By Katherine Witts

With the release of ‘Kissing Stacey’, we had the pleasure of speaking to the dreamy band, Dreaming Soda, from all things music to Barbie!

‘Kissing Stacey’ is the perfect example of a nostalgic undertone track that’s sure to bring the vibes of Summer back into the colder months.

The track having elements of nostalgic sound bites, is one for lovers of any early 2000s coming of age film title tracks. Its ear wormy and repetitive nature is sure to make you want to re-visit your favourite Disney Channel original movies!

What were your inspirations for your dreamy pop nostalgic aesthetic and sound?

“A huge inspiration for me is whatever is fun to play live! It’s a real high to play and work with fun sounds and cool chords, so we usually start the process with what we want to be doing up on stage.

“The dreamy production is a bit of trial and error, finding and recording interesting sounds to add, and synths that bring it all together. The Dreaming Soda project is all about nostalgia and moments in childhood so we want the lyrics and soundscape to reflect that.”

What’s your journey been like so far? Any memorable moments recording Kissing Stacey?

“Kissing Stacey actually existed in a different form, we used to call it the “sexy version” and it was really stripped back and rnb.

“It’s been fun to develop it since those times, but a super memorable moment was playing Kissing Stacey and seeing people giggle at the lyrics, I’ll never forget that feeling!”

What external media inspired the band itself?

“We love alt pop rock acts like St Vincent and SUPERORGANISM, and more pop leaning acts like BENEE, but we are inspired by anything that makes you go “woah cool!”.

“I also love Scott Pilgrim and feel inspired by the silliness and editing of that movie.”

We love barbie, you love barbie, what about the iconic brand do you find the most inspiring or influential?

“I think it’s so fascinating that Barbie can get away with promoting heteronormativity, consumerism and capitalism, and we all still love it!”

What inspired your marketing having the entertaining Barbie skits?

“The roleplay aspect of dolls is so valuable to finding your identity, and the imagination and world building you discover really trumps the more conservative ideals of the brand.

“I wanted to make little skits that are ridiculous and funny, and take you back to playing with dolls as a kid; only this time your roleplay is about office dynamics and taxes.”

Any exciting projects in the making after KS is released?

“Listeners and followers have a few really exciting things to look forward to!

“We have a mixed media Lyric Video coming out super soon, and a Music Video for Kissing Stacey out later in the year!

“We have plans for a few more songs too, but let’s live in Barbie world a little while longer.”

A massive thank you to Dreaming Soda for giving us a chance to hear the track and speaking to us!

We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

You can check out Dreaming Soda on Instagram here and listen to ‘Kissing Stacey’ here!