Chicago Ensemble, Magical Beasts, tune into their hearts and dive into elements of romanticism, love and connection throughout their beautifully written new release, ‘Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Come Find Me”, Magical Beasts begin soft and slow and instantly mimic the likes of Mumford and Sons over lyrics that seek and speak of guidance when it comes to interpersonal connection that has sparked feelings of adoration in their hearts. The second track, “7 Nights”, lyrically travels down the road highlighting a period of time that meant the world to members of Magical Beasts who swoon over the seven days that were spent connecting with another that has left a lasting imprint of their spirits. “Darling” is the third track which is the dream track for a lady to receive as songwriting speaks to the soul and speaks of the rewards that come when a human being consciously decides to let down their guards and open their minds and hearts to what love can simply be. The fourth track, “In Praise”, trickles into listeners minds with grace as the members of Magical Beasts lyrically tackle the phenomenal feeling of fate that comes when an individual walks into your life and leaves you feeling at peace knowing that a natural connection has begun to sprout.
“Little Buds” is the fifth track that picks up the pace and instantly instrumentally mimics the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros as Magical Beasts add in elements of Folk that mesh smoothly while showcasing their ability to expand their talents as a genre-bending act. Closing out with “Farthest Shore”, Magical Beasts lyrically express that they are willing to spread their wings far and wide to receive the love and life that they desire.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Mumford and Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and The Head and the Heart, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Magical Beasts on SoundCloud.
Indie Folk Singer, Resurrection Fern, has been staying consistent and true to her bright colors through maximizing the wonders of the digital world. As a rising star on Twitch and soulful musician, Resurrection Fern is in the midst of an exciting time as she has recently released her new EP, ‘Fern’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Coffee”, Resurrection Fern softly strums into the minds of listeners with soft vocals that are smooth and serene as lyrics that are reflective of the journey of an artist make their way to the forefront as they brim with curiosity and contemplation. The second track, “Savanna”, is heartfelt and abounding with soul as Resurrection Fern allows herself to dig deep into the trajectory of a relationship that has run its course yet has meant the world to her at one point of her life. “Hi Lo” is the third track which instantly mimics the likes of Paula Cole as Resurrection Fern takes listeners back to the essence of 90’s grunge as lyrics that are dark and moody speak of her current perspective on a relationship that has grown unhealthy and unwarranted for her current place within. The fourth and lead track, “Siren”, finds its way into Resurrection Fern’s past as she contemplates the highs and lows that she encountered within a period of time that left her feeling low and in need of space to seek peace within.
“Wayside” is the fifth track that highlights Resurrection Fern’s vocal style that carries forward her emotive approach toward life as well as her ability to overcome through a variety of seasons of life. Closing out with “The Way That You” featuring Ub1k, Resurrection Fern adds in the masculine element which provides a sense of balance within listeners that closes the EP with a sense of tranquility.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor and Colbie Caillat then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Resurrection Fern on Apple Music .
Boston Trio, Shallow Pools, aren’t afraid of breaking the rules as they convey messages of hope and perseverance stemming from the heart through their music. I caught up with the ladies for an in-depth interview to discuss the recent release of “Haunted”, collectively raising Bibby the cat, trading existences with cartoon characters such as The Powerpuff Girls and Twister from Rocket Power, balance pertaining to social media and much more.
Congrats on the recent release of your new single, “Haunted”. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout this track and video.
Ali – Thank you so much! We wanted “Haunted” to explore the feelings of uncertainty and helplessness surrounding the future. Having a dream and feeling like it keeps getting further and further away but still pushing to make it happen every day.
Tell us about how shallow pools came together and the bond that you have developed through your artistry.
Ali – We all went to the same high school! Jess and Glynnis had been friends for a while, and then met Ali in 2012. We found out that we all loved music, and started making acoustic covers together. We decided to start writing our own songs and at first it was pretty rough but we have all grown so much and it’s been really cool to see! We are truly best friends/do everything together and the band really feeds that bond. Even if we fight it’s like… well we have to write 3 songs this week so there’s really no time for that.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
Jess – Every time we write new music, I constantly struggle with feeling like I’m not good enough or that I won’t write a song as good as our last song. It’s something I’ve been trying to work on a lot lately!
Glynnis – I’ve always been dealing with insecurity, where I’ve felt like I’m not up to par in almost every aspect of my life. But honestly, being in a band and performing has really helped me to be more confident in everything that I do!
Ali – I often have imposter syndrome! I feel like because I’m a woman if I’m not playing super intricate drum parts etc. everyone will think I’m not good enough. I have to remind myself that less is more and the best drummers play in the pocket and aren’t playing fills every 3 measures.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Ali – I feel like it’s a blessing and a curse! It’s a great way to get your name out there and stay connected with fans who would have never heard of you if it weren’t for social media, but there are also factors working against you and you basically have to be a digital marketer to get new people seeing your posts and videos since there is so much content out there!
