For Reckless Giants, figuring out their identity wasn’t about fitting into one box—it was about breaking out of all of them. Blending influences from alternative, punk rock, and heavier sounds, the band has created something that feels both nostalgic and fresh, rooted in emotion and driven by authenticity.

“We’re always just being and doing whatever it is we want to do,” the band explains. “That translates to a lot of different things… sometimes we sound like a rock band, sometimes pop punk, sometimes heavier.”

That freedom is at the core of what Reckless Giants are building. Each member brings a different background into the room, and instead of clashing, those influences collide in a way that defines their sound. “Jeremy comes from more of an alternative background. I come from punk rock. Cody is more on the heavier side,” they say. “We take aspects from all those different places and end up with whatever the heck Reckless Giants sounds like.”

And whatever that sound is—it’s working.

There’s a clear thread of early 2000s inspiration running through their music, something both the band and listeners feel immediately. “It gives us this nostalgic pop rock, pop punk feel,” they say. “That’s the glory days of music, and that’s definitely what we strive for.”

That nostalgia is especially present in tracks like “AK Valentine,” a song that captures the emotional push-and-pull of staying in a situation you know you should leave. Written from a deeply personal place, the track reflects a kind of emotional honesty the band leans into.

“I think everybody’s been in situations where they know they should get out, but for whatever reason, they feel stuck,” Jeremy shares. “I was just kind of sitting in a place like that in my head… I wrote it so I could get out of it.”

That level of self-awareness is intentional. Reckless Giants doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable emotions, instead, they try to capture them as clearly as possible. “We pride ourselves on being self-aware when it comes to what we’re writing,” they say. “It allows people to relate to the lyrics more… like, ‘I feel this. I’ve had these thoughts.’”

Even with that emotional weight, the band keeps things light behind the scenes. When asked how they know they’ve pushed a song far enough emotionally, the answer comes with a laugh: “When he runs out of tears.” The joking tone reflects a deeper truth—writing vulnerable music isn’t always easy, but the band pushes each other to go there. “Sometimes it’s us pushing Jeremy into the right headspace,” they admit. “And sometimes that comes with a lot of… ‘bullying.’ But it works.”

On stage, that vulnerability transforms into something bigger. While some songs feel more intimate in headphones, Reckless Giants believe their music is meant to be experienced live. “Every song has something special when you hear it live,” they say. “There’s just that energy you can’t recreate.”

“AK Valentine,” in particular, has become a standout moment in their set. “We were nervous the first time we played it live,” they admit. “But it hit as hard as we were hoping.” Now, it’s a versatile piece; capable of opening a set, closing it, or carrying the energy in the middle. “That’s lightning in a bottle,” they say.

Part of that success comes from the band’s dynamic, which they describe as surprisingly smooth. “We’ve got about 72 different personalities between the three of us,” they joke. “But honestly, this is the smoothest band dynamic I’ve ever had.”

Keeping the group small has helped maintain that balance. “We’ve talked about adding another guitarist, but it never feels right,” they explain. “When it’s just the three of us, it’s perfect.”

That sense of clarity extends beyond their lineup—it defines where they are now as a band. Compared to a year ago, everything feels more grounded.

“This chapter feels like home for the first time,” they say. “When we started, we didn’t really know what we wanted to do… now we’ve found our stride.”

After releasing their EP Fabricated Entertainment earlier this year, the band isn’t slowing down. With a second EP already in the works and a planned release later this year, there’s a clear sense of momentum building.

“There’s a lot of electricity in the air when we get together,” they say. “We’re just going to capitalize on that.”

As Reckless Giants continue to explore their sound, one thing is certain—they’ve found their foundation.

Now, it’s full speed ahead.