together PANGEA pulled up to Medium Sized Backyard for a loose, honest sit-down with Medicine Box ahead of their biggest tour in years - and within minutes, the conversation had already covered burnout recovery, newborn babies, and the band's Instagram account following exactly one person: Dolly Parton. It's that kind of interview.
On Touring Again After Years Away
Medicine Box: How does it feel with tour on the horizon? I know you guys are not new to the touring lifestyle, but you're leaving in a couple weeks. What are the thoughts and feelings as you plan for your departure?
together PANGEA: We kind of haven't done a tour of this length in like several years. So I'm actually pretty excited. When we used to be in a rhythm of doing tours this length all the time, burnout happened a little bit. But I'm pumped because we haven't done it like this in a long time. And I'm stoked to hang out with High Curbs and the Red Pairs - they are very nice. It's going to be a good crew.
Medicine Box: Being that you've toured so much, what are the healthy boundaries you guys have set with each other? You're bandmates but also friends. How do you sustain that lifestyle on the road with your homies?
together PANGEA: We don't argue anymore. There was a long period where we also used to drink a lot more on the road - we don't really do that as much. We don't party as much. It's just about playing the show. I think we've been pretty good about boundaries with each other the whole time, but I think we're just chiller people in general. And also, earlier on we were sleeping on floors and couches. We're in a better place now where we don't necessarily have to do that, and I think that helps.
Medicine Box: Being able to have your own time, I imagine, is also kind of sacred when it comes to performing.
together PANGEA: Definitely. I'm a runner, so I like to go running, or go to museums or something. But with our friend Brandon who's playing guitar with us on this tour, we're probably going to do a lot of escape rooms - which we've done before.
Medicine Box: Top Golf tends to be the other off-day activity when you're on the road.
together PANGEA: It's like weirdly fun even though I don't like golf at all.
On Nearly 20 Years Together
Medicine Box: You guys have been this core lineup for the majority of the band's life. How have you been able to maintain that chemistry?
together PANGEA: I realized I've been playing music with William for almost 20 years now, which is crazy. I don't know if I have a good answer for that, or if anybody has a good answer for that. I think we've just gotten past the point where something could disrupt our relationship with each other. It's like family at this point, for sure.
On 'Eat Myself' and What the Title Actually Means
Medicine Box: You guys released the album Eat Myself in January. How has that felt being out in the world? And the title itself is quite striking - can we get some more context?
together PANGEA: It's really hard to describe why you choose certain lyrics - they just feel right or make sense to you. If I'm writing a song, the first thing I say I tend to keep, whether or not it makes sense. And then years later I'll be singing it at a show and I'll be like,
