ‘Thread’. It represents the entire message of the album and sums up all of my feelings from that point in my life. That being said, ‘Thread’ is an extended deeper look into that same message and is somewhat of a title track. ‘Magnet’ is also a really important song for me personally.” 

You’ve toured, most notably, with Paramore, The Naked and Famous, and fun. Who else would you like to tour with in the future?
“We’ve been really lucky and have somehow had the chance to play with really incredible bands. We have met such amazing people. I would love to tour with Tegan and Sara. And The Naked and Famous and Paramore again.”

It’s an impressive list, and also a lot of time on the road. The three of you have been all over the U.S. and the UK; does it ever get exhausting? Do you feel that your travels have influenced, or will influence, your music?
“Yes. Tour can wear you out so easily. We have been gone so much of this past year especially. It’s not difficult to lose your grip since tour is such an alternate reality. I’m not sure if traveling itself has or ever will directly influence what I write. But the time that passes while we are gone always does.”

What are you listening to these days? We’re always on the lookout for new artists. Any discoveries worth sharing?
“Haley Bonar isn’t by any means new, but her albums are flawless. There is a relatively new band from around here called Prissy Clerks that is comprised of some of the most awesome people I’ve ever met. They just released an amazing album called Bruise or Be Bruised. Killer live, too. Mansions is another band that I am always listening to, and one of the few that actually inspire me to write. I also listen to A$AP Rocky nonstop. I wish I could explain to you what his music has done for me. Opened doors to a new world. Everything he does is so beautiful and thought out. I have an A$AP Rocky phone case. Another band I’ve been really into lately is Haim. Watch any of their music videos or live videos. Your jaw will be on the floor. They are kind of reminiscent of MJ for me, who is my childhood idol, so there is no greater compliment coming from me.”