INTERVIEW: AYCE makes entrance with debut EP

AYCE is a brand new band that arrives with a sense of momentum already in motion. Built around the combined strengths of three distinct creatives, the project feels like a collision of disciplines, where performance, production and songwriting meet in a way that’s designed to hit hard and leave a lasting impression.

At the centre is Sara Bunge, a vocalist and guitarist whose background stretches beyond music into musical theatre, shaping a presence that feels as theatrical as it is visceral. Her experience performing with companies including Mixed eMotion Theatrix, About… Productions, Jaxx Theatricals, Thespihonest Theatre Co. and Conundrum Theatre Co. has clearly informed the way she approaches the stage.

Surrounding that energy is the talents of Jessica Heming, whose role in keyboards and production gives AYCE its sonic structure and Ramsey Ord, who drives the songwriting and rhythm from behind the drums. Together, the trio operate as a tightly coiled unit, each bringing a different angle of musical expertise to a shared vision. It’s a setup that allows for both scale and detail, balancing big, anthemic gestures with the finer mechanics of arrangement and texture.

The band’s sound draws from a wide pool of influence, pulling threads from artists like Foo Fighters, The Killers, Blondie, Pearl Jam and The Beatles. There are also clear stylistic echoes of Bryan Adams, Joan Jett, Weezer, Biffy Clyro, Foals, Muse, Green Day, Nothing But Thieves and You Me At Six and AYCE build on that legacy with a sense of intent, shaping something that feels informed by rock tradition while still carrying a modern edge.

AYCE, short for All You Can Eat, doesn’t just function as a title, it acts as a statement of approach and that idea carries through into their debut EP, also titled All You Can Eat. Kicked off by “Hardball,” the twang of guitar chords is met by rustling drums and pulsing bass to form an energising rock scene as Sara’s commanding vocals enter to spin catchy melodic hooks above. Rolling with punching rhythm, crunching instrumentation and memorable vocal leads, it’s an uplifting rock anthem that immediately unveils AYCE’s thrilling sound.

Sara’s belted vocals then ushers in “Sound Off,” where bouncy rhythms underpin her expressive performance to craft an epic rock n’ roll jam that’s at once nostalgic and forward-thinking. With “Go,” the hurried shuffle of drums and slick groove of instrumentation form an engaging backdrop for Sara’s moody voice to glide above, resulting in a lively jam packed full of catchy writing and flashes of piano runs and lead guitar flourishes.

“Turn It Around” drifts into focus with the brooding strike of guitar and steady patter of drums, slipping into a darker rock sound that flows with compelling vocal performance and superb musicianship flair. “Feel Good” hops into a jumpy rock groove where marching bass lines and intricate lead guitar flickers float alongside Sara’s emphatic vocal performance. Closing the EP with “Broken Past,” an uplifting blend of breezy guitar leads, bright piano dashes and sing-along vocals serves up a stellar finale to the band’s incredible debut EP.

We caught up with AYCE to find out more about their musical journey so far, their debut EP All You Can Eat and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with AYCE below.

Hey guys, how’s things?

Sara Bunge: Living the dream!

How did you get together as a band?

Ramsey Ord: Jess and I have known each other for years, and I always knew she was a very talented piano player. Finding the right singer, however, was a major challenge. We literally did an international search over the course of multiple years before we found Sara. I don’t mean that to sound like we think we’re bigger than we are… just that we’ve always felt we had the potential to get far and didn’t want to settle. Sara has an amazing combination of vocal strength and energetic stage presence.

Sara: As a performer who is chained to my craft, I was scrolling actors access one day and saw an audition for a music video. I’m always drawn to the more musical/live performance auditions, and this one was no exception. When I was invited to audition, I was absolutely stoked. I remember smoking a joint before a comedy show at the Groundlings one Thursday night back in September, and walking around the neighborhood (Melrose area) for an hour or two before the show listening to the music Ramsey had sent me and putting my whole back into learning it and riffing on it in unique ways. I really wanted the chance to sing this music. I left the next day for a trip to Portland to visit a friend, and I spent the following morning recording these auditions in her basement. She was clearly eavesdropping from upstairs because she was humming the songs for the rest of the day. Heading back to Los Angeles from Portland, we stopped in the little gay speakeasy in the Portland airport and had an absolute blast. One dirty martini in, I got a message from Ramsey saying not only that I booked the gig, but that they wanted me as their permanent lead singer! I was almost embarrassingly stoked, just couldn’t contain my excitement. I met Ramsey to meet up and talk business at the Elbow Room in Hollywood, and the rest is history!

