● A distinguished metal vibes indeed. The band journey started back in 2017, how did you meet up guys?
Xander (Guitar) and Weston (Drums) started jamming together, added long time friend Stevin on guitar, and they reached out to me via Stevin’s brother for vocals, and then adopted Dakota on bass in 2018.
● I noticed your diversity within your metalcore vibes. Tell me more about your inspirations and influences.
We all listen a wide variety of music, from Motionless in White and Slaughter To Prevail, to The Goo Goo Dolls, and everything in between. We’ve been drawing inspiration from up and coming artists as well as more established bands in nu-metal, 2000’s metalcore and industrial.
● I loved Harmony & Insanity, but I kinda feel that its spirit is different from all your previous releases. Am I right?
We wanted to try something different, it just sort of fell into place. Felt natural with what we were writing at the time.
● A smart choice for featuring Darian Renee, was it planned to have a female voice during the songwriting process?
Definitely! The song is about two people who want to be together, but can’t. So we always had a female vocal part in mind. Darian is my vocal coach and an incredibly talented musician, so we were overjoyed when she said yes to being featured on the song.
● ‘Drown’ is highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike. In your opinion, why this song especially had a wide reach than other releases?
We think it was probably a number of factors. Timing, for one. It was released at the height of covid lockdowns in 2020, so everybody was inside and on the internet looking for escapism in one form or another. It’s also got a fantastic video, done by Tanner Simpson as always. The song is also unique in the sense that we really started to come into our own sound, figuring out our sonic identity a bit further. Vocally, it came from a really personal place, and I think that also helped people to relate to it.
● Two singles in 2021, are they part of an upcoming full-length?
Yes and no. Before I Fall is it’s own standalone thing. Harmony & Insanity, on the other hand, is a part of a collection of songs we’ll be releasing together soon.
● You have a fruitful business relation with director Tanner Simpson. Do you collaborate with him in video direction or it’s his own vision?
Tanner is a great friend and we owe so much to him. We wouldn’t be where we are without his help. He’s worked with us on every single video. We’ve all grown together as artists by doing all these projects together, and we think that’s amazing. We hope to see him continue to grow and have success in all his endeavors. It’s a collaborative effort, we have ideas, he has ideas, but he is really the one that helps bring everything to life.
● I’ve noticed your artistic merch on the website, but I was wondering, do you think the modern digital era may affect bands merchandise someday?
I don’t think so, but the internet allows you the flexibility to do all sorts of things from a merch perspective. They may not be buying records anymore, but people will always want mementos from shows. Something physical to express who they are. It’s a part of their identity that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
● Since promotion became easier now, thanks to the digital world! Does it mean there’s no need for PR, labels or publishers anymore?
I think there’s a place for everything. It depends on the band. Personal promotion can only take you so far. If it’s a mutually beneficial situation, it absolutely makes sense to surround yourself with a team of professionals. It’s just got to make sense to both parties. Leave the door open but ask for the password, so to speak.
● Finally, thank you for the chat and tell us more about the rest of the 2021 plans.
Thank you so much for taking the time to have us! We’re planning on releasing more projects (videos, etc), and we’re always working on new music. We will have a record coming out soon, so keep an eye out for that. We’re also just spending some time with each other just enjoying life. It’s an important milestone that we want to celebrate. Seeing everything come together. Thanks again for having us!
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