Calico Palace Interview
Calico Palace released a brand-new 5-track mini-album on December 5th, 2025, under the Engineer record label, and we'll be discussing the band and the EP CD.
Alan – Hi, guys. Isn't three a little bit too little?
Travis - Hello, thanks for having us. Three is never too little when you get on so well. We thought about an extra guitarist at one point but we don't want to mess with the chemistry that we currently have together. Have you ever tried organizing anything with more than three people? Nightmare lol.
Alan – Let's have a little chat before we get to the "On The Line".
Travis - Yeah lets do!
Alan – How did you guys get together? And will you stay three? Or maybe you'll grow over time?
Travis - The band originally had a different lineup...actually a few since it began. Im the last remaining member. We played shows all over the UK and kinda burned out a little and called it quits. Shortly after I still wanted to pursue music so I went online searching for people and came across Ander (our current bassist) who had just left Karl Phillips and the Rejects and The Barking Poets. We needed a drummer though. Ander told me he met some some guy (George) in a tattoo shop that said he can play drums so we contacted him and got together. We were going to be an entire new band but in the end decided to pick up where Calico Palace left off. At this time we have no plans to bring in anyone else.
Alan – What part of Britain are you from? All around?
Travis - Im American. I've been here for about 7 years. Ander is from Spain. George is British. Kind of a mash up of cultures lol. The band was formed in Milton Keynes.
Alan – What's the difference between Golden Days and On The Line?
Travis- Golden Days was our very first demo that we recorded at London Road Studios and just needed to get some music out pretty quick. Its the first songs we ever wrote in this band. On The Line was recorded by our friend Callum Skea and mixed by Luke Smithson from the band Royals. I think this record was finding what we wanted to sound like and trying our best to capture it. I personally think it shows the growth of the band between the two records.
Alan – There are five tracks on the mini CD/EPCD. Can you break down the music and lyrics for us?
Travis - On The Line is about mental health struggles. We had originally titled it 'Circles'.
Lemonade was a song I wrote the music to in about 10 minutes and didnt think much of it at first. Its just about picking yourself up and moving forward.
Full Bloom is basically a love song and Blame is the exact opposite.
Chasing Katie was just something I wrote after being dumped by a girl lol. Her name is actually Katie.
Alan – So far, you have released everything on Engineer Records, yes? How did you get to David? Because David is not the only publisher in the UK.
Travis - We met David through Ander. He was the bassist for the Barking Poets who were already signed to Enginner.
Alan – I didn't find the music videos or mini movies. Will you be doing any? For example, for the song Chasing Katie?
Travis - We do have a music video online for the song 'On The Line'. Its on the Engineer Records youtube page. No plans atm to do another video for that record as we are currently getting ready to tour and are writting new music.
Alan – Classic question. Where did you record, where did you master, and did anyone help you with the songs?
Travis - So Golden Days was recorded at London Road Studios. Max Hopwood did all the mixing and mastering. On The Line was recorded by Callum Skea and mixed and mastered by Luke Smithson. Callum Skea, Aaron Danaher (past member) and William Todd (past member) had a hand in writing this record. Some of the songs have changed a little with the addition of Ander and George but they helped shape the songs to what they are currently.
Alan – How many have you played? And where do you play most often?
Travis - We have played so many shows I can't count lol. We have played in every major city in England, Scotland and Wales. Because we are in Milton Keynes we have probably played the Midlands area the most.
Alan – What about abroad? Outside the UK? Will there be anything this year, 2026?
Travis - Currently we have nothing scheduled abroad but if the opportunity came up Id pack my gear quickly.
Alan – Our readers are mainly from the Czech Republic or Slovakia. Do you know any bands from these countries? And do you know these two countries?
Travis - Ive seen them on a map lol. Beautiful areas. Would love to see them one day. I've heard of a few bands like Elán and No Name.
Alan – When you formed the band, you created. Who influenced you? Name two bands that you agree on.
Travis - Biggest influences would have to be New Found Glory and Mayday Parade. I grew up with all the members of Mayday and Im related to one. Great band that I highly admire. New Found Glory is the band that caught my ear as a young teenager and introduced me to pop punk.
Alan – Which song from your repertoire do you like the most and why?
Travis - That would have to be Golden Days from the 'Golden Days' EP. Its my favorite to play live. I would love one day to re record it and take it from demo to what I hear in my head lol.
Alan – And what about your fans? Supporters? Which one do they like?
Travis - I think Lemonade is the most popular. It was the first song we wrote for that record and it seems to get the most attention.
Alan – How do you feel about touring in Britain? Is it good? Or is it a fight for every performance?
Travis - Britain itself is lovely. The people here are amazing. Shows can be hit or miss sometimes attendance wise. I think with the current economy and world affairs smaller bands take a back seat in priority sometimes. Its understandable. Theres lots to worry about these days lol.
Alan – Thanks for the interview. Hopefully, we'll see each other at a festival outside of England.
Travis - Thank you for having us and Ill buy you a pint at that festival!
https://www.facebook.com/calicopalace
https://www.engineerrecords.com
