Earlier this week, Pullman Standard, an indie rock group from Southern California, was kind enough to spend some of their time answering a few questions for SMU Campus Weekly. Known for their alternative power rock style, Pullman Standard is in town to play at The Grotto in Fort Worth on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. Timmy D, the band’s frontman, answered questions on the band’s behalf.

SMU Campus Weekly: What inspired you to become musicians?

Timmy D: “I think we all have taken our own path that has brought us to where we are today, but the great thing is now being at that point where we respect those paths and capitalize on all their strengths.”

SMU CW: Where’s your favorite place to perform?

TD: “Two places that stick out in our mind, as a band from the last couple tours, is Denver, Colo. as well as St. George Island, Fla. There always seems to be great energy in the air in Denver, and St. George Island is a wonderful party that reminds you to just let loose and enjoy the moment.”

SMU CW: What are some tips to aspiring artists?

TD: “Focus and practice a lot. Everybody’s journey is different, but when the time is right you will know. It’s almost as if the universe wants you to succeed but will only let you fail so you can learn, and just be a better musician as well as professional musician.”

SMU CW: What’s life been like since choosing to be professional musicians?

TD: “Life is what you make it. If you’re specifically speaking about the journey and what life has been like along the way, it has its ups and downs, it’s good memories and bad memories, and if you take time to reflect and understand mistakes as well as learn from them, then you can always count on moving forward in your career.”

SMU CW: When did you start playing?

TD: “I started playing music when I was almost 12 years old.”

SMU CW: What was the first song you learned?

TD: “As a guitarist you always learn those basic riffs that are more fiddling around rather than considered actual putting cords together such as “Smoke On the Water” or “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but the first song I can recall sitting down learning the structure and chords was “Wonderwall” by Oasis.”

SMU CW: Who are some of your inspirations?

TD: “Bands that were original but also inspired new sounds: The Cure, the Police, the Clash. Newer bands of the early 2000: Third Eye Blind, Weezer.”

SMU CW: What are some of your best memories of the road?

TD: “One that I could tell you? I think a constant memory from the road for me that is the best is when I get to meet the fans that come out to our shows. It is so awesome and humbling at the same time.”

SMU CW: How do you balance music with other obligations in your life?

TD: “It’s tough to say. I do admit that music is my life so it’s hard to find other obligations that truly deserve that amount focus and time.”

SMU CW: Do you ever get nervous before a performance?

TD: “There was a time a long
time ago that I used to get nervous and then one day I stopped getting nervous
and became slightly more anxious, more excited to get out on stage, to
show people what I could do. I love it when people move to the music
that I have written, it is definitely an indescribable feeling showing up at a
venue that you know you don’t have the biggest crowd but you know that your
crowd will go crazy for you.”