Music Spotlight: Forever X2

Meet Forever X2, the brand new indie-rock project by LA-based vocalist + songwriter Peter Verdell. Forever X2’s latest single Walk The Ocean, released January 18, combines grunge + pop influences into the ultimate feel-good anthem. His debut 6-track EP, set to release in May, will be composed of Peter Verdell on drums, guitars, keys, + vocals and produced by Ari Berl + Yianni AP. We chat with Peter about Walk The Ocean, his new sound, + Limp Bizkit.

// photo by Jason Flynn

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on your new release! Tell us about Walk the Ocean.
Peter Verdell: I love this song. It was actually a late addition to the EP—coming out this May. I had already recorded the other five songs and was in the process of mixing them, when I sent a demo of Walk the Ocean to Ari and Yianni (producers). I had shown them a sketch of the song like a year previous to then, but I re-worked it. They both responded to the new demo with, ‘Yeah, we need to record this.’

AM: What do you want people to feel when they hear this song for the first time?
PV: Adventurous. I want people to feel excited to go out and do something risky.

I want people to feel excited to go out and do something risky.

AM: For first time listeners, how would you describe your sound?
PV: 90's alternative radio was my best friend as a kid, and I've found myself being pulled back toward that. Forever X2 feels like a loud mix of alternative, grunge and pop.

AM: Are there themes that you typically pursue through your music?
PV: I’m really interested in romance—it's endlessly fascinating to me. I'm also really interested in adventure or living boldly. I want those things for my life, so most of my songs revolve around those interests.

AM: What other musicians are you currently listening to?
PV: There are so many all the time. Last night I fell asleep listening to my playlist of Phoebe Bridgers, and this morning I listened to Limp Bizkit. How weird is that? I hadn't listened to Limp Bizkit in 15 years, but I've been re-exploring it today, and I honestly like some (SOME) of it.

AM: Does Los Angeles play a role in your work or view as an artist?
PV: LA plays a massive role. I've lived in downtown LA for seven years now. It's gritty, it's challenging, but there's a lot to be inspired by.

AM: Where is one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self and your music?
PV: I wish there were a magical place I'd found that always does the trick, but for sure the closest I get is just practicing in my apartment—guitar, vocals, drums, whatever. Whether I'm learning someone else's song or practicing scales, I feel creative and in touch with myself.

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
PV: Forever X2 is super brand new, so I don't fully know yet! I'm putting out two more songs in the next two months, and then the EP will come out in May. I'm going to book a couple of LA shows and then take it from there!

// listen to Walk the Ocean:

// Listen to more Forever X2 on Spotify + SoundCloud.