IM5 at the Philadelphia Fall Fan Fest, November 17, 2013.
IM5 – Making the Band
by Sami Speiss and Ali Speiss
IM5 is an up-and-coming band made up by a varied and talented singers Gabe Morales, Dana Vaughns, Will Behlendorf, Dalton Rapattoni and Cole Pendery. All were working separately until they were meshed together by industry vets Simon Fuller, Jamie King and Perez Hilton. With that kind of powerful backing, as you may expect, they are catching a whole lot of buzz, selling out concerts before their first album has been even released. Still, their YouTube performances have millions of views and the fan base is anticipating big things.
We met with IM5 at the Philadelphia Anti-Bullying Fall Fan Fest, presented by Realty Dance. When we entered the room they greeted us with an impromptu a capella rendition of “God Bless the USA” (Proud to be an American) and sounded awesome. So from the get go we knew these guys could sing. As we got to know them through the interview, we could also see that they had a lot of charm and energy. The perfect combination for another popular boy band!
Here’s what they had to say:
What should your fans expect in the future?
Gabe Morales: We’re working on a single, coming out early next year. We’re working with a producer called Harmony. He did Ariana [Grande]’s new album The Way, “Right There,” all those songs. Then he did B5, Jasmine V. We’re working with him for our single for next year.
Dana Vaughns: We’re going to work with other producers, too, but that’s our main focus. Just getting the single out.
Where do you take your inspiration from, music wise?
Will Behlendorf: I think individually we all have different ones. As a band, it’s a lot of influences. I would say Bruno Mars is a big one, just because he’s not only a great singer, but also a songwriter and producer. We like Chris Brown, what he did with his last album. Yeah, I’d say those two are big ones. We also like those old school boy bands like N’Sync and Backstreet Boys. Individually we have different ones.
Dalton Rapattoni: I get tons of inspiration from Lady Gaga.
Is there anyone you want to do a collab with?
Dalton Rapattoni: Realistically? Fifth Harmony would be cool.
Cole Pendery: For me, I wish we could do a collaboration with of course Justin Timberlake. And Rihanna.
Dana Vaughns: I would say for me, a collab with Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber and Trey Songz.
Will Behlendorf: Bruno Mars is a big one for me.
Dana Vaughns: Also 2 Chainz.
Dalton Rapattoni: 2 Chainz!
When this group was being formed, were you afraid you guys wouldn’t get along?
Dalton Rapattoni: Yes, actually.
Will Behlendorf: I think in any new situation, you’re wondering. But it was actually surprising. It was pretty easy. It really wasn’t that hard like in a week.
Dalton Rapattoni: We really, really hated Cole for the majority of this experience.
Cole Pendery: Yeah.
Dalton Rapattoni: I’m joking.
What is the best memory you guys have together so far?
Will Behlendorf: Oh God, there’s so many.
Dana Vaughns: I would just say the multiple trips.
Will Behlendorf: Touring is just so much fun. We just have so fun.
Dana Vaughns: I would say besides all of the drama when down in Gabe and Cole’s lives in Connecticut, it was pretty fun. Me and Will, we laid down in the snow shirtless.
Dalton Rapattoni: Yes it was so much fun!
Cole Pendery: Will was in his underwear in the snow.
Will Behlendorf: It was a dare. I got $5.00.
You were probably really cold!
Will Behlendorf: I was! Thankfully it hadn’t snowed that much yet. It was just a layer of ice.
Click here to read the rest of this interview!
