Baltimore-based pop rock trio, Skyward Story, is comprised of Aaron O’Connor, Scott Montgomery and Brandon Millman. The newly formed group jumped into the music scene full force with their first catchy single “Hey!” which arrived with rave reviews and energized fans. “Smile,” the second single off their forthcoming album, and most recent release, was recorded with multi-platinum producer, Matt Squire (One Direction, Panic! At The Disco, Ariana Grande). It’s an upbeat, positive song about being optimistic and finding the light in the darkness. The band’s currently in a run of shows around the east coast, ending on December 21st.

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SunCity Paradise: Kicking it off with Baltimore, Maryland, where would you send a first-time visitor to get a real sense of the surrounding area?

Aaron O’Connor: Definitely the Baltimore harbor! It’s a very nice area and gives a good sense of how the city feels.

© Craig Fildes

SCP: What was your first real exposure to music? How did you get inspired to create your own and eventually pursue it as a career?

AO: My first real exposure to music was through whatever my mom was playing on the radio. I would always listen to 80’s classics and then mainly stayed in the rock/metal categories. I got into pop music very late in my teens, but realized that’s where my vocals were the most comfortable. I decided I wanted to post videos of me singing on the internet in hopes that someone would see it. Scott and Brandon eventually found me online, and long story short, I joined the band!

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SCP: To create music, and traveling to promote it, must be such a feeling. What’s the most impactful and meaningful part you cherish about it? Does the travel help inspirationally?

AO: It is an amazing feeling! The best part of traveling to promote ourselves would have to be getting to meet all of the nice people we get to promote to. People enjoying our music everywhere in the country makes everything we do feel worth it.

SCP: You just released your second single “Smile” in early December. What was your overall vision or goal for this release? Describe your excitement to play it live for your fans.

AO: Our goal for that release was honestly just to get all of our fans, and potential fans, involved in the next chapter in our journey. We wanted people to be excited for the release. We think that the release was a success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without our fans!

SCP: What’s one stark difference between traveling as a band versus personal traveling?

AO: Well, there is much less room in the vehicle! Traveling together as a band is way more fun than traveling alone, as well.

SCP: When searching for a personal getaway, are you looking for a serene beach or after a more active, adventurous getaway? Why?

AO: I would rather be relaxing on a beach personally. I’m a laid-back person and chilling out makes me happy!

SCP: One of our core objectives at SCP is to bring people together while traveling, not only to influence people to see and appreciate our beautiful world, but to also minimize cross-cultural divides. What effect does traveling, specifically surrounding music, have on humans in this regard? How has it broadened your perspective of the world?

AO: It has definitely given us a better perspective on differing cultures in the United States. We’re always very excited to visit cities that we have never been to! Traveling as much as we do has made us appreciate the many different ways of life around the country.

© Mariano Mantel

SCP: Everyone has a list of places that they still have to hit. What are three destinations, either work or pleasure, that you need to see? Why?

AO: I would honestly love to travel to countries outside of America! My top three would have to be Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, because I’ve never been there and I hear they’re all beautiful to visit!

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SCP: When you’re relaxing on a beach or just have some downtime are you listening to music? If so, to what?

AO: Listening to music is a very common pastime for me. I listen to many different genres of music, and my taste changes daily. I’ll be listening to pop-punk one day, then listening to rap the next.

© Somchat Thavornvattanayong

SCP: Lastly, what do the next couple of months have in store for you and the band?

AO: We are going to be busy playing shows and promoting ourselves even more! With “Smile” out now, we have a lot of work to do to try and get as many people to hear us as possible!

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For more on Skyward Story visit their website: