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Photo credit – Alex Lyon

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Interview with
SENSES:

From Craigslist to Global Tours
– A Chat with
MADISON TAYLOR & NICK SAMPSON
(11th June 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the complete interview below

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From Craigslist connections to international tours, SENSES are ready to break out — and Australia’s first in line.

I recently caught up with the wonderfully warm and whip-smart Madison Taylor and the affably energetic Nick Sampson of LA alt-rockers SENSES, and what followed was an engaging, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation. Ahead of their first trip down under, they reflected on the band’s unconventional beginnings, the post-pandemic grind, their evolving sound, and what it means to really win over a crowd.

The Craigslist Spark That Started It All

While many bands bond over childhood music classes or garage jams, SENSES took a modern, slightly riskier route — Craigslist.

“I put out an ad looking for musicians, and Nick was the first to respond,” Madison recalls. “We met up at a rehearsal space, and the rest is history.”

A bold leap of faith, followed by a global pandemic. Not the ideal start for any band, but Madison and Nick turned uncertainty into opportunity.

“We had a batch of songs just sitting there,” Nick adds. “So we just released them during lockdown, did Zoom release parties — just the two of us — and waited to see what would happen.”

What happened was momentum. And now, five years later, they’re heading overseas for the first time — destination: Australia.

Lockdown Creativity and the Snowball Since

Coming out of COVID, SENSES took every chance to play live, hitting LA venues, releasing tracks like “Sleepwalking” and “Going Through It”, and refining their sound in studios and on stage.

“It’s been a hardworking snowball effect,” Madison says. “Once things reopened, we just kept moving — writing, recording, playing — and now we’re here.”

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An Emo-Friendly, Punk-Curious Pop Rock Ride

One of the most entertaining parts of the chat was trying to define the SENSES sound — something the band themselves approach with humour and intent.

“We’re an emo-friendly, punk-curious pop rock band,” Nick laughs. “We don’t like pigeonholing ourselves. It keeps things open.”

Influences range from Evanescence (a shared favorite) to Paramore, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Pat Benatar for Madison — while Nick grew up on everything from Korn and Disturbed to Lady Gaga and Pink. It’s a mix that somehow clicks.

“Anything with good percussion and energy, I’m in,” says Nick. “We like to keep it punchy.”

Australia Bound – What to Expect on Tour

Teaming up with Aussie rockers Yours Truly, SENSES are bringing their energetic show across the Pacific — and they couldn’t be more excited.

“Australia’s always been top of the list on our Spotify stats,” Madison says. “So it feels right to come play for those fans.”

This tour also marks a logistical first — no more Madison’s parents’ RV. It’s vans and hotels this time.

“We’ve always traveled in an RV back home,” Madison laughs. “This is our first proper tour set-up — new experiences all around.”

Expect big energy, crowd interaction, and infectious hooks. Whether you’ve heard of them or not, chances are you’ll leave a fan.

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The New Single – “Clean Cut”

Clean Cut, the band’s latest single, brings that self-coined “punk-curious” energy to the fore.

“It’s fast, it’s fun, but the lyrics hit,” Madison explains. “It’s about needing to step away and reset — taking space to sort through chaos.”

With explosive drums and layered vocals, it showcases the tight synergy between Nick and Madison — drummer and vocalist driving the sound together.

On the Horizon – A Debut Album

After years of singles and EPs, SENSES are finally looking ahead to a full-length release.

“We were just talking about it today,” Nick says. “We want to create something that’s not just a collection of songs, but a proper chapter in our story.”

“An album helps people really connect,” Madison adds. “It becomes part of your history.”

And as any music fan knows — when a debut album hits right, it sticks for life.

Freddie, Flip Cup, and Favorite Places

Some rapid-fire facts to finish:

Dream collab? Freddie Mercury and Evanescence.
Craziest feat? Madison’s three-year reign as flip cup champion in Wisconsin. Nick’s? Surviving a cracked skull from a rogue baseball bat at age six.
Favorite food? Potatoes (Madison). Sushi (Nick).
Most talked-about topic? Dogs and vegan food.
Favorite tattoo (of Madison’s 9)? A self-designed abstract on his arm.
Historical heroes? Maya Angelou… and Mickey Mouse.

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Why You Need to See Them Live

What’s the best part of performing live?

“Seeing the head bobs,” Nick says. “We love that moment when the crowd shifts from polite curiosity to actual engagement.”

“It’s about authenticity,” Madison adds. “Social media’s one thing, but playing live — that’s where the real connection happens.”

So whether you’re a longtime listener or just hearing about SENSES now, catch them live with Yours Truly this June. It might just be one of those “I saw them before they blew up” moments.

“rousing and infectious, primed for impassioned singalongs and replete with tangible emotion” – WONDERLAND

“[senses] would make an early Paramore and Mayday Parade proud of how pop rock and pop punk has evolved” – The Aquarian

“Already generating heat..” – Rolling Stone

“Instantly infectious” – The New Nine

“larger-than-life pop-rock…” – Just Jared

About SENSES:

senses is a Los Angeles-based self-identifying “emo-friendly, punk-curious” band known for their explosive energy and soul-baring truth. Their music channels pain and frustration into catchy anthems that resonate with fans and has catapulted them into joining multiple tours with artists like Charlotte Sands, Carlie Hanson, Leah Kate, and Boys Like Girls. Recently signed to Hopeless Records, the band, led by Madison Taylor (vocals/guitar) and Nick Sampson (drums), has seen their fanbase grow rapidly, thanks in part to their emotionally charged live shows and viral live videos. Formed in 2019 after Taylor and Sampson connected via Craigslist, senses quickly made a name for themselves with their raw and unruly sound. Despite any setbacks, they continued to create, leading to their breakthrough debut EP, take me out of here (2023). The EP, produced by Keith Varon, features hard-hitting singles like “sleepwalking”, “gonna make sure” and “novocain”, and earned the band radio play and spots on major editorial playlists. Through their music and a history of electrifying live performances, senses have built a close-knit community with their fans. The band is now working on new music, driven by their passion for creating an inclusive space where everyone can connect and find solace in their songs.

Listen to SENSES on all major platforms (below) and catch them on tour across Australia with Yours Truly this June.

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Keep up with SENSES:
Spotify – Instagram  – YouTube
TikTok – Website

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Watch the complete interview below

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Press Release 3rd June 2025 (below) HERE

SENSES
crashes into a new chapter
with fierce new track
CLEAN CUT

LISTEN TO THE TRACK HERE

Touring Australia this June

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AMNPLIFY – DB