Interview: Meldrop's Elijah Tuncap discusses touring and video games

Seattle/Tacoma indie rock group Meldrop have been quickly gaining fans worldwide since the release of their latest Melodaze EP. This Sunday, the band will kick off their West Coast headlining tour, which features a stop at Los Angeles' Moroccan Lounge on March 27. We talked to Meldrop drummer Elijah Tuncap about the band's first-ever tour as well some of their favorite video games.

MP3s and NPCs: The response for Melodaze has been overwhelming. Did you think you'd get this kind of reaction while working on the release?

Elijah Tuncap: We had definitely hoped for this kind of reaction during the writing and recording process, but didn't exactly expect it. Our goal was always to put out our best work in hopes that it would connect with people. In the months after recording, the Spotify algorithm started to pick us up, which was super exciting because we knew that it gave us a bigger platform to share Melodaze with new people. Now that it's been out for a while, we're extremely grateful for the way our work has been received.

MP3s and NPCs: You recently unveiled the new song "Reggie 93." What's the meaning behind that one?

Tuncap: Reggie 93 takes the perspective of a stalker who falls in love and becomes clouded by fear of being rejected. In the first verse, he mentions overthinking and dreaming about his crush, but by the second, he crosses the line and begins creeping around, watching from afar. The lyrics reflect his internal thoughts, driving himself mad with obsession and yearning for a love he'll never pursue.

MP3s and NPCs: You've unveiled a handful of singles and EPs over the past few years. When can fans expect a full-length album?

Tuncap: Without getting too specific, fans should be on the lookout for a full-length album in the fall of this year.

MP3s and NPCs: Aside from music, video games have united millions of people worldwide. What are some of your favorite video game soundtracks?

Tuncap: Some of our favorite video-game soundtracks are Minecraft, Skyrim, Skate 3, and NBA 2K (specifically 2K17).

MP3s and NPCs: If you could make music for any video game, which would it be?

Tuncap: If we could make music for a video game, our top 2 choices would be either EA Sports FC or Rocket League.

MP3s and NPCs: Are there any video games you're playing right now?

Tuncap: Some video games that we're playing right now are Arc Raiders, Rocket League, Civ 5, and NBA 2K.

MP3s and NPCs: You embarked on your first-ever tour last fall. What was that experience like?

Tuncap: Our tour last fall was one of the craziest experiences we've had as a band so far. It was so unbelievably surreal to see people in so many new places who came out to see us despite having never heard us live. To travel so far and meet so many amazing people who love our music was something none of us could have even dreamed of when we started out. On the logistical side of things, spending so much time cooped up together really tested our limits, and being on the road with no proper beds to sleep in for two weeks took a toll. But looking back, the whole experience brought us together in a way that adds to both the music and our friendships with each other outside the band.

MP3s and NPCs: You're set to go on a West Coast tour with Lavalove. Obviously, fans in the East Coast and overseas are hoping you'll hit their area soon. When can fans outside of the West Coast expect to see you perform live?

Tuncap: We've actually had a crazy amount of people from all over the world hit us up on instagram asking us to come out to places like the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, you name it. Unfortunately for them, an overseas trip is beyond our current budget. But fans in the Midwest and on the East Coast should be on the lookout come summertime, shortly after we get back from our West Coast tour.

Tickets for Meldrop’s forthcoming headlining tour can be purchased here.