Jessica Heming: I learned to play instruments from the age of 5. Although I used to hate practicing, I’m so thankful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to acquire a skill that I treasure. Playing, performing music gives me a feeling like nothing else. That’s why I was stoked when Ram got in touch and told me he’d decided to start drums with an eye to forming a rock band to rival all those great acts that we’ve seen live together. He had a vision, and I knew how adept he is at making things happen. I was instantly on board, and being part of the band has become an increasingly integral part of my life and well-being over the last few years. The independence and novelty gives much more scope for creative freedom than the controlled agenda of structured lessons/conventional repertoire — and I love that. The songwriting and recording processes have been dialogic and organic. It’s so inspiring to feel as though you’re co-shaping something live and vigorous. There’s real pride in that.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Sara: When singing the songs on this EP– Billie Joe Armstrong, Gaga, and Ric Ocasek from The Cars.

Jess: Blondie, Pearl Jam, Foals, Nothing But Thieves, Biffy Clyro, and You Me At Six.

Ramsey: This is a tough one because there are too many to list and I can attribute the influence of one-hit wonders just as much as others. But some bigger acts would be Foo Fighters, Van Halen, Bryan Adams, Joan Jett, Green Day, and Weezer.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Sara: Going to shows! Performance is huge, so seeing how other musicians choose to present their music is fascinating to me.

Ramsey: This may sound odd, but it’s not unusual for me to just stare at the wall and change the radio station in my head until a melody that I think is catchy flows through. So would that make the wall my inspiration? That process is actually true by the way.

What do you love about your local music scene?

Ramsey: Our band actually has two different local scenes. Jess has lived in Brighton in the UK for many years, and we recorded a lot of early material there. The city remains one of our home bases and we love the vibrant clubs there. The Hope & Ruin is one of our favorite stomping grounds. We discovered Sara in LA and plan on maintaining a strong presence in both locations.

Sara: I feel like we’re returning to a time in history where music venues are places of refuge again. Nowadays, anybody can create a platform and say what they want to say to millions of viewers or listeners. But within the walls of Los Angeles music venues where I’ve been lucky enough to see some of my favorite artists, that’s when I actually feel a real sense of leadership, of protest, of community, and of creation.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Sara: I always prefer a mosh pit. But if that’s not your vibe, then maybe on a run or while you’re having a fun bath. Baths don’t have to be relaxing, ya know.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Ramsey: Dave Grohl or Paul McCartney.

Jess: Dave gets my vote. I’ve seen the Foos play lots of times and his energy is ferocious. What a legend – and he seems such a sound, humble guy. I’d also love to work with Anthony Kiedis – a very talented musician and so bad ass. He has the same rebellious personality as us. An anarchic spirit is what Ram and I initially converged on a decade ago.

How did you find making your debut EP ‘All You Can Eat’?

Ramsey: The process took longer than anticipated because we had more than a few bumps in the road. But those adversities ultimately led to a much stronger version of the band – one that we didn’t previously realise could exist. A significantly better door opened when Sara came on board. Now we’re in much better shape for the future.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Sara: I’m in constant flux of thinking about everything far too deeply and then thinking about nothing at all whatsoever. This music is a good reminder to acknowledge the here and now, know that mistakes will happen — are happening as we speak — and continue forward as best as you possibly can. I think the essence of the music also ignites a desire to be together. As dark as times are, you won’t be properly equipped to be of any help if you, yourself, don’t feel good.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Sara: I try to listen to new stuff every day, but it’s been a lot of R&B for me recently! Destiny’s Child & TLC, specifically.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Jess: Life is peaks and troughs… and sometimes those troughs result from traction on a personal or societal level. But it’s possible to defy an imposed hiatus… have the resilience to keep moving forward. Digging deep for motivation and discipline. Self-determination, heedless of circumstances, engenders the dividend of achievement and freedom. If you’re sufficiently driven, committed to yourself and your ambitions – nothing can compromise your momentum and you deserve the high that results.

Ramsey: I want our music to boost people’s moods, whether that’s through a melody, lyrics or both. But I’m also not clamouring for our songs to be overly dissected. If people want to do that, that’s fine. But it’s also like, do you just wanna listen to something, bob your head and have fun? That’s great too and just as important.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Ramsey: Sleep your way to the top. It’s the only realistic option. Seriously though, while this may sound obvious, persistence is truly the key to making things happen. If you keep plugging away and have solid material, you’ll eventually get noticed.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

Sara: GET OUT THERE AND ROCK THE STAGE BABY!

Listen to All You Can Eat below