Aaron Cheadle: Josh and I were previously in a band together called Greenstick Fracture. That name was from a Third Eye Blind lyric, from the song "Danger" on their Out Of The Vein album. When we got back together, much like in the Bible where someone took a new name - we became Dragons & Astronauts. Inspired by the name of the tour we saw Third Eye Blind together - the Dragons & Astronauts tour. We kept the Third Eye Blind reference going, a nod to the past and a new start for our future

Aaron: We tell this story, it's a very important story, not only to us personally, but to show the power and goodness of God, on our podcast which can be found on our YouTube. Long story short, Greenstick Fracture ended for me, while Josh continued on, and we were estranged for many years. Eventually we were friendly again, but not the friends we were in the past. Over the years we'd bounce back and forth the idea of making music together again but it never happened. Then in late 2023, Josh and I were both at pretty low points in our lives, desperately seeking God's help. And He brought us back together. We're closer than ever, making the best music we've made in our lives, and we're doing it for the right reasons now. No more "rock star fantasies" and seeking adoration. Every song we create together is a blessing to the both of us, and we want our music to bless others as well.

Aaron: We have some influences in common. Obviously, Third Eye Blind. Blink 182, Marvelous 3 (Butch Walker), Flickerstick, Bowling For Soup, I'm also influenced by 90's alternative bands - Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms. 80's pop-metal bands - Poison, Warrant. 70's rock- Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon.

Josh Vest: I am guilty of the pop-punk aspect. I actually grew up on southern rock and blues. Blues Traveler was my go to for so long. Like Aaron, in '97, Third Eye Blind got my ears loving good melodic pop/rock songs. A little after that Bowling For Soup really changed my musical taste. Pop/Punk just had this upbeat and fun kinda vibe that I loved. While in Iraq a battle buddy of mine introduced me to Relient K and I was hooked! From that moment my pop punked and my punk popped.

Aaron: For now it is strictly studio, due to the fact that we live about sixty miles apart. I live near Dayton and Josh lives near Columbus. As well as our family obligations and work schedules. I don't think we're opposed to performing live. We'd need the right circumstance and venue. We don't have interest in playing in bars at this point in our lives, like we did back in the Greenstick Fracture days. Live shows? Not now, but never say never.

Aaron: We have a new single coming out on March 14, "Love To Call Home". It's the first single from our second EP - Music And God Volume 2. It is a seven song EP and it will be released in early June. We have a good start on our first full length album that we hope to release toward the end of the year. We're coming up with a lot of new music that we're really excited about.

Aaron: Our mission statement is a lyric from our song "Save Me" - "let there be the fruit of the Spirit in a catchy song so the world will hear it". We see our music as our ministry. We hope we reach someone who will be helped by hearing how God has helped us in our lives, has changed our lives, and help them see that He wants to do the same for them. I hope that our music helps strengthen the faith of those who are already believers, the way bands like The Afters, Stellar Kart, Vota, and Newsboys have done for me. We're not exclusionary either. If you're not a Christian, you are still invited to listen to and enjoy our music. If you like catchy pop rock, there's plenty for you to enjoy as well.

Josh: The main thing I wanted to accomplish has already come to fruition. I have been reconciled to my brother as Jesus taught us in his sermon on the mount. Now, everything we do musically is to help grow the kingdom. Using the gifts God gave us to help spread the good news. I say this all the time, "If we can help save 1 person by the message in our songs-then it is totally worth it."

Aaron: Rick Nielsen, guitarist/songwriter from Cheap Trick. He's my favorite guitarist, he's the first guitarist that I felt like I could actually emulate and if I had the chance to work with anyone of my choosing - it would definitely be him!

Josh: Kevin Cadogan, guitarist from Third Eye Blind. His use of alternate tunings really changed how I played the guitar. With Dragons and Astronauts, I use alternate tunings in about 75% of my playing. I love how the open chords fill out the space of the song so well. I learned this from Kevin and I would love to pick his brain a little.

Aaron: https://linktr.ee/dragonsandastronauts will take you everywhere you need to go to find us. We're on Spotify and all of the major streaming services. We're on Facebook, YouTube, Bandcamp. Wherever you stream music, you can find us!

Aaron: Thank you JesusFreakHideout for giving us this opportunity to get our name out there to the Christian music community. . Thank you everyone who has read this interview. Thank you God for bringing Josh and I back together for this musical mission. I'd also like to tell everyone - if you purchase our music on Bandcamp - https://dragonsandastronauts.bandcamp.com we always give 100% of the proceeds to canine epilepsy research. If you purchase our music, it helps a good cause that is very close to our hearts.

Josh: I just want to give thanks to our savior, Jesus Christ. 2 years ago, I was on the brink of taking my own life. PTSD from my time in Iraq and personal trauma had me defeated. I was ready to give up but God was there for me in my darkest of times. Even though I selfishly tried to do things my way and turned my back on him-he loved me so much that he answered when I cried for help. If there is anyone out there who is feeling like hope is lost, I assure you that it's not! There is a God that loves you and cares for you. If you have questions or just need someone to talk to, I can be reached at dragonsandastronautsjosh@gmail.com