From musical theater to starring television roles including Xander on Bunk’d, Kevin Quinn has enjoyed every minute. That gratitude is not only his mantra, but now the title of his long-awaited debut EP, “It’s About Time.”
Through pop melodies and emotional vulnerability, Quinn has created a five track studio album that is both thought provoking and sure to be on repeat.
We chatted with Quinn about the EP, his Breakfast Club inspired music video, and what it’s been like on the Winter Jam 2022 tour.
How does it feel to finally have your EP, “It’s About Time,” out in the world?
It feels really great. I’m excited for the world to finally hear it, and I’m equally grateful for all the talented people who came together to help create it.
What was the production process like?
I believe the first song of the bunch that was written was “Wildfire.” I had made the decision to use my downtime during the pandemic to just write like crazy, so with everything going on, it all felt very timely, and I felt as though I had plenty to write about. I kept writing for several months in Los Angeles with some writer-producer friends, and then eventually began making trips to Nashville to work with some writers out there. Depending on who was producing a song and where their studio was, I would either record in Los Angeles or Nashville. Those 5 tracks were recorded everywhere from the Capitol Tower in Los Angeles, to the southern suburbs of Nashville.
Do you have any favorite memories from creating the EP?
I think most of my favorite memories lie in the time I spent in the writer’s room with my writer and producer friends, especially when we knew we were getting something special. There’s nothing quite like realizing for the first time that you’ve created a good song, and then hearing that song finally starting to take shape. I just remember having a lot of laughs, deep conversations, and Postmated meals. I’ve always enjoyed the writing process.
What inspired the title track, “It’s About Time”?
“It’s About Time” was actually inspired from a somewhat difficult conversation I had had with my writing partners about life, death, and grief. Somehow the subject of loss came up in the writer’s room, and I know that we had all had our own unique experiences in dealing with it, so we thought ‘why not write about that?’ I’m glad we did. I think what makes that song stand out to me is how it so effortlessly tackles an otherwise heavy subject, then turns it into something uplifting, anthemic, and positive. I’m happy it became the title track for the EP, because it perfectly typified this chapter of my life.
Where did the concept for the video come from?
I’ve always been a big fan of John Hughes. Furthermore, I was born and raised in Chicago, so that city and its people definitely hold a special place in my heart. That also gave me a bit of a personal affinity towards some of John’s films, and The Breakfast Club was one of them. I love that movie so much, and it’s always really touched me. I remember watching it when I was a kid and thinking that those kids were going through something that I would eventually have to go through myself, and that “something” was coming-of-age. As a kid, I viewed those characters as “older” and “wiser,” but now I watch that film as an adult feeling as though they are “younger,” and that I’ve finally come out the other side of my own experiences growing up. If that’s not the definition of a classic or timeless film, then I don’t know what is. Being able to recreate a condensed version of that and make it work for my music video was special.
What was it like reimagining some of the iconic scenes from The Breakfast Club?
So much fun. Almost like a little bucket list project for me, since I’m such a big fan of the original. We were able to shoot it in a day, but it felt like we had created our own little Breakfast Club afterwards. I’m thankful for both the time and efforts of that cast and crew, it turned out really great.
What message do you hope fans take away from the song and the video?
This may sound like a tired cliche, but we really do need to start making the most of the time we’ve been given. We tend to feel invincible when we’re young, and we may not even be aware of it. Thus, we may eventually end up wasting our time. But until we’ve had some kind of sobering experience that makes us realize just how precious this life is, we tend not to think much of that idea. All that to say, I genuinely hope that the fans take away lessons about the value of time, and that we should never take it for granted. I also hope they know that if they happen to be going through something difficult, that they are loved and supported, and can count on my music to help them through it.
This EP includes a spanish version of your debut single, “Wildfire.” What was it like recording that?
Ironically, it required a lot more effort than recording the original. We also had to bring in a translation team. I remember rehearsing for hours trying to get it right, and my producer Sean Cook and I were sending it back and forth to our friend Evan Craft to make sure we were getting the pronunciation right. We were a bit worried that we were “shooting blind,” so to speak, but after some tedious work in perfecting the recording, we were able to pull it off. I’m excited to put out more Spanish songs for the fans in Latin America and Spain in the future.
If you could set up your fans in the perfect place to listen to your EP, what do you imagine it looking like?
An arena! Of course. At least that’s the hope. I’d love to hopefully do some kind of tour soon in which we can all enjoy the music in a space like that. However, if you were looking for a more intimate place, I would say listen to it in bed or something…when you’re caught up in your feels. I want the fans to be able to really relate to my music on a personal level, and I want it to be a connection that we share with each other.
You’re currently on tour for Winter Jam. Do you have any favorite memories from tour so far?
There’s something so enthralling about waking up on the bus in a new city each day, and then getting to do what you love during the night. I think that’s the best part for me, just every day and the schedule which it pertains. Every show feels like a completely new experience that I’m always having for the first time. Not to mention the crazy energy and outpouring love I’ve seen from the fans. I’m having so much fun, and I feel lucky to be able to make live music with such great people.
What can fans look forward to next?
Definitely more music and show dates. I’ve already started writing the next project, and am eager to start recording it. They can also count on more film and television projects.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
I guess I’ll go with my senior yearbook quote, which I feel still rings true today…”You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” – Jim Carrey.