An Inside Look: A Candid Conversation with the Bandmates of a Public Figure

I had the wonderful opportunity to do a Q&A session with the talented bandmates of Public Figure. During this engaging discussion, I was able to dive deep into the unique stories of each band member, exploring their diverse upbringings and the distinct paths they took to pursue their musical dreams. We discussed their individual musical journeys, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped their artistic identities, and shared insights into their personal hobbies and interests outside of music. I hope you guys enjoy reading this!!

AA: I would be excited to learn more about each member's backgrounds and the personal journeys that have influenced you all. Please tell me where you each grew up, describing your hometown and the surroundings where you were raised. I’m especially curious about how your upbringing has affected your fundamental values and viewpoints.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

I was born in Columbus, NE, but I spent a lot of my childhood in Gillette, WY. I think of both places as my hometown since I have so much history and family in each. I grew up with my mom and five siblings, but in the summers, I’d visit my grandparents and my dad and stepmom. My dad had three more kids, so altogether, I’m the oldest of nine.

Visiting my grandparents and dad was always the highlight of my childhood. My grandparents spoiled me like crazy, and my dad, who was a musician in a band, got me hooked on music. When I wasn’t being spoiled by my grandparents, I was in the basement watching my dad’s band practice and learning about music. I started getting really into it around age 8. Between third and fourth grade, I learned to play the drums, and by the time fourth grade started, I was convinced I’d be a drummer. Funny enough, I’m a bassist now!

By 8th grade, I was trying to start bands with friends, but it didn’t actually happen until ninth grade. Now I’m almost 30 and still chasing that dream.

My parents weren’t perfect, and life wasn’t always easy. I’d escape into my room and blast music when things got tough. That’s probably why I’m still chasing this dream—to create music for someone else who might need an escape the way I did. If I can do that, then I’ll feel like I’ve made it.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I am a born and raised Omaha guy! I grew up all over town but mainly on the north central and northeast area. Omaha has a huge range of people from all walks of life, although some areas of town are ignorant to it because they're further away from people who aren't like them. The areas school i went to (Westside High) was a pretty solid mix of some of the wealthiest families in Nebraska and some very poor families and everyone in between. So, I grew up with a respect for people in different situations. We were on the poorer side but always had what we needed.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I grew up on a farm, outside of two little farming towns of 300 or less people. My high school was a consolidation of 3 smaller communities. My High School graduation class was 26 kids. Growing up this way, you started “work” when you could form sentences, then started driving the tractor the next year haha. So I grew up with a lot of responsibilities starting at a young age.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

I was born and raised in Pensacola FL and the surrounding towns. I spent most

of my childhood there until I enlisted in the Air Force when I was 20 – the

southern hospitality and respect for community definitely shines through in my

music.

AA: Moreover, I would like to hear about your guys' cultural heritage. In what ways has it shaped your identity?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

On my mom’s side, we grew up in a mix of Filipino and Latin cultures. On my dad’s side, it was classic small-town Nebraska living. Growing up with my mom, I got to experience a lot of different lifestyles early on.

In high school, I moved in with my dad and went to a small country school. That’s where I quickly realized that some people have never really experienced anything outside of small-town American culture. I loved it, though. I had a great time being part of the country life.

Because of those experiences, I think I’ve learned to be open to all kinds of people and ways of life. It’s even made me a pretty forgiving person—sometimes more than I should be, LOL.

When it comes to who I am, I’d say I’m proud of being approachable and understanding. I wear my heart on my sleeve and don’t really keep secrets.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

Growing up we didn't have a strong cultural influence as far as one would think. We did the classic Nebraska things, like put ranch on everything and go outside to watch storms but other than that, we were kinda just standard white people. We went to church most of the time, we celebrated all the Christian holidays as well as the American holidays. And ate pretty German/American foods.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

“Cultural Heritage” wasn’t something that was really talked or discussed a lot at a young age. It all really boiled down to, this is what needs to be done and let’s get it done. Once the job was finished, the play could begin. I suppose my Heritage would be that of farmers. I would be a 4th generation farmer with my father, grandpa and great grandpa all working the same land. I feel that these responsibilities i had as a young lad have given me a good sense of work ethic into my professional career away from home. But again, that’s not things we really sat and talked about much growing up.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Culturally, I grew up valuing my loved ones and community. My friends are my

family.

AA: What traditions or stories from your culture have significantly contributed to who you are today? Are there specific experiences or milestones—accomplishments, challenges, or turning points—that profoundly impacted your personal growth?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

There are definitely a few things that shaped my personal growth. From my mom, I learned to be forgiving and kind to everyone I can. From my dad, I learned the value of hard work. If I wanted something, I had to go all in, or the chances of failing would be way too high for my liking. My grandparents taught me that family isn’t just about blood—you create your own family.

Taking lessons from all of that, I was able to learn multiple instruments before graduating high school, get into honor bands, and excel in Speech, Interp, and Acting. When people think about turning points, they usually imagine one big event or a single achievement. For me, it wasn’t like that. My turning point happened between the ages of 14 and 19.

During those years, my experiences in band, theater, Speech, and moving from one state and school to another really set the course for my adult life. I still play music like I did back then. I still perform on stage, and I even married my high school sweetheart, who’s still my best friend and biggest supporter today. That time in my life was really the foundation of who I am now.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I had to restart my entire life after a tornado destroyed our house and almost claimed my life. That was a very large challenge that was made easier by the support of my band, alone with friends and family. The whole experience showed me that there are still so many good people out there and impacted my personal growth by showing me that helping in your community and having compassion and love for the people around you is beyond important.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I don’t think i can specifically point to one thing that has made me who i am today. I would more describe my entire youth as a farm kid that has shaped me to who I am today. Their are many occasions where I hated the work and couldn’t wait to get out, but as I ponder on my youth, i have fond memories of the work and responsibilities trusted to me and how they have affected the way I handle my life today. I know I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today without those experiences and am very grateful to have lived that life.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

I would say that completing my military career was a huge milestone for me. The

Air Force taught me a lot about the value of hard work, and of building a

community in new places.

AA: I’m excited to delve into the details of each member's musical journey. Could you all share a particular moment or experience that sparked your passion for music? Perhaps it was a memorable concert you attended, a song that resonated deeply with you, or a moment of inspiration that inspired you to pick an instrument.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Watching my dad practice with his band in the basement was a huge part of my childhood. His drummer left his drum set at our house, and I’d spend hours playing on it, trying to learn as much as I could. My dad loved The Beatles and anything with serious musical integrity, so he introduced me to drummers like Keith Moon, Dave Grohl, and Neil Peart. I wanted my own drum set so badly—I wanted to be like them.

