Interviewer: It’s a warm morning in El Paso, and the indie band Late Night Drive Home is on the brink of their biggest shows yet. With a European tour on the horizon and a return to Coachella just days away, it’s a whirlwind moment for the four-piece. Today, I’m catching up with lead singer Andre Portillo to discuss their journey, creative evolution, and the future.
Interviewer: You guys are from a small town outside El Paso. How has that influenced your style and approach to music?
Andre Portillo: Growing up in a small, secluded town gave us a lot of time to really find ourselves, both as people and as musicians. There’s not much to do here besides drive around and listen to music, which ended up being the perfect setting for us to develop as a band. We were able to lock in on our own sound without a lot of outside influence, which has helped us create a unique process for making music. When we recently went out to LA for a writing trip, it was fun, but we realized we prefer to write on our own terms. That small-town mentality definitely influences our lyrics too; there’s a depth that comes from being in a place where introspection is kind of inevitable.
Interviewer: What kind of music were you all listening to in your early years, and how has that evolved over time?
Portillo: When we first started, we were really into bands like Twenty One Pilots, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers. We also loved Car Seat Headrest, Teen Suicide, and The Strokes – a lot of indie stuff. Those influences are still there, but as we’ve grown as musicians, our tastes have expanded. Now, we’re all into different kinds of music, and that blend comes through in our songs. We’ve gone from a more lo-fi sound to something more layered and experimental, incorporating elements like synthesizers and electronic beats.
Interviewer: Your music has become more intricate over time. Has that been a conscious decision, or did it just naturally evolve?
Portillo: It’s a bit of both. The more we’ve gotten to know each other as musicians, the more we’ve been able to refine what we want our sound to be. But it’s also about going through the motions, trying things out, and seeing what works. Now, it’s more of a conscious decision to experiment, but we still let creativity guide us. We’re heavily influenced by electronic music right now, so we’re trying to blend that with our indie garage-rock roots. It’s like we have a vision, but we don’t let it control us too much. We still want the process to be fun and organic.
Interviewer: How have your fans reacted to the band’s experimentation with different sounds?
Portillo: It’s always a bit nerve-wracking to try something new, especially when you’ve built up a fanbase that’s used to a certain sound. But I think it’s important to evolve and keep things interesting. Our fans have been really supportive, which is amazing. We’re lucky that they’re willing to come along with us on this journey. I think of bands like The Strokes – they started out with a certain sound and then branched out into more electronic stuff. Not everyone loved it, but they gained new fans in the process. We’re hoping to do the same – create music that keeps people excited and engaged, even if it’s not what they were expecting.
Interviewer: A lot of your songs touch on relationships and reflection. Is that something that comes naturally to you as a songwriter?
Portillo: Definitely. Most of what I write is based on past experiences, but I also like to create narratives that people can connect with in their own way. I want the lyrics to be broad enough that anyone can find their own meaning in them, but there’s always a personal element there. Relationships – whether they’re romantic, friendships, or family – are a big part of that. It’s something I’m drawn to because those connections shape so much of our lives.
Interviewer: How have you handled the growing attention on social media? It must be a lot to take in.
Portillo: It was overwhelming at first, to be honest. I had this moment where I thought, “Is this the life I want to live?” The music business is unpredictable, and it’s not always easy to deal with that kind of pressure. But over time, I’ve come to terms with it and realized that the most important thing is the art. The fact that so many people listen to our music and connect with it is incredible. It still feels surreal sometimes, but it’s also really rewarding.
Interviewer: You’re playing Coachella again this year. How does it feel to be on that stage?
Portillo: I’m so excited! I still can’t quite believe it. We just found out we have extra tickets for our friends, so it’s going to be a blast. But honestly, I don’t think it’ll hit me until I’m actually up there. It’s crazy to think that we’re not just attending Coachella – we’re performing at one of the biggest festivals in the world. It’s a dream come true.
Interviewer: Beyond Coachella and the European tour, what’s the ultimate goal for Late Night Drive Home?
Portillo: Playing Madison Square Garden would be amazing. It’s one of those iconic venues that just holds so much meaning. That’s definitely a dream of ours – it feels like a huge milestone for any band. So yeah, that’s what we’re aiming for. But really, as long as we keep making music that we’re proud of and that resonates with people, we’re happy.
Interviewer: Your latest EP, I’ll Remember You For The Same Feeling You Gave Me As I Slept, is out now. What do you hope listeners take away from it?
Portillo: I hope it takes them on a journey. Whether they’re driving late at night, hanging out with friends, or just reflecting on life, I want our music to be the soundtrack to those moments. That’s what it’s all about for us – creating something that people can connect with, no matter where they are or what they’re going through.