Jess – I love social media! It’s cool to be able to connect with people you might not have met otherwise. For the most part we’ve had a pretty positive experience with social media as far as the band goes. There are downsides for sure, so you definitely don’t want to get too wrapped up in it.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Glynnis – Honestly, I’m very proud of my cat. I know he’s not part of me but I’m obsessed with him and he’s very, very cute. His name is Bibby, he’s a chubby black cat, and he’s very talented.
Ali – I really like planning things! If I’m travelling anywhere I will have like 52 places to go and backup plans to the backups and I used to be annoyed by it because I lack spontaneity but honestly now I don’t care, I like to be prepared!! Also bibby is a star he is the strangest cat i know I’m proud of his existence and glynnis for being a great mother.
Jess – I’ve become a lot more independent over the last year or two. I moved to a new place, got a new job, etc. I’ve been working at that for a long time so it’s something I’m super proud of! I also agree with Glynnis that Bibby is talented and I’m proud of him too.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Ali – We do all have full time jobs plus the full time job that is writing/recording/performing, so that ends up being really overwhelming at times. It’s just a matter of making sure that you’re also doing things that make you happy/relaxed! I like watching Degrassi and the Bachelor/Bachelorette (depending on time of year), editing videos even though it annoys me sometimes, going to breweries, and I also really love shopping online/at malls.
Glynnis – I think it’s super important to take time for yourself. Even if it’s listening to a podcast, writing, or listening to music, having time that is dedicated to relaxing/destressing can really make a difference in how you’re feeling, especially with interactions with others!!
Jess – I completely agree with Glynnis! I love being around my friends and playing music together all the time, but it’s super important to make sure I get time to myself too. I think we all know each other well enough at this point that we can tell if someone needs to be left alone for a bit. Also, communicating exactly how you feel helps too! It’s something we’re all still working on.
If you could trade existences with your favorite cartoon character growing up, who would you choose and why?
Ali- I really loved Arthur but I don’t really think I’d want his life, it was pretty boring. So I’m gonna go with Emmy from Dragon Tales she had a SICK life, a super cool playroom AND the ability to go fly on the backs of dragons.
Glynnis – I was very into The Powerpuff Girls when I was younger. I always resonated with Buttercup, and I think it’d be pretty cool to be this little angsty superhero.
Jess – I was such a big Rocket Power fan so maybe I’d be Twister! Honestly I’d be any of the characters because then I’d know how to skateboard, which is my DREAM.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Ali – Thank you for existing and promoting us and connecting with our music, we see you/hear you. You always have someone in your corner in us!
Glynnis – Thank you so much for listening & we can’t wait for you to hear what’s next!!
Jess – Thanks so much for listening/coming out to our shows! We’re super excited to put out some new songs and play in new places this year!
Growing a massive social media following and cult from scratch is an expertise of Ontario Native, Braden Barrie. Having dabbled into a variety of artistic endeavors including one of his latest being Stay Cozy Clothing, Braden Barrie aka SayWeCanFly pours all of his heart and soul into his art. I caught up with Braden to discuss the first track that he created with SayWeCanFly, touring in his youth, the years of growth that led to be able to pursue art full-time and more.
You’ve been touring since you were 16-years-old. Tell us how this affected your high school experience and experience growing up as a human being.
I went through so much pain & depression but looking back I am so thankful for every experience I’ve had and the people I met. If it weren’t for the few people in that school who supported my music and always pushed me to make more, I’m not sure I would have the same drive I do now. That being said, I did drop out at the start of my last year. All of my friends had already graduated and that was really the only reason I liked going to school. Everyone was pushing me to go to college but the idea of pursuing anything but what I love just made me sad. I just wanted to make music and play shows, so I decided that’s what I was going to do. It took me years and years to turn it into my full time job but I told myself that no matter what it took, I was going to make a living with my art.
What was the first song that you created as SayWeCanFly and what did it mean to you?
The first SayWeCanFly song I can remember (aside from the one I wrote about Scooby Doo when I was 9) was called “Breathe”. I wrote this one about my understanding of depression at the time, and it was kind of like telling myself to chill out because I was the one causing the pain by letting thoughts take me over. At the time I didn’t know it meant that of course, but looking back now it always feels like songs show their meanings to me later on in my life. That song specifically though I remember being written at a very dark time in my life. My grandfather had just passed away and he was kind of my best friend at that point, and my parents I believe had just divorced shortly before that. There were just a lot of thing going on that I didn’t understand… and writing songs was honestly what got me through those experiences.
There is so much vulnerability reflected within your music. Tell us about the life experiences that have led you toward becoming so open with your fans.