Eventually, my dad got me my first drum set, and from ages 10 to 14, that’s all I played. I learned every Nirvana song I could and listened to bands like System of a Down, Chevelle, Korn, Hollywood Undead, Creed, Linkin Park, and Eminem, along with whatever hip-hop my mom was blasting on her boombox.

At 14, I moved to Nebraska with my dad, leaving Wyoming and my mom behind. It was tough because I had to leave my band, Signature, and start over. In Nebraska, I quickly realized that no one around me could play guitar well enough to perform the songs I wanted. So, I picked up a guitar, grabbed a “How to Play Guitar” book my dad gave me, and got to work. Within nine months, I had learned guitar and started a new band called Scriptive. Knowing drums definitely helped me learn quickly, but so did the 5-6 hours I spent practicing every day after school.

Fast forward to high school and college—seeing Skillet and Papa Roach live made me realize that what I wanted more than anything was to perform on stage with my friends and help people through music. I jumped in and out of bands in the Omaha music scene, searching for the right group to make that dream a reality. In 2019, Public Figure was born.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I’m not sure what started my musical journey. I have always been interested in music. Some of my very first memories were singing little jingles that i came up with in the back yard. We had a toy jeep that my sister and I would drive around In singing this "song" I wrote at age 3 or 4. And from then I never stopped singing. Once I got into school alot of kids were playing sports. We didn't really have the money to play sports, because as you may or may not know, youth sports are incredibly expensive. So instead of playing sports my dad supported the idea of me getting an instrument and investing time into it instead of money. I started with a guitar when I was 6, I got it for christmas. Then I decided I didn't want to wait to learn songs so I got a self teaching book and went from there. Then around 8 I got a little first act drum set for Christmas. I played drums like crazy, it was such an incredible feeling as a young boy with a lot of emotions to bang around on things. That was also around the time that YouTube was born, and self learning was alot more available. I focused mainly on drums for a few years. While I was playing drums I also picked up piano. I never got great at piano, but good enough to read music if you have me enough time. Then my oldest brother gave me his old bass that he played in high-school. Now the ball was rolling, I wanted to be able to play EVERYTHING. I started taking trumpet lessons in school. Then I picked up saxophone, and clarinet. Every instrument I saw I wanted to play. I ended up nailing it down to guitar, bass, and drums. I play all 3 rather proficiently, with drums being my favorite. All the while I still sang and wrote songs on guitar. So yeah, a little long written but yeah.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I’ve always been a diehard Green Day fan, from the EARLY days. I remember learning my first song “Brain Stew” by Green Day and having my friend play the drums to it. I just remember thinking that is super awesome to just be able to play music how you wanted to play it. Being able to pick up a guitar and learn any music I wanted to and play it however I wanted to was a very intoxicating feeling for me. I didn’t go to my first rock show until sometime my senior year of high school. The nearest town that had big bands was an hour and a half away, so doing things like that was very rare growing up. So I think that how’s I got my love for guitar, because I have my own little personal concert whenever I wanted to.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

For me, the most iconic musical moment of my life was my first show – it was what convinced me that music was ultimately my long-term career. I went to a ska show for a band called Big D and the Kids Table at a sh***y little bar in Pensacola called Sluggo’s when I was 14. The capacity of the room couldn’t have been more than 80, but there were a hundred people AND a ska band in that room, dancing, singing, moshing, having the time of their life. I looked around and thought, “This is what life should be about.” And ever since then, I’ve wanted to bring that to our fans.

AA: What obstacles have each member faced on their journey, and what strategies did you all employ to overcome them? It would be great to hear about your actions to transform your passion into a successful music career.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

The first big challenge I faced as a musician in a thriving music scene is one that I think a lot of musicians encounter: not everyone who’s good at music wants to make it their career. I often found myself in bands where my goal was to take things to the top and turn the band into a business, but the other members wanted to keep it a hobby. Some said they wanted to go all the way but backed out when they realized the sacrifices it would take.

The second challenge I faced was myself. I was so eager for everyone to hear whatever project I was part of that I said yes to almost every local show opportunity. I thought the more we played, the more people we’d reach, and the faster we’d grow.

I had to overcome both obstacles by being honest. First, I had to be upfront with my bandmates. I wanted to make music my career, and if they weren’t ready to go all in, no matter how talented they were, I didn’t want to keep going with them. No hard feelings—I believe there’s nothing wrong with making music just for fun. Music is art, and everyone gets to decide how seriously they want to pursue it. It just wasn’t the path I wanted.

Second, I had to be honest with myself. When I started working in social media for a travel nursing company, I learned a lot about marketing. That’s when I realized playing every local show wasn’t the best strategy. If people can see you 2-3 times a month at the same venues, even your biggest fans will lose interest. Instead, I learned that staying active online and creating a few meaningful experiences a year, rather than 25 thrown-together ones, grows your following faster and bigger.

Even with this realization, it took time to apply it effectively. Public Figure is a great example of that process. Even after being honest with myself and others, there were still lessons to learn. The bigger you get, the more you have to adapt. We went through a few lineup changes—I’m the only original member left. Just like in life, growth and change are part of the journey.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

One obstacle (other than the tornado, that’s kind of a more recent one) was when my dad bought a house out of town and moved. My dad was the custodial parent, and I was 17 at the time. When he did this i was a junior in high-school and couldn't move 100 miles away with him, so I moved in with my mom. This was huge because it split me and my siblings apart. Two of my brothers stayed in a rental, because they were graduated. I moved in with my mom, and my sister went with my dad. So, our entire lives we were together and then we were all thrown in different directions. In this, I had a lot more freedom and time to myself. So, I spent a lot of it writing music. I started a solo album project and turned my room into a little makeshift studio. I got more into the production side and ended up putting out the album. A few of the songs on the album were inspired by the feelings of the family drifting apart.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

When I first started playing with a band (before Public Figure) It was very much just for the fun of it and really learning how to even perform on stage. As the years went by, I started to realized that If you wanted to make money as a musician, you had to be really good at the business side of things. This was the first challenge I think I faced as a musician. I found someone who I could work with and had a brain for business like myself (John Faist - Drummer for PF) and that’s when the business side of things really started to grow. We learned how to put on big shows and how to monetize music. Once we started figuring that out, it became MORE fun because the shows just got bigger and bigger. With the bigger shows came more extravagant live shows and we continue to look for ways to make the live experience even better. That’s what I enjoy. Finding a way to grow your business and find success.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

There were many personal obstacles – poverty, homelessness, and isolation – but through hard work, through building a solid network of friends… I’ve never been closer to making music my career.

AA: Is there a specific musician for each member whose creativity and life story has significantly influenced your decision to pursue music? Did their narrative inspire you to take the leap and form your band? Please describe how their journey and artistry have shaped your musical path.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

For me, my biggest inspirations aren’t anyone famous. There are two people close to me who pushed me to go all in on music.

The first is my dad. No matter what I learned, he always encouraged me to tackle something harder. If I needed equipment, he usually made sure I had it. He wanted nothing more than to see me succeed in music.

The second is my best friend, Robby. To this day, I don’t know anyone more skilled on the guitar. Watching him practice, live and breathe his instrument, and then pick up and learn something new by ear in just a few seconds is still incredibly inspiring.

They’re both true artists, and they’ve had a huge impact on my life and my music.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

Justing furstenfeld of blue October was a HUGE influence for me. My oldest brother introduced me to them around the time my dad was going through cancer treatment, and I was in a very emotionally raw place. Having an artist who was not afraid to write about dark, raw, deep things was very freeing to me at a time when I needed it.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I don’t necessarily have an answer to this question. Their wasn’t one individual that pushed me to music. I’ve always been a bit of a risk taker and wanted to jump outside of the box to do something different. (I think that came from growing up in a small town, wanting to be a little different than everyone else) The need/want to be a little different was my push to do something a little more on the unique side.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

If I had to point at ONE musician that I model myself after, it would be Chad Smith of the Red-Hot Chili Peppers. His constant effort to serve the song as a drummer showed me how powerful and emotional my instrument can be.

AA: I'm excited to explore the narrative behind your band, “Public Figure.” Could you take me on a journey through the unique paths that led each of you to come together as a collective? I’d love to hear about the significant moments or experiences that served as turning points in your journey, helping you build a strong bond and work seamlessly as a cohesive unit. What challenges did you face, and how did they shape your collaboration?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

This is a tough one to explain fully, so here’s a timeline instead:

Before 2019:

We were all in different bands. For me, the bands I played with were Signature, Radio Flyers, Scriptive, Attain, Product of the Broken, Sons of Rome, Hollow Animal, Taking the Hourglass, and finally Public Figure.

2019:

• I started Public Figure.

• John and RJ were in their band, Chasing Chance.

2020:

COVID hit, and live music slowed down. The original Public Figure lineup used this time to write and record. We worked on singles like “Poor and Pretty,” “Better Sleep,” “Till We’re Done,” “Q,” and “Hollywood.”

2021:

Public Figure started booking bigger shows, including a sold-out one with Chasing Chance. This was when John, RJ, and I first officially met—though RJ and I realized later we had briefly met before 2019, LOL.

We also recorded five more songs: “Animals,” “Biscuits and Gravy,” “What A Year,” “You and I,” and “Oh, Love.”At the end of the year, our guitarist left the band.

2022:

We added two new guitarists and played another show with Chasing Chance.

2023:

We played another show with Chasing Chance, but this time John and I had become close friends. I even got him a job at the travel nursing agency where I worked. At that show, John announced it would be his last with Chasing Chance.

What John didn’t know was that three members of Public Figure were also playing their final shows. In August, Public Figure went on hiatus. I thought it was the end—until I found out the other members were willing to sell me the equipment and the rights to the band. They were really supportive, so I bought everything: the music, the name, the gear.

When the time was right, I called John. He called RJ, and we got to work. All we needed was a vocalist.

2024:We started auditioning vocalists and being really picky. I posted in an Omaha subreddit looking for someone, and while a lot of people reached out, nothing felt right—until Roger.

Roger blew us away by writing the song “Love You Found” to a demo we’d already created. We played our first show in May, and afterward, we all knew: this lineup was the one.

2025:

Public Figure has been on tour, played out-of-town shows, sold out some venues, and is growing faster than ever.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I joined PF in February of 2024 after seeing an ad on the Omaha subreddit. The most significant thing that I have gone through with the guys was the tornado. My house was our practice space, so everything we used was there and almost all of it got destroyed. But the band got out to the house and were trying to salvage everything we could as well as supporting me as much as the could. The tornado was in April 2024 so I didn't even know them that well, but that experience was a huge bonding time and it pulled us together better than any team building activities!

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

John (Drummer) and I actually met when he tried out for a previous band I was in. I thought John was a great drummer and saw that he had vision and great work ethic. That didn’t end up working out with him joining that band but it did create the connection. A little after that, John was part of forming a band called Chasing Chance. Since we already had that previous connection, John asked me if I would be interested in Joining them as a guitarist. This style of music we were creating was right up my alley so it was an easy decision for me to make to join up with Chasing Chance. It happened that I had moved into the area not to long before that as well so that helped aid in my decision to come on board. It was challenging starting from scratch and creating a whole new fan base and getting going from the ground floor, but with the work ethic we all had at the beginning, the shows were amazing right from the get go. Working with a new group of people can be a challenge in itself as you have to learn the specific work flows and learn to deal with everyone’s unique personalities. We managed to make Chasing Chance a great experience and in turn gave me some great knowledge on how to run a music business.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

RJ and I were in a band previously that ultimately fell apart at the same time that Public Figure’s old lineup broke up. Having worked with Dolan for years, I carefully approached him about the idea of continuing on without the old lineup, and after picking up RJ and Roger, we never looked back. Since then, I would say the focal point around which we grew very close was helping Roger recover after the Elkhorn tornado destroyed his house and nearly killed him.

AA: Additionally, I would love to hear about the inspiration behind your band’s name. What led you to choose this name, and what meaning does it carry for each of you as individuals and the group as a whole?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Honestly, I came up with it one day when I was scrolling on Facebook. It was either Public Figure, or it was Finding Friends. I am SO GLAD we went with Public Figure. For me, Public Figure is something that we can all be a part of. So many people strive to be bigger than they are, why not do it together?

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I was not involved in the name choosing, but for me "public figure" is about being more than ones self. Its about being a good person, someone that people could look up to. Its about sharing love and excitement with our fans. Its about being the best version of yourself and having your public persona be as authentic as your private self.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

Dolan is the original founding member, so you will get that info from him.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Public Figure is a tongue-in-cheek name poking fun at the concept of becoming

famous, of becoming a public figure as seen by society. We can all be one if we

step into the limelight.

AA: How do you all find inspiration for your lyrics, and what does it feel like to perform your creations in front of an audience?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

I don’t write the lyrics, but performing in front of people is one of the best parts about this whole thing. Collective Effervescence is a real thing! There is nothing like looking out to hundreds of people who are jamming and singing your songs back at you. I can’t wait to make that number thousands.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

Inspiration can come from many places, but at the very beginning its the vibe. Usually someone in the band come up with a riff, or a progression and I try to decipher what emotions and stories it is trying to tell. I know that sounds very hippy dippy but hey, just being honest. After I have a vibe then I have the guys play a section on repeat over and over and over and over....and over as I fill in the space with whatever wants to be there. Sometimes trying to force a narrative into a song takes the soul out of it. Letting the words come together and just guiding them into place like tetris is part of the process. As for performing it for people...the coolest thing to ever experience is a room of people singing something you wrote back at you. Nothing compares to that. And I can never show my gratitude to all the people who learn the words and sing with me on show day. They are the real winners.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I pulled the inspiration for the opening of that song from bands like Blink and Rancid. I love that octave strumming and how pop rock music is structured. It all started with that first piece and then the rest of the music fell into place. i had the original structure written when I brought it to the band, then we developed a bridge together, with roger coming in with some great lyrics and John with some great drumming.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Lyrics are Roger’s baby – performing our music is absolutely the most fun piece of the entire puzzle for me. The ability to collectively shift the emotions of a crowd, to make them lose their sense of self while singing along, and to ultimately connect emotionally with them in that moment despite having lived two disparate and unique lives… these things are what make music so powerful to me, and I love it.

AA: I am genuinely excited to explore the music your band has released so far. Each single tells a unique story, and I'm particularly interested in understanding the motivations and experiences that inspired them. I would love for band member to share your thoughts on the tracks you participated in, explaining your relationship with each song in depth. This could include insights into the creative process, the emotions they evoke, and any personal anecdotes that influenced their development.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Oh man, I have been a part of every track that Public Figure has released. I’ll just list every song and give a little bit of a back story on each song.

Poor and Pretty – This is the first song we ever wrote as Public Figure. This song really showcases the main idea behind what we wanted Public Figure to be. We wanted to write simple, catchy, and fun songs for everyone to sing and dance to. So we said “Why not just write a song with 2 chords and make people dance?” We wanted to write something that would set the expectations moving forward. We later rerecorded this song with RJ’s guitar solo and Roger’s vocals.

Better Sleep – I wrote this song when I was 16. The intro, the pre chorus, the chorus, and the bridge were all written in my bedroom. It just took years to find a project that would take the song and make it into what it is now. It’s still one of my favorite songs to play live.

Hollywood – This song was written about our original singer’s journey on a motorcycle all the way out to LA because he thought he could go be an actor. Turns out, he hated it, and came back home to Omaha. The iconic guitar part was inspired by Incubus and their song “Aqueous Transmission.” We later rerecorded this song with Roger’s vocals.

Q – This song was different. In the beginning of the band, we really wanted to make a song for the musicians. The idea was, “Even though our songs are fun bubblegum and simple, we are musicians and can do cool stuff too. Don’t count us out.” Therefore, we wrote a song with mixed meters. The verses are in a 7/4 time signature.Till we’re Done – This is my favorite Public Figure song to listen to. It was written by our original guitarist, and to this day, we haven’t done anything with it as an ode to him.

Biscuits and Gravy – We were inspired by the Arctic Monkeys and their riffs. We also wanted to write a song about sex. Mash those 2 things together and you get this song. Oh, the guitar solo and music video are incredible on this. Shout out to those who did it. You know who you are. <3

Oh, Love – We were messing around with some delay guitar and this song was born. Keeping in the theme of simple and fun. The words were actually written in studio.You and I – These words were also written in studio. I actually wrote a majority of this song as well. Sometimes you can tell the songs I lean heavy into based on the complexity of the bass line. What a Year – Same as “Q” but on steroids. We were REALLY experimenting with time signatures and writing mixed meter songs.

Animals – Another song about sex. Sex and sexual desire is a relatable topic. “We’re all just Animals” as we say. We later rerecorded this changing the key of the song so that it fit Roger’s voice better.

Love You Found – This was the song that solidified Roger as our new vocalist. The first time a crowd sang this back at Roger, he teared up. It was magic. Despite it being a song about heartbreak.

Lindy – Opposite of “Love You Found” this is a song that Roger wrote about his wife Lindy. This is basically their origin story.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

At this point I will only talk about songs that have been released. I was involved with "love you found" and "lindy" I wrote the lyrics for both of these songs and we all had a part in the arrangements. Love you found was basically my audition song. When the band was auditioning me they sent me a demo to mess with if I had time. I dont know if they were expecting me to write a whole song but when I came back I had a verse and a chorus. They were stoked and we started away on finishing the song. So by the time I was leaving that second audition we had written Love you Found. I believe this is what solidified me as their pick for vocalist!

With "lindy" this song is written for and about my wife Lindy. It goes over the thoughts and feelings I was having during the time we met, and then flashing forward to after she came into my life in the chorus. I wanted to write a cheesy pop punk love song, and I couldn't have had a better person to write it about.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I write a lot of music but leave the lyrics up to Roger. Roger has an amazing talent for lyric creation, so I stay out of that part of the process.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Everything prior to Love You Found’s release was done with a different lineup, so just speaking from then forward: the band writes collectively, and everyone contributes to the shape of each song we come up with based on intuitive ideas for what the “point” of the song is. That is to say, we agree on a basic direction of the song in terms of dynamics, emotion, etc., and we ask ourselves as we write whether the parts we’re writing actually add positive value towards that vision vs. detracting from it.

AA: Tell us about your brand-new song titled "Lindy." What important messages do each of the members want listeners to take away from it?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

For me, this song hits because much like Roger and Lindy’s love, I feel the same deep love for my wife. Love is cute. Love is everything. Love stories are even cooler.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

The main take away from this song is to never give up on love. Even if you stop looking for it, sometimes its not your choice when you fall for someone. Sometimes love is right in front of you and you're ignoring it because you don't want to get hurt. Always stay open for it.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

The first song we wrote as the New Public Figure was “Love You Found.” We were actually trying out vocalists when we tried out Roger. We had a basic form of “Love You Found” and handed it off to Roger to try writing some lyrics to (part of the tryout process for finding a vocalist). Roger came back and completely wowed us with what he wrote. Once the lyrics came in, the rest of the song formed pretty quickly with everyone pouring in their own style to the song which we feel turned out very well. We have had several releases since then and everyone seems to get tuned in better and better. Our style is more pop rock with some elements of 2000s alt rock. We all have a love for this genre and we all have lots of experience writing music which I think shows in the quality of our work thus far.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Given that the song is so personal to Roger as a love letter to his wife about how they met and the process of him discovering he wanted to marry her, I’ll keep my interpretation of Lindy’s message brief. I think the song is encouraging people to not be afraid to be vulnerable with their partners, to pursue people that you feel you are in love with, and to celebrate the whole journey, not just part of it.

