Nashville-based rock/alternative band Lost Hearts is bringing pop sensibilities and glamor back to a new generation of rockers carrying the rock torch.

That’s the promise, and when you hear the first single, Hate Yourself, you know they mean it. Catchy and over the top, just like you need it. If you like The Struts or Starcrazy, you will like Lost Hearts.

Max Frye explains.

How do you typically come up with new song ideas?

I’m not sure if the way I come up with ideas is the same as everyone, but I usually sit down for at least an hour a day just noodling on my guitar with ideas. If I like something, I’ll record it in my voice memos, and if we like it, we’ll record a demo. Certain ideas definitely stand out from others, and surprisingly those are usually the ones that come to me the most naturally. I have over 1300 song ideas on my phone!

How do you see the power pop genre evolving in the future?

I could definitely see Power Pop evolving. People now more than ever want to listen to unique music. As musicians, if we can find something interesting to play and blend with a Pop chorus, it will definitely trip people’s ears.

As an artist, you choose to show your emotions to the world. Is it always comfortable to do so?

Not at all. It can be very difficult to be vulnerable as an artist and songwriter, but it is also one of the things that can connect you as an artist to other people. Writing about an experience or emotion that someone else in the world can relate to is powerful and we hope people feel that connection from our songs.

Playing music in front of a crowd. What’s all the fun about?

I’ve never encountered a feeling better than playing music live! Feeling the energy of a crowd, and being able to do what you love and share it with other people in that setting is something uniquely special.

How do you balance experimentation with commercial appeal in your music?

I think the main question we ask ourselves when recording is “does this add to the song or take away from it?” We love to experiment and try many different ideas and sounds, but we always like to keep it somewhat simple and raw at the same time!

How do you incorporate feedback and criticism into your creative process?

The hardest part is not taking the criticism personally. When you share your music with people it puts you in a very vulnerable place, especially if the song is very personal to you. If someone tells you they don’t like it or don’t like a part of it, it doesn’t always feel good. But at the end of the day, the goal is to write great songs that our audience can connect to. So, you have to take
the personal feelings out of it sometimes and do what is best for the song.

Cassettes are back. Which 5 five songs would make your first mixtape?

Personal Jesus- Depeche Mode
I Would Die 4 U- Prince
Dance the Night Away- Van Halen
Don’t Change- INXS
Fascination Street- The Cure