Longtime friends Josh Arnoudse and Raky Sastri, better known as You Won't, gain critically acclaim with their 2012 album, Skeptic Goodbye. And now the Massachusetts duo is back with a new collection of tunes, Revolutionaries. Recording it all on their own, the guys take things to a more theatrical level visually but keep their pop songs on point. We had the chance to chat with Josh to find out more about the making of their new record. 

Hometown: Massachusetts

How did the band get together?

Raky and I met in high school writing and performing in theater pieces together. We were close friends for about 11 years before You Won’t came into existence.

Why did you name the band You Won’t?

Most band names are inherently ridiculous. The whole concept is kind of silly. Why should we be any different? It was basically an inside joke from our high school days.

How was your approach different on Revolutionaries compared to Skeptic Goodbye?

Much more intentional on Revolutionaries. We had a clearer sense of our musical identity since we had been touring for a couple years when we started writing and recording it.

Talk about the song that was most memorable to work on.

"1-4-5" was the most complicated recording we'd ever attempted, and I got so tired of it at one point [that] I decided we couldn't put it on the record. Fortunately, another year went by before we finished the album, and I had time to reconsider.

You produced the new album in your home studio. What were the advantages and disadvantages to that?

Advantages: infinite time and space at no cost. Disadvantages: infinite time and space at no cost. Sometimes deadlines and limitations are necessary to help you focus.

What is the premise behind the "Ya Ya Ya" video?

A visual manifestation of the weirdness within. A dance with the devil in your brain. Post-Halloween sale at Halloween outlet store.

What's next for You Won’t?

A short east coast tour with our beloved compadre, The Suitcase Junket, in December. Emotional growth and mind expansion.