AA: I'm curious to know each member's favorite song from your previous releases! What makes those songs special to you? Share the stories and memories behind your favorites!

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Favorite songs to play: “Better Sleep” and “You and I.”

Both of these songs, I wrote moving Bass lines that are dance-y and fun to play

Favorite song to listen to: “Till We’re Done”

It’s just a BOP!

Favorite songs that tells our story: “Poor and Pretty” and “Love You Found.” Both of these songs tell the story of Public Figure. Think of it like Public Figure Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

Lindy is probably my favorite of the releases so far. Not only because it's about my wife, but obviously that's a large part. I love the punk roots shining right through and I think it has the ability to put someone in a good mood. Its a little sparkly and very energetic and I feel like we were able to capture exactly what we wanted to with it.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

My favorite song so far is “Lindy” It falls right into my favorite style of music and fits the band so well, I think. It’s a super fun song to play and has a very catchy chorus.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

My favorite song that’s been released is definitely You and I. Something about the groove is so fun to play, and it is simple enough that it leaves a ton of room for on-stage performance antics.

AA: I would love to delve deeper into the intricate behind-the-scenes aspects of the production process. Could each of you provide a detailed account of what each member contributed, step by step, during the production of the latest song, “Lindy”? What specific technical did you all use to release the final version?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

We recorded most of this song in Roger’s basement. The drums were recorded by Cellophane Recording here in Omaha. We then sent all the tracks off to be fully produced by Joel Ferber, who is based in Los Angeles.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

We recorded the instrument parts on their own and sent them to a producer named Joel Ferber who made everything sound kickass!

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

We don’t have specific roles in the production of new songs. It comes down to who has a great idea and brings it to the band. We all go over the idea together and see if it fits what we are trying to do. If it does, we start working our way through the song together. We usually get a basic structure of the song written, then that is when Roger starts diving into the lyrics. Once lyrics start coming, usually pieces of the song start changing slightly to give the song its character and uniqueness. We have used 2 different producers and mixers so far and BOTH have given us amazing quality.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

The writing and production process for Lindy was actually pretty different than nearly every other song we’ve done. The other songs were recorded in a studio with our producer on hand to add value, whereas for Lindy we each recorded our parts individually and then sent all the pieces to our producer in LA. We explained our overall vision for the song to him, and he sent us back a first mix. A few revisions later, the master was ready.

AA: We’d love to hear about any exciting projects, tours, or collaborations you have on the horizon! What are you looking forward to the most?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Honestly, I am going to be generic and to-the-point about this. I am absolutely excited about anything we do. All 4 of us keep each other motivated and hold each other accountable. In most projects that I have personally experienced or that I have close ties with, rarely is it every member who is the driving force. Musically, I believe in this group

more than anything else.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

We are working on booking a tour starting in LA and working back to Cedar Rapids with our friends Out in Front. Its going to be a huge experience overall and I’m stoked.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

We have been playing with a band called “Out In Front” from LA recently and are planning a big tour around October with those guys (and another band). We have also made a close relationship with “Capture This” from Denver and played an amazing show with them. We are in the process of expanding our circle and have played quite a bit out of state already with so much more to come.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Upcoming projects I’m stoked for include a west coast tour we’re planning for the end of the year, and the shows we continue to book away from Omaha on various Saturdays! Our plan has always been to increase our regional presence by playing in the other cities near us every six months or so, and we’ve seen great success so far with it.

AA: If you all were given the fantastic opportunity to open for any band or go on a world tour, which bands would you choose to join on this exciting journey? Additionally, what specific reasons motivate your desire to tour alongside them?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

There are a ton of bands that I think we would all individually love to tour with. If I had to choose the ULTIMATE one, I would probably choose Paramore. I just want a look into what it’s like to be at that stage in your music career. Specifically in the Pop/Rock genre.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I would probably choose someone who is think I styles would meld good with, so id day someone like Papa Roach or someone like The Wonder Years.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

There are so many bands I would love to go on tour with, but for this band specifically…I would love to go on tour with Papa Roach. I have been such a huge fan for so long of those guys. They put on such high energy and amazing shows, and most of what I do derives inspiration directly from that band. Everything they do is just so great and I see Public Figure being a fun and exciting band such as PR.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

If I could tour with any band, I would choose Calling All Captains. They’re bigenough that tour would absolutely pop off and we’d play sold out shows, but mall enough that the shows would still be in more intimate venues. There’s always the question of “Why not a band like RHCP or the Foo Fighters or (insert massive band)?” and to that I say that meeting your heroes typically doesn’t end up well. If I have to find out my favorite drummers snore and they keep me up all night in the van? That would change my perspective.

AA: Can each band member share a funny or interesting behind-the-scenes moment from a music video shoot, recording session, or even performing on stage?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

One time, I hit RJ on the forehead with the headstock of my bass by accident. We made eye contact in the middle of the set, smiled, and he proceeded to act like he was going to Whack me back with his guitar. Pretty memorable for 2 reasons. The 1st, we had an entire convo on stage without saying a word. Talk about being locked in and comfortable with each other on stage. That feeling is great and it goes SO FAR when you’re doing something like this. The 2nd reason is because the guys always make fun of my headstock for it being big. Sorry, it’s a Epiphone Thunderbird. What else am I supposed to do right now? Until I can afford a Gibson Thunderbird, that’s just how it’s gonna be. Fight me. Hopefully, soon though. Gibson, sponsor me? LOL

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

When we played in cedar Rapids the intro of the song started, and the guys did there thing. When I was my time to start hyping up the crowd a gave a "let's hear some noise Cedar Rapids!!!" And it was crickets...I looked over at RJ and started laughing, I thought maybe they needed a little warming up maybe?? I went on in the show thinking that I really needed to show up because I clearly was going to have to do a lot to impress. It turns out that my Mic was off, and Noone heard me say "make some noise" therefore that did not make any noise!

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

At a recent show (I’ll exclude the city name) but we came out, decent size crowd, but it was an older crowd, Roger came out for the big intro and screamed “WHATS UP (CITY NAME)” and the crowd didn’t say a word or clap…Roger looked over at me with the BEST look every and I just couldn’t help but laugh my ass off…We made this look like, fuck it, lets rock this shit. We proceeded to have an amazing show. It was just one of those moments that two band members only realize happened and was just hilarious to us. It was the pure quiet after so much excitement from Roger that just killed me.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Trying to keep our composure and still enjoy the show when a recent sound person changed our setting and ended up setting the volume of our synth/backing tracks to like 600% in our ears was hilarious in hindsight. It was so loud that I jerked my head like I’d been punched in the face when it first started. But we fought through it, just laughing deafly at each other because the crowd’s perspective had us sounding great!

