Nick Santino never imagined that a bedroom computer project would grow into A Rocket To The Moon, a band built by Nick together with Justin Richardson, Eric Halvorsen, and Andrew Cook. The quartet has released three EPs and a debut album titled On Your Side, earning a sizable fan base that includes Debby Ryan, Jesse Giddings, and Demi Lovato.
A recent interview reveals how the band envisions its sophomore album Wild & Free, the thrill of touring, new songs and covers, and Santino’s affection for Toronto.
Wild & Free is set to arrive on March 26. What messages do the tracks carry?
The collection spans a spectrum of themes: heartbreak and hard times, life, love, growing up, friendships, and the assurance of lasting devotion. The band strives to write songs that feel relatable.
Inspiration for the songs comes from touring, personal life, and family matters. A track titled Going Out captures the simple joy of a night with friends. The title song Wild & Free presents two intertwined stories about a girl and a guy who chase their dreams, even as others tell them the dreams are foolish.
The band describes its sound as pop rock. If Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers joined forces with Taylor Swift, the result would resemble something like what A Rocket To The Moon crafts. The approach is distinctive and bold, yet it fits naturally into their music.
The new single Ever Enough features a striking video that includes Debby Ryan. How did the collaboration start?
The two connected three years ago at a Los Angeles show through a mutual friend. Debby became a fan, attended a show, and the bond grew over time. She later visited the label in New York City, and the idea of appearing in the video came about. One thing led to another, and she was involved.
The video tells a story that is powerful yet bittersweet. The director drew on personal experiences to shape it, centering on a line about a heartbeat. The tale follows a girl who is ill and seeks to live what little time remains, while the lead character helps her see a brighter outlook. They embark on a road trip that culminates in a Vegas detour, balancing humor with moments of sadness and a hopeful undertone.
Where is the standout track on Wild & Free? Wherever You Go is a favorite.
The album title speaks to emotional freedom rather than wild party imagery. It signals a commitment to authentic feeling and honest storytelling. The songs push into new territory, and the process felt liberating, freeing the band to explore ideas without worrying about others’ reactions.
Covers have long been a part of their artistry. Recently, a session with Debby led to nights at a home with three grand pianos, where the duo played and sang together. They tried Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, a version that sounded fresh, and a recording was made though it has not yet been released.
Dream collaborations with Tom Petty are on the wish list, a sign of the band’s deep appreciation for classic rock and timeless songwriting. They would welcome a productive session with him.
Canadian dates are part of the plan for the new material. Toronto holds a special place in the band’s touring history, and a return seems likely this summer. Details are still being finalized as the headlining act confirms their schedule; past shows, including Kool Haus in 2009, linger as vivid memories of a crowd that flooded the venue for photos.
Wild & Free will be released on March 26.