Woodlawn, an up and coming indie alternative band from Orlando, Florida, started when school friends Liam Creus and Zach Russel decided to start making music together. With Creus on lead vocals and guitar and Russel on bass, the band got the inspiration for their name after Halloween night of their senior year in high school while visiting the late artist Bob Ross’ grave at Woodlawn cemetery. 

The two began their practice at Zach’s grandparents’ house and after proving their commitment to their band, eventually they were asked to open up for their friends in the band Tidepools. They accepted this offer but were struck with the realization that, at the time, they still did not have a drummer. It was on this last minute search for a drummer that they were introduced to Brandon Salgado. The two welcomed Salgado into the band, and with only one week to rehearse their set, the trio successfully played their first show together. This show was the first of many, as they have continued to play shows together as a full band since. 

Their first single “Pride” was released March 21, 2020. Since then, I was given the chance to sit with Liam as he discussed the meaning of the track. He states that although the song can be left to interpretation by the listener, he derived the inspiration for the song from his own personal struggles with the pressures of toxic masculinity and his desire to be accepted for how he chooses to present himself. 

In the future, Woodlawn aims to release longer projects and continuously strives to break down the barriers of being considered a “local band”. They want to remove themselves from that label and keep their eyes on the horizon as their opportunities continue to grow larger. During my interview with Liam, I asked what advice he would give to those who want to start or have started a band but are discouraged, in which his reply was that, “music does not have to be for the money,” and continued on to say that the more you enjoy the music the more you will gain from it. To those who are still apprehensive about starting bands of their own, “You have to at least try”. 

If you enjoy music from Tidepools, Dayglow, Snail Mail, Palehound and Alex G, check out “Pride” and be on the lookout for Woodlawn’s future projects. 

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