AA: What insights or recommendations does each member have for musicians who face rejection or experience setbacks in their careers? Specifically, how can these artists cope with disappointment and use those challenges as stepping stones for future growth?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Enjoy the process. Growth can be a very slow process. Even when you feel that you are doing EVERYTHING you can. Just have fun and enjoy the process. Make friends, and be professional in everything that you do. If you are having fun doing what you do, then suddenly it becomes a million times easier to work the absolute hardest that you can.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

As a musician you experience rejection and setbacks more than the average person. So you really have to be able to take it in stride and develop the mentality of "all good, let me show you everything I've got anyway". I feel like it’s unreasonable to think that you can just ignore it, so keeping note of it and using those "notes" to your advantage is key. Any setback is a learning lesson more than anything else.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

You’re in the wrong profession if you can’t handle rejection. This career has much rejection with the very few and rare successes. BUT if you can make it through those rejections and just keep working hard on something you firmly believe in, you’ll start to see more success and fewer rejections along the way. It’s how you handle the rejections is what matters. Do you give up? Or do you work a little harder so the next time you get the opportunity, you succeed?

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Being a musician is a statistics game. You’ve got some absolutely minute percentage chance of being successful, and ALL the work you do barely increases it. So… how do you stay successful when you’ve only got a 3% chance? You keep rolling the dice. You increase amount of time you’ve been trying, and eventually if you’re doing the right things it’ll work itself out.

AA: Can each member share three individuals who have positively or negatively influenced their life, and why?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

I’m a mostly positive person, so I’m going to stick to positive influences. There are 4 if that’s okay.

1. My Grandparents. I don’t really want to get too deep with this, but without them, I’m not sure I would be the positive person I am today.

2. My wife. My wife along with her family really showed me the meaning of family, and how important family can be in the development of your personal growth in character. My wife is my biggest supporter. Not only am I a better person because of her, but this band exists because of her too. She never lets me give up.

3. My dad. Even though we sometimes don’t see eye to eye, That man showed me music, Taught me that being myself and loving myself is probably the most important thing in life, and he also taught me that hard work goes a long way.

4. My siblings. I do almost everything for them just so that I can show them that dreams are worth fighting for.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

RJ, Dolan, and John. These guys have positively influenced my life so much. I was at a point in my music career where I didn't think I was going to be on stage much anymore. I had taken a more background role in production and writing and set aside the dream of being a singer. I never gave up on it, just tabled it because I was able to make more progress doing what I was doing. When these guys came into my life they pulled that dream off the table and have helped me grow as a musician every single practice we have. They all have individual skills that I have learned from and I think it’s helped me be more well-rounded all together.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

My best friend Joseph - we grew up together and he is a very successful man in his career. I strive to reach success like he has. John Faist - We have been working together for awhile now and there is a reason we keep working together. He works hard and he seems to always find that next opportunity. My Brother - Even though we don’t get to see each other as much as I’d like, he has always been supportive of me and what I do. He loves the music and it’s something we can bond on.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

My guardian Terry – he showed me that family doesn’t need to be blood related to you to love you unconditionally. He’s basically my dad, by most people’s definition of the word dad. My last boss in the Air Force Jay – he was the one who supported my decision to leave and pursue music. The military has an indirect way of making you think it’s a bad decision to leave, and he never let me buy into that idea. My best friend Jake – he’s been there for me through thick and thin and is the smartest guy I know.

AA: What are each member's favorite movies, and why are they significant to you all? Is it the story, the characters, the visuals, or something else that resonates with you?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

I don’t watch a ton of movies. Like… AT ALL. I am lame when it comes to watching movies. Unless I am physically at the theatre (Or at home) with a group of people, I struggle to make it through movies. On the flip side, I do find it easy to watch animated televisions series such as “Bob’s Burgers,” “Rick and Morty,” and even more serious ones like “Invincible.” I also LOVE cooking competition shows. Things like “Guy’s Grocery” or “Chopped.” I could sit and watch things like that all day! Another guilty pleasure of mine is WWE. I am a wrestling fan.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I’m a bad movie critic because I think most movies are pretty good but if I HAD to pick a favorite movie it might be Forest Gump. It's just good all over. The story is so intriguing because it feels like your dad dropping little bits of lore that seem so unbelievable. Then it also has an underlying plot that you keep getting brought back into reality with. Just a great concept and perfectly done.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I’m a Lord of The Rings nut. Have been since they came out. I have to give a special shoutout to Indiana Jones as well. Growing up out in the middle of nowhere, we didn’t have internet (or we couldn’t get it in our rural area) for a long time, so I had these DVDs that I just watched all the time. The classic story of the underdog coming out on top. It’s easy to resonate with characters like this in your own life.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

I love Inception and other “plot twist” type movies like it! The Prestige, Shutter Island, etc. I love things that make think.

AA: What TV shows do each of you enjoy and look forward to watching? What captures your attention in these shows—perhaps the surprises, character development, or overall production quality?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Ope. I answered this in the last question, so I’ll pivot. When I’m not watching the TV shows I listed above, you can probably find me watching Sports. I am a HUGE Green Bay Packers fan. I love football in general. I also love watching basketball with my youngest brother.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I’d say my favorite show is either "it’s always sunny in Philadelphia" or "Scrubs". Two very different shows, but I like sunny for its topical humor and way over the top satire. My family life was always a little chaotic and loud so a very satirical loud chaotic show is just *chefs kiss*. As far as scrubs I feel like its hits a holy trinity of good TV. Great jokes, both surface level and deeper, Driving character development and heartfelt drama and, a very powerful soundtrack. That show has the perfect song for every moment I swear.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

Right now, pretty much anything that is western has captured my attention. Yellowstone, American Primeval etc etc. Something about that era in history that i find fascinating. The real struggles those people went through just to make a life for themselves is very real to me.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

I don’t watch much TV – I prefer interactive art like videogames if I’m going to

process visual art.

