Taken By Tides are not trying to force themselves into a box. The South Texas band, rooted in San Antonio and Laredo, has spent years evolving from a local project into something far more serious, blending metalcore foundations with an increasing pull toward post hardcore and modern influences.

In our conversation with the band, they opened up about their growth, their shifting sound, and the moment things finally started to feel real.

From Local Project to Real Momentum

Taken By Tides did not start with a master plan. Like many bands, they began as a small project when they were still young, cycling through members and treating music as more of a passion than a long term pursuit.

That changed after the pandemic.

As the lineup solidified and opportunities began to open up, the band started investing in themselves, both financially and creatively. Touring more consistently and working toward a full record marked a turning point, but it was the response from fans that made everything click.

Seeing crowds return to multiple shows, singing the songs back word for word, was the moment it shifted from a hobby to something tangible. 

By 2024, the band fully committed to taking the next step, securing management, writing seriously, and pushing themselves beyond their earlier limits. 

Growth Through Stillness

While the pandemic slowed the live music world to a halt, it gave Taken By Tides something they had never really had before, time.

Instead of constantly playing shows, they stepped back and focused on improving their craft. вокals were refined, songwriting became more intentional, and the band spent countless hours writing, with hundreds of songs created during that period alone. 

What once felt like aimless momentum turned into focused development. That period of isolation became one of the most important phases in shaping who they are now.

A Sound That Refuses to Stay in One Lane

Trying to define Taken By Tides with a single genre is nearly impossible.

At their core, they pull from metalcore and post hardcore, but their influences stretch far beyond heavy music. The band draws inspiration from artists like My Chemical Romance while also embracing elements of modern pop, R&B, and even Latin music. 

That openness to outside influence is shaping their future sound in a noticeable way.

Rather than sticking to one lane, they are intentionally experimenting, blending styles, and writing based on feeling rather than expectation. The result is a catalog that continues to evolve, with new material pushing further beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Letting the Music Happen Naturally

Interestingly, their latest record was never part of a grand plan.

What started as a collection of songs gradually turned into a full project, largely encouraged by their manager. Instead of forcing a concept, the band allowed the process to unfold naturally, writing enough material in a short period of time that it began to feel cohesive on its own. 

It became less about chasing a specific message and more about learning how to create a complete body of work.

That experience not only pushed them creatively but also gave them a deeper understanding of what it takes to build something larger than a single release.

A Flexible, Real World Songwriting Process

Taken By Tides operate with a level of flexibility that reflects their reality as an independent band.

Without the luxury of full time resources, their songwriting process shifts depending on availability. Some tracks are fully collaborative, while others begin with a single member before being refined as a group. 

The priority is simple, keep creating.

Rather than getting stuck on perfection, they focus on building a catalog, knowing that there is always another song to write and another opportunity to improve.

The Moment It All Clicked

Every band has that one show.

For Taken By Tides, it came during a performance in Colorado in 2025. With a crowd of around 250 people, something changed. For the first time, the audience was not just watching, they were engaged, singing every word back at full volume. 

That moment validated everything.

It proved that the music was connecting, and more importantly, that there was a real audience growing around them.

What Comes Next

Taken By Tides are not slowing down.

Following their current tour, the focus shifts back to writing and preparing their next record. With a growing fanbase and increasing momentum, the band is looking to stay ahead, building out a stronger catalog while continuing to tour. 

They are also open to new opportunities, whether that means stepping back from headlining for a period or jumping into something unexpected.

The goal is clear, keep progressing.

Advice for the Next Generation

For younger bands trying to break through, Taken By Tides keep it simple.

Go to local shows, meet people, build real relationships, and stay genuine.

In an industry that can often feel transactional, they emphasize that being a good person and someone others want to be around can take you further than talent alone. 

Where to Start

For new listeners, the band recommends starting with tracks like “Ghost Vibrations,” “Falling,” or “A Thousand Lives,” songs that best represent their sound and the connection they are building with audiences in real time. 

Taken By Tides are not an overnight success story.

They are building this step by step, show by show, song by song, and it is starting to show.

Photo Credits: Brian Damon