By Kreig Marks, Oct 2026

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Kreig: Your name started as a joke when the original drummer's girlfriend wrote it down at an open mic just so you'd have something to sign up with. Looking back now, does it feel like fate that it stuck?

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Identity Crisis: Honestly, it was never something we were truly in love with. Over time it grew into something more meaningful, and a name that all of our fans could relate to.

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Kreig: You went from dive bars in Corpus Christi to packing out House of Rock and even opening for Braxton Keith at Concrete Street Amphitheater. What was the moment you first felt like this band was actually going somewhere?

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Identity Crisis: Whenever we started doing more headline shows and seeing good turnouts. We saw in real time that our music was reaching and connecting with people.

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Kreig: People keep comparing you to Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and Soundgarden. Is that comparison something you lean into, or something you're trying to shake off and define yourselves apart from?

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Identity Crisis: We love all of the comparisons, as these are all legendary bands that we love. However, we definitely want to carve our own lane in music history. Sort of a “take influence and make it your own” kinda thing.

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Kreig: Your influences range from Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Peep all the way to Waylon Jennings. How does that mix end up shaping a hard rock song without anyone in the room even noticing it happening?

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Identity Crisis: I think while we're songwriting as a group, we're not necessarily chasing a certain sound. This leads to unique creativity where all of our influences can shine. Whenever you're so focused on achieving a certain sound, it never turns out the way you want it to.

 

Kreig: Reece brings the frontman energy, James drives the rhythm section, and Parker is out there shredding. When you three are writing together, who usually pushes the song in a direction the others did not expect?

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Identity Crisis: Our songwriting is pretty collective, and we all have influence when it comes to pushing songs in a certain direction. So I wouldn't say anyone in particular. It's pretty balanced.

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Kreig: Your first single, Starve, came out this year as a glimpse into the debut album. What was going on in your lives when that song came together?

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Identity Crisis: At the time we were living in our hometown, working jobs, playing a lot of shows and staying consistent on social media, of course. We brought a demo of the song to our producer, and he helped us transform it into what it is today.

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Kreig: You made the jump from Corpus Christi to San Marcos. How did that move change the band, if at all?

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Identity Crisis: The move definitely changed us as a band. Living together creates a bond and chemistry that you can't get anywhere else. We wrote lots of music and rehearsed practically every single day. That ultimately led to us becoming a lot closer, personally and musically.

 

Kreig: A lot of your music touches on self-reflection, heartbreak and resilience. Do you find it easier to write about pain after you've already worked through it, or while you're still in it?

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Identity Crisis: Both, definitely. Whenever you feel something, it's best to just put it down, and for us that means putting it down through our music. You never know when you're gonna feel that thing. It could be something you're already over or something you're currently going through.

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Kreig: You hit the road with Return to Dust for a ten-show run this past April. What does a good night on tour actually look like for you guys once the show is over?

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Identity Crisis: If we have back-to-back shows, we'll usually hop on the road that night or get to sleep early so we can get on the road in the morning. However, if we have an off day the next day, we'll usually hang out with the other bands we're on tour with, have some drinks and check out whatever city we're in.

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Kreig: With over 260,000 fans across social platforms, you clearly connect with people who never even saw you live in a dive bar. Does that kind of reach change how you write, or does it stay pretty personal no matter who is listening?

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Identity Crisis: It definitely stays personal no matter what. When writing music, it's important to write for yourself and not worry about any outside opinions. I think if you're truly into and enjoy whatever you're making, people will follow.

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Kreig: If somebody walked into a show having never heard a single song, what is the one thing you would want them walking out remembering?

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Identity Crisis: I want them to remember how our live show made them feel, whether that's happy, sad, confused, or a roller coaster of emotions. I want that feeling to be unforgettable so they can come back for more next time we roll through town.f

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For further information about Identity Crisis, check them out at Identity Crisis Official.