AA: Which books do each member appreciate the most, and what makes them significant to you? Is it their writing style, the themes they address, or the feelings they inspire?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

You caught me. I should probably start reading books. I am not a reader. I mostly enjoy podcasts.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I like Stephen King books. I've always liked how descriptive his stories are. He paints such a clear picture of everything that he's talking about. And then on top of that its usually a little dark or macabre and I think that makes it a little more fun.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

Lord of The Rings of course! Outside of those, I tend to lean a little more to the documentary or autobiographical style of books. I like to hear how people have overcome things in their lives and their best practices in the relevant areas I’m interested in. I work in health and wellness, so people like JOCKO, Goggins, Cam Haines, Rogan and the like, I find very interesting. They not only have cornered their niche of the market but have amazing podcasts that have other super interesting people on, which is where I find their books.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss has the most beautiful prose ever written. I’ll stand on that hill till I die

AA: Which podcasts does each member passionately recommend, and what makes them stand out?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

I listen to whatever Murder podcast my wife listens to in the car. I find them pretty interesting. “My Favorite Murder” or “Crime Junkie” are my favorites. On my own, I tend to listen to the History/Comedy podcast “The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds.” I should probably recommend EVERY podcast we have been on including the very 1st podcast we were ever on, “The Goodlife Podcast with DT and Spicoli.” John and I also guested on “The Chris Court Show,” which is a podcast based out of Chicago.

 Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I listen to podcasts all the time, but they're usually not too serious. I like this one called "a hotdog is a sandwich" which is just two hosts talking about food opinions. The other one i listen to alot is "this past weekend" its theo vons show. I just think he's hilarious and the guests he had on in the early days are great because they often times did not know what they were getting in to.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

See above…I got a little ahead of myself. I tend to find myself on The Joe Rogan Experience quite a bit because he has so many different kinds of guests. People from Gary Brecka who talks about bio hacking to just funny stand up comedians. I like the humor and casualness of it all. People seem to be so tense and wound up about things, that I enjoy the humor and the relaxed nature of that Podcast.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Making Sense with Sam Harris is a great podcast to listen to if you want to be cerebral. His no-nonsense approach to remaining logical despite any sort of turmoil is laudable and I appreciate it.

AA: I want to know about each member's favorite bands or music artists that all like. I’d also like to hear about each member's most memorable concert experience. Please share details about the atmosphere, the performance, the venue, and anything else that made it special for you.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Genuinely, I think I go through phases of who “My favorite band” is. Usually, I answer with CAKE because they are one of the few bands that I have gone through and haven’t found a single song that I dislike. I think I can sing almost every song of theirs. Even when I don’t remember the song title, I can press play, and usually sing along with whatever CAKE song immediately. My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing them live in Lincoln, NE. They were great!

As far as most memorable concert experience goes, I would have to say when I saw Papa Roach in Council Bluffs, IA. I originally went there to see In This Moment, and nothing against them, I LOVE THEM, but Papa Roach stole the show. They have a way of moving the crowd. Another memorable concert experience is when I filled in on bass for The Tale Untold and got to open for Motionless in White, 10 Years, Fame on Fire, and In This Moment at Rockfest in Council Bluffs, IA. I grew up listening to 10 Years and In This Moment… the fact that I got to share the stage with them is incredible. I can only hope to make more memories like that.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

One of, if not my favorite band is Manchester Orchestra. I saw them first at Sokol Hall in 2014 and it blew my mind. Every song they played with the same amount of passion and energy. Andy Hull is such a great performer. After the show was over I was waiting outside to see if we could get a signature and we got so much more, Andy and Rob hung out with us and chatted for like 45 minutes. They were so genuine and caring for their fans. When I told them I was an aspiring musician that cold only dream of doing what they do they said "were just regular people doing what we love, if you want to do this, do it man" and I loved that.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

The most memorable experience I had was in 2009. I saw Green Day for the first time. As stated above, I grew up in a rural community so I had all their CDs at the time and only really ever had access to them in that format. So it’s like seeing your hero’s for the first time in real life. I remember thinking, “Holy shit, these guys are real.” You hear their music for so long and see some DVD videos of them playing here and there and think of them as this mythical thing that only exists outside of reality. It was an amazing experience for me and perhaps cemented my love for music.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

My favorite artists include RHCP, the Foo Fighters, Muse, Chevelle, DON BROCO, As Tall As Lions, The Receiving End of Sirens, P!ATD, and so many others. I really love the energy and emotion these bands bring to the table. As for my most memorable concert experience, the third time I saw Panic! At The Disco and Brendon Urie played the flying piano would be my nomination.

AA: What does success look like for each member?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

For music to pay the bills of course! BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY (Yes I’m Yelling) —to create music for someone else who might need an escape the way I did. If I can do that, then I’ll feel like I’ve made it

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

Success looks like this to me - family fed, bills payed, emergency fund filled, family comfortable. All of this while working doing something I enjoy, even if its difficult as long as I feel satisfied in my work.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

Success is being able to pay my bills with my music. I don’t care to be rich and famous, but rather just big enough and well off enough to live as I do but not have to worry about my mortgage payment for the next month. I really enjoy music and have never seen it as a “job.” Even though I pry work harder on show day then anything else I do in life. But, it never really felt like work to me. I want to be able to do that and make a decent living off of it so that my wife doesn’t have to work, and my kid is taken care of. That’s success to me.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Success to me would be quitting my job because music is paying my bills. I don’t need to be rich, and I don’t need to be famous – though I certainly wouldn’t say no to either! But I would like to be able to comfortably live a life of fun and relatively little financial stress by just playing drums. 

AA: How does each member define happiness in their life?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

If you don’t love what you are doing… Then what are you doing?

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

Happiness to me means comfort, safety, and security. Happiness is having the space to feel good and do good. Happiness is the ability to be your most true and honest self without worry.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I think I am pretty happy in life. I enjoy the things I do. I don’t dread the next day but in fact look forward to waking up. My wife and kid are happy and healthy, and we don’t have money worries. (Not that we do now, but security, I would add into happiness). Those things are what I would define as happiness.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Happiness to me is something to be noticed in each moment. If you don’t notice

it, you’ll never be happy. You could be on a yacht, surrounded by loved ones, and

if you aren’t looking for the happiness, you’ll be a miserable prick till you die.AA: Each member, take your time to reflect on your personal experiences with mental health. Consider how these experiences have impacted various areas of your life, such as relationships, work, and personal growth. What specific insights have you gained through these moments?

