Oklahoma-based dream-pop duo Sports are stepping into an exciting new chapter with the release of their self-titled album Sports, out now via OneRPM. Written, recorded, and produced in a studio they built from the ground up in Tulsa, the project marks the band’s first fully self-produced release and highlights a clear evolution in both sound and storytelling. As the duo prepare to take the new music on the road—including Canadian stops in Toronto and Montreal—we caught up with members Cale Chronister and Christian Theriot to talk about building their own creative space, pushing their dream-pop sound into new territory, and what fans can expect from this ambitious new era.
Q) Your new self-titled album Sports has just been released. How are you both feeling now that this project is finally out in the world?
- Feels good! Just been working on the live show. Really excited to play these songs live.
Q) This record marks your first fully self-produced album. What inspired you to take on that level of creative control this time around?
- We just wanted to try something new and give ourselves a challenge. We were in need of a little reset, psychologically. It was rewarding to learn to trust ourselves in the process.
Q) You built your own studio from scratch in Tulsa to create this album. How did having that space shape the songwriting and production process?
- We were on our own timeline this time. So we could spend an entire week just experimenting with something that may not be on the album. There was more freedom to just waste time in a productive way.
Q) Compared to your earlier releases, this album feels like a clear sonic evolution. What were some of the biggest creative risks or experiments you explored while making it?
- This is the first time we’ve used a heavy auto-tune on my voice. It led me to write melodies I wouldn’t have otherwise written. The Jelly vocal melodies do not hit without the hard tune. Not that it was that risky, but I feel like in the camp we get associated with, some people may not like it or are sick of it. But we just followed the fun.
Q) The single “Drama King” offers a bold preview of the album’s direction. What was the inspiration behind that track and why did it feel like the right introduction to this new era?
- We just wanted to rock. We didn’t have enough rock on the album, and there was this animalistic need to just lower the guitar straps and rock.
Q) Another standout track, “Jelly,” highlights bigger pop hooks and dynamic transitions. What excites you most about pushing your sound further into that space?
- I wasn’t aware we could write a cool song at that tempo. I’m more emboldened to try to write faster songs. I’m wondering if we can go even faster.
Q) Songs like “Nice 2 Meet Myself (Bang Bang Bang),” “If You Want Me,” and “Keep Falling In Love” have already resonated with fans. How do these tracks fit into the overall story or mood of the album?
- I let the story take care of itself. I just write what I’m feeling and let that take shape, so for me it’s still coming into focus. I don’t try to push a story. I don’t want the album to be about me and only me. I just want to say how I feel and hope people can take the song for themselves and add their own story to it.
Q) Since your 2015 debut Naked All The Time, you’ve steadily built a global following. Looking back, what moments have felt most defining for the band so far?
- To be honest, that Spotify billboard in Times Square felt pretty cool.
But nothing compares to the joy of just making and performing music, and the people you do it with.
Q) You’re heading out on a massive international tour, including Canadian stops in Toronto and Montreal. What are you most excited about bringing this new music to the stage?
- I’m excited to see people experience the songs and see which ones resonate with people in a live setting.
Q) With the album out and a world tour ahead, what do you hope listeners take away from this new chapter of Sports?
- I hope they are along for the ride and ready for a great time! Welcome aboard, we’re just getting started.
