Sometimes, the best things in life start completely unplanned — like, say, forming a band in the middle of a snowstorm.
For Nashville-based alternative pop band In Color, what started as a casual hangout during a rare Tennessee blizzard turned into the beginning of something magical. “Nashville doesn’t get snow very often, so when the storm was forecasted we decided to all get snowed in together and hang out,” the band tells Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview. “The ice ended up freezing the roads for like a week, so we just had a ton of fun together. After the roads melted and we all went home, Val texted the group and was basically like, ‘Hey, we should start a band,’ and the rest is history.”
That history now includes a major label debut, millions of streams, and a brand new EP, Snow Day, out now via Big Loud Rock. The project marks a full-circle moment for the four friends, who built the record on the same sense of spontaneity and creative curiosity that sparked their formation. “We started writing songs together not knowing what would come out of it,” they share. “We went to a cabin in Northern Georgia a few times to escape for a bit and get into creative headspaces with no expectations. Half the fun of writing as a band is exercising every idea we have and rolling with whatever we feel exudes the right emotion.”
The six-track project blends shimmering alt-pop melodies with cinematic depth, offering a sound that’s as emotive as it is addictive. “We watched a lot of movies at the time we were creating these songs, trying to match the tones accordingly — everything from Blue Velvet to Gladiator,” they say, crediting film for helping shape their sonic palette. Drawing from influences like Coldplay, The 1975, and Kings of Leon, In Color has carved out a space uniquely their own. “We’ve spent our lives taking in as much music as we possibly could… our influences kind of naturally go through our own lens,” the band explains. “We’re not afraid to look to several genres or outside art forms for inspiration, but inevitably our music always comes out sounding like us.”
Intentionality, they add, is everything. “It’s something we’re always trying to keep at the forefront of our music — looking at the microscopic details as well as the bigger picture of each song and visual aspect.”
Their breakout single “Headlights” has already racked up millions of streams, and proved that their approach works. “We were hooked on the song 15 minutes into writing it,” they recall. “We believed in it from the start and spent a long time crafting it. We just hoped people would like it as much as we did but had no idea it would pop off. I guess no one ever really sees it coming.”
The Snow Day tracklist hits on a full emotional spectrum. From the bittersweet ache of “I Want You” — which they say is about “that aching feeling we’ve shared of being touring artists and constantly having to leave the people you love most” — to the introspection of “Is There Anyone” and the honesty of “Liar.” Each member has their favorite: “’Holiday Rd’ hits for me the most,” says Matt. “It can be easy to get caught in the cycle of routine and living in the moment gets more difficult, so we tried to capture the feeling of breaking free of that.” Miles admits, “’Headlights’ makes me feel alive.” Holden calls “Liar” a standout because “it’s being honest about not being honest,” and Val connects most with “Is There Anyone,” which “wants you to look inward and recognize that the same doubts you have are shared with most other people.”
When asked which song defines In Color, the band doesn’t hesitate: “’Headlights,’ for sure.”
And while Snow Day is still fresh, In Color is already moving forward, as their next single, “Lighter,” drops this Friday (November 7). The band describes it as “about the kind of memory that lingers longer than it should. It lives in that space between regret and acceptance, the kind of honesty that only comes when you’re finally ready to stop pretending you’re fine. Sonically, it lives in a shimmering soundscape that feels nostalgic and hopeful.”
That balance of honesty and hope has also carried into their newest chapter with Big Loud Rock, a label known for championing authentic, forward-thinking artists. “The BLR team showed us so much love and interest early on,” the band shares. “It’s so nice to have a team that really supports who we are and the art we create, while also pushing us to continue moving forward.”
Working with the Big Loud Rock family — including producer Joey Moi, who called the group “the real deal” — has been nothing short of affirming. “We have the privilege of waking up every day and seeing this band through,” they say. “It’s awesome having a team who helps us realize our vision.”
Up next, In Color will hit the road this fall supporting The Band CAMINO, another perfect fit for their sound and energy. “We are so excited to be on the road,” they tell us. “Touring is so fun, especially when you get to do it with friends. We go way back with the Camino crew, so it’s special to be hitting the road for the first time as In Color with them.”
Fans can expect “four guys that are really happy to be sharing our music,” plus some new surprises. And when it comes to keeping things running smoothly? “Matt and Miles can take the ‘mom’ title,” they joke. “Holden and Val are the kids they take to the waterpark.”
Even in their down time, the group doesn’t stray far from the chaos that started it all. “During our snow day conception, we hitched a rope to the back of our friend’s Land Rover and snowboarded through the streets,” they laugh. “So we’d probably be doing that again.”
As for their secret? “Holden is allergic to almost everything under the sun,” they confess, proving that behind the cinematic soundscapes and streaming numbers, In Color is still just four friends chasing the magic that started on a snowy Nashville street.
With Snow Day out now and “Lighter” arriving this Friday, one thing’s clear: In Color is here to make alt-pop feel alive again, as their music is honest, human, and impossible to ignore.
Take a listen to Snow Day below and don’t forget to let us know if you’re loving In Color’s music by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with the band by visiting their website here or following them on Instagram at @incolorincolor.