AA: Each member, take your time to reflect on your personal experiences with mental health. Consider how these experiences have impacted various areas of your life, such as relationships, work, and personal growth. What specific insights have you gained through these moments?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

2 things. Music and Therapy. Music was a way that I could escape from my scary mental as a younger person. As I got older, I realized just how important going to therapy is. Sometimes, dumping on our friends in family just isn’t the right thing to do. Therapy is scary at first, but once you find the right therapist, all of the sudden, your brain and how you/why you function the way you function become easier to understand.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I have struggled with OCD and a panic disorder for most of my adult life. Ocd is a very misunderstood disorder and that has lead to alot of self hate that took a toll on me mentally. I knew I had to take my mental heath seriously so in 2022 I decided to get sober. That way I could use all of my mental capacity on improving myself. Im proud to say that after endless effort I have gotten to a point where I feel a lot more comfortable and im able to live my day to day life without constant worry and anxiety. Mental health if health and should be treated as such. Check in on your homies and lean on your supports.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I’ve never really had troubles with mental health. I’ve had my share of downs with failures and such, but thank God, this hasn’t been a real struggle in my life. I think I learned how to deal with hardships in life at a young age with the physical labor and responsibilities I had. I also have a great partner in life (my wife) who is very supportive of the things I do and the career I want to make. This makes everything so much easier to handle.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

I think that mental health is societally perceived as second fiddle to physical, but the effects of not taking care of your mental health can be every bit as deadly as not taking care of your physical health. Therapy genuinely changed my life and my approach to love and friendship, and I recommend it to everyone.

AA: Additionally, think about how you have all managed the challenges related to your mental health. Share strategies, coping mechanisms, or support systems that have significantly impacted your journey.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Being okay with being vulnerable is probably the start of it all. Once you do that, then it tends to be easier to find those support systems. I really owe my wife and my closest friends for being my support system. Not everyone has people like them in their life, which is why I think being vulnerable is a good start. You must be okay with seeking therapy, otherwise therapy doesn’t work. Once you decide that you want therapy, then it tends to work a lot better.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

one of my biggest strategies when im going through a tough time is what I could refer to as the "if then, I can again" thought. Where if im feeling anxious or down or out of it, I think of the last time I felt this bad, and how in-between now and then I have had so many great times. Realizing that my hardships are not here to stay takes some power away from them and allows me to move past and make it to more great times.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

Having a partner can make all the difference when it comes to career ambitions. Having someone who is on the same page as you and share in your success and failures can make all the difference in the world. I can’t say exactly where I would be without her, but I can say for sure, that I wouldn’t be handling it as well as I am now without that support.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

See above for strategies. The strategy is therapy and mindfulness in the same way that the strategy for dealing with physical ailments is seeing your doctor and taking care of your body through working out and eating right.

AA: What insights would each member like to share with others around the ages you all are who are grappling with mental health challenges?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

I’m going to sound like a broken record. BUT SERIOUSLY, seek therapy. Everyone can use it, even if you think you are in the happiest stage of your life. Therapy is AMAZING. Come to think of it, I haven’t been in a while. These questions are reminding me that I should probably go have a session.

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

Take your mental health seriously and don't be afraid to change. Sometimes you have to change something to get to a better place, and while that's terrifying because you don’t know what's on the other side, you have to make a leap. Worst case scenario you succeed in finding something that didn't work the way you thought.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

Find a friend group that you can lean on. If you don’t have a significant other, a best friend or group of friends can make all the difference. Someone you can bounce ideas off of, vent to or call when in a tight spot. Just knowing that there are people out there that depend on you and love you can really drive you to stay in the game and working towards your successes and handling the failures that come along the way. The other outlet I would recommend to people is finding a good gym and getting a sweat every day. Physical labor does wonders for the mind and so many other benefits come from daily exercise.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

Things will get better. If the long-term view looks bleak, keep zooming in until you find a better perspective. If you have to, just focus on each next breath, each next task, each new moment you discover that you’re still alive for.

AA: I’d like to direct a question to each of you; I’m genuinely curious to know if any of you have hobbies or interests that ignite your passion outside of your musical endeavors.

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

I love making videos. I always have enjoyed the process of filming and editing video. Getting to combine it with music and Public Figure has been a blast. I hope I get to do it for a long time! I also LOVE COOKING. Learning new tricks and cooking for people. There is just something so rewarding about creating a meal and watching others enjoy it

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO:

I love all things mechanical. I've always been very intrigued in antiquated tech, something im able to take apart and see how it works, just to put it back together. I also recently got into fish keeping and its very satisfying to make a little world for my fish to enjoy.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I’m a CrossFit gym owner. I competed in High School, I competed in College…and now I compete in competitions post school. Outside of music, competition has given me a healthy outlet and something to strive for on a daily basis. It gets me out of bed in the morning. Gives me something to think about and work on during the days. It also gives me community and friendship that you just can't get outside of physical competition. There is something about a friendship that was fostered in hard work, sweat and shared misery that can create a very strong bond between people.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

I thought for the longest time that nothing would make me feel like music, but rock climbing is pretty close. I love bouldering – it’s a great blend of physical, mental, and social activity on top of challenging my fear of heights.

AA: What message would each member share with everyone if you had the world's attention for five minutes?

Dolan Delano | Bassist | CMO | Founder:

Enjoy the process. Often times we get caught up in dreaming about the future, we forget to enjoy what we have now. Chase those dreams but enjoy the journey too!

Roger Slatten | Vocalist | CPO

Take care of those who are around you. Love them as if they were your family, because they are. We all want similar things in life, unfortunately some people way of getting there might not line up with yours but that doesn't always mean they should be an enemy. Support other when they need it and they will support you when you need it. Accept the good that is out there and make the best of it. This is the only life we have together so please, spend your time helping others have as much fun as you want to have.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

I live and breathe health and wellness outside of music. We have so many issues today that stem from poor diet and lack of exercise. I know that hearing these things make some people roll their eyes, but I have seen it time after time with new people who walk through my gym doors…The health improves, they get off do many drugs, mood improves, mental health improves…It’s really a wonder drug that so many people just overlook. A little hard work can go a long way. It may suck at times; the the rewards are well worth it.

John Faist | Drummer | CSO:

If I had the full attention of the world, even briefly, I would tell people the 3 rules I

live by, and why I live by them. I built my value structure on a simple question: “If

I was in the last 10 seconds of my life looking back on all the memories, how do

I live a life that minimizes the regrets I may feel in my final moments?” After

thinking long and hard about it, I came up with 3 basic rules that I think will keep

my regrets to a minimum.

Robert “RJ” Klingsporn | Guitarist | COO:

a. Be better today than you were yesterday. The goal is the growth itself, not

the accomplishments they bring. You can’t always control whether you

succeed or fail at a task, but you CAN control whether you tried your best

leading up to that success/failure.

b. Pursue your passions. Relentless, unstoppable, constant pursuit of the

activities, people, and experiences that make you feel alive and shine from

your heart will ensure that you’re always chasing your dreams even if

you’re experiencing temporary setbacks.

c. Help your community and loved ones with the first two rules. Pick people

up when they’re down, help them learn and improve themselves, and

create a safe culture and environment for them to chase their own

dreams. I think we can all make the world better by listening to those rules.

AA: We appreciate the bandmates of Public Figure for kindly sharing their stories and interests with us.

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