“A depressed band that is forever optimistic”, may be the most accurate description of an emo band ever uttered. That’s how Minnesota threesome Halfway Down describe themselves, and I honestly couldn’t come up with anything better if I wanted to. Creative disputes within a prior project paved the way for Blake Deneweth (lead vocals/guitar) to join forces with brothers Shawn (lead guitar/vocals) and Cameron Kraft (drums) to form a band that plays somewhere along the spectrum between pop punk and metalcore. Their sound is energetic and punchy, with plenty of depth woven into seamlessly connect with the darker themes represented within their lyrics. Since 2024, Halfway Down has released a respectable collection of singles and EPs. Their most recent record, 'I’ll Never Be Perfect', hit the streams just last month, delivering a powerful mix of driving, up-tempo tunes and moodier tracks meant to hit you right in the feels. With more newness on the horizon, Halfway Down is ready to take the scene, and your emo hearts, by storm.
Keep scrolling to check out my lightning round interview with Halfway Down; be sure to follow along on Instagram @halwaydownofficial , and tune in to Spotify and Apple Music. Don’t forget to save the Under Exposed playlist on Spotify to listen to my favorites from Halfway Down and the rest of the Under Exposed lineup!
Interview
Cameron Conrad sits down with Halfway Down, Blake Deneweth, Shawn Kraft, and Cameron Kraft
What’s your dream venue, the place that will feel like you’ve “made it” once you've played there?
First Avenue
If you could pick any band or artist, past or present, to tour with, who would it be?
Four Year Strong
If each of you was a Disney character, who would you be?
Milo Thatch
Tinker Bell
Chicken Little
What’s the craziest, cringiest thing you’ve done for the sake of your music?
We are not good actors, so when we filmed a bunch of iPhone footage in an arcade for our song “Nostalgic”, and we ended up not releasing any of it because we cringed too hard.
If we gave out high-school superlatives today, what would each of you win?
Class clown
Biggest smile
Most likely to become bald
Any new music or upcoming tours we should know about? Anything brewing behind the scenes you can give a hint about?
We are dropping 6 songs this year and we’ve got tons of shows coming up!