Hailing from San Diego, California, the trio known as almost monday, stylized in all lowercase, have brought their infectious energy and empowering anthems, wrapped in the sun-soaked essence of their home state, across some of the world’s largest stages. Dawson Daugherty (vocals), Cole Clisby (guitar) and Luke Fabry (bass) joined together in 2020 to create almost monday and have since garnered over 400 million streams across a variety of platforms in order to bring feel-good vibes to fans across the globe. 

V Magazine has dubbed them “[their] latest musical obsession”, while People Magazine recognized them as an “emerging artist making their mark on the musical landscape”, and their list of praise goes on and on. Their debut EP, don’t say you’re ordinary, helped propel them into the music charts with hits like “parking lot view”, “come on come on”, and “broken people”. Since then, almost monday has continued to shine with new releases like “is it too late?”, “can’t slow down”, and “tidal” which was just released a few days ago. 

We had the opportunity to sit down with almost monday while they tour across the United States with AJR, before joining The Driver Era in Europe and the UK and a debut album coming later this year. There’s a lot in store for these California boys and we were excited to hear all about it! Read more below!

THIRTEEN: Hi Almost Monday! Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us! Would you be able to go more into depth about your music and who you are? 

ALMOST MONDAY: almost monday is three friends from San Diego that started a band in high school to play some shows in our friends surf shop. The band started in such a pure way of just wanting us just wanting to play live music. I think the DNA of our band is playing live shows and hopefully bringing joyous, carefree music to our fans! The music is really just a reflection of who we are as people.

THIRTEEN: What has life been like touring with AJR so far? 

ALMOST MONDAY: It has been pretty hectic playing such big rooms. It is a new experience for all of us and definitely took some time to feel adjusted. AJR puts on such an intricate show which has been cool to see the effort and detail that they put into it. 

THIRTEEN: Are there any pre-show rituals you have adopted?

ALMOST MONDAY: Whenever we don’t forget to bring a speaker to the green room we usually will have a consistent hype song before walking out towards the stage. It usually changes from tour to tour. One of the recent songs has been “Breathe” by The Prodigy. Then we’ll do a quick huddle before going on and someone picks a word or phrase that we all shout on 3 lol. Each night is a different word or phrase.

THIRTEEN: Congrats on your latest release, “tidal wave”! What is this song all about?

ALMOST MONDAY: this song is so special to us because it feels like such an identity song. I remember feeling the same way about our song ‘life goes by’. We find ourselves writing about the joys of being carefree and living in the moment, and  tidal wave is about spontaneously falling in love with a barista and watching how that relationship leads to a summer of adventure. 

THIRTEEN: While writing “tidal wave”, what artists inspired you the most sonically? 

ALMOST MONDAY: I remember being inspired by artists like The Beach Boys, Mac Demarco, Triptides, The Clash.

THIRTEEN: In the grand scheme of things, almost monday is a relatively new band and yet, the amount you’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time is incredible to see. What has the process been like for you all? Is there anything you wish you could have done differently looking back?

ALMOST MONDAY: Looking back at the past few years there are things that come to mind that maybe I wish we did differently or wish I could change, but then again we wouldn't be where we are today without those decisions. Something that is consistent about this ever changing industry is the opportunity for growth and learning and those opportunities don’t come for free.

THIRTEEN: If there was one thing that you want people to remember you by, what would it be? 

ALMOST MONDAY: I think a place they can escape to. I’m always so moved when hearing fans talk about what our band means to them. Whether it’s our live show, or it’s our music - I love the idea that it can be a place they come when life is lifting. 

THIRTEEN: As a band, almost monday is known for being very upbeat and energetic. What do you hope listeners are able to take away from your music on a deeper level?

ALMOST MONDAY: I hope that listeners take the music and view it through their own unique lense in which they can mold the music to fit what their specific situation is calling out for. I think one of the most beautiful things about music is its ability to serve and entrance each individual a little bit differently. 

THIRTEEN: Even with all you’ve done thus far, what direction do you see the band going in 3-5 years? 

ALMOST MONDAY: Who knows, but i’m excited to find out. 

THIRTEEN: Do you have any other plans for the rest of the year other than touring with AJR and The Driver Era?

ALMOST MONDAY: An album and more touring!