I think the reason I always write from my heart is because I started writing long before I ever had an audience. It’s always been natural for me to write exactly what I feel.I think just feeling alone so much as a kid has given me so much time to question and explore my emotions that it just comes out in my songs. It’s not something I could easily explain, but those songs are all new experiences for me as much as they are for anyone else who listens. Over the years I’ve become very aware that other people connect with those painful and emotional experiences that I write about, which has given me a whole other incredible reason to keep going no matter what. It makes me feel safe knowing someone else understands what I’m feeling.
New York based record producer and musician, FaltyDL, has created a world of his own in which he dishes out enticingly dense, magnetically dark, and utterly captivating displays of musical craft that seduces you as it seeps under your skin. I caught up with the creatively rich human being who is on the cusp of releasing his sixth LP, ‘Heaven is for Quitters’, to discuss his upcoming projects and more.
First and foremost, introduce yourself to our readers. Who is FaltyDL?
My name is Drew, I am FaltyDL and I live in Brooklyn, NY. I have been making electronic music for about 12 years now. I regularly tour and DJ my albums. I have worked with a couple record labels such as Planet Mu and I have also created my own record label, Blueberry Records.
Is anybody else signed to Blueberry Records?
Drew – Yeah, I have signed a bunch of artists to Blueberry Records, but I don’t sign artists to a contract where they can’t work with anyone else; I wouldn’t want to do that to anyone. I sign artists per record, so to speak, but I’ve got a bunch of new artists and some old artists as well.
Jessica – That is quite liberating. I am assuming you know how it is in the record industry; a record company can tie you down and as a musician, you can ultimately sacrifice a lot of your career.
Drew – Yeah, definitely. I try to treat artists like I would like to be treated as an artist.
When did you begin peaking interest in techno/house music?
Around the early 2000’s. I got into electronic music through DJ Shadow in a way; trip-hop, electronica and genres as such in a way. Some weirder stuff like Aphex Twins and Squarepusher when they were already well into their careers. I sorta got to go back and check out all of the old records that they made as well. I was about 16 or 17 years old at the time.
Congrats on your LP, ‘Heaven is for Quitters’. Tell us all about the recording process.
I challenged myself on this album by recording with vocalists at my studio, which I have never done before; I have always worked remotely or they would just send me their vocals, mainly because they would live in other countries. But, I have a few singers like Hannah Cohen, and Jose James come over and record, which was fun and a little bit scary because they are artists that work in real recording studios. So, I challenged myself as far as the process of recording people and all of the mixing down on the record. I tried really hard to mix it down a little bit smoother this time and make sure it sounds good on a loud sound system.
Jessica – You mentioned that you brought in some vocalists from overseas. Who do you perceive was the most intriguing and fascinating vocalist that you’ve worked with thus far throughout your career?
Drew – Oh, that’s good. There are so many that I have worked with; there’s a few like Rosie Lowe who is on the track, “Drugs”, off the new album. She is such a pro. I mean, she records the vocals on her own and sends them to me and I usually don’t have to do anything to them. At times, I get vocals from a producer and I have to spend a lot of time getting it on the track, cleaning it up and editing it. But, when someone as professional as Rosie just sends you her vocals and it’s just perfect right away, it’s really incredible. I mean, I would love to work with Bjork or Thom Yorke, all those big names; that’d be incredible. But, realistically, it’s when I work with just really talented, hard-working and hustling vocalists that I feel really good about it.
Thoughts on Massive Attack?
They’re incredible. I grew up listening to the whole Bristol sound. You know, Rob Smith, Tricky; that whole Bristol sound is incredible. I like Massive Attack because they will go away for awhile and come back with a new album that’ll still bang. I respect that. It’s such a heavy sound. They also have an incredible live show and I really do like their visual performance.
You and I are in New York on a hot summer day. Where are we going to eat and why?
I love these two restaurants in my neighborhood, Diner and Marlow, they are both right next to each other. I would go there because A, they are local and I know all the people that work there. And B, they are so local that I don’t have to go too far from home, which I like. It’s a really good atmosphere and they play really good music at both spots.
Tell us about your artwork for your albums and the human beings that brought them to life.
All of the artwork for this album is done by an artist by the name of La Boca; him and a couple of his designers did one of my last albums called ‘Hardcourage’ as well. I just think he kills it at this smooth, radiant, and animated cartoony look that I feel a lot of people have been trying to emulate ever since he’s been doing it. I think it is really important to have the artwork be as accessible as the music in a way. I think that he always compliments my music really well and creates an image that people can sort of relate to and enjoy.
Jessica – Interesting. In a sense, syncing the energy of your music coming from your inner being into the external aspect as the musical creation tied to it’s artistry.
Drew – Yeah. I’m not a visual person, I’m an auditory person. So, working with another person who is talented into the visual aspect helps bring the other part forward, ya know?
If you had to give one piece of advice to an emerging producer, what would it be?
Just keep going. If you feel like you are running into walls either creatively or just trying to get yourself out there, just keep going. Also, make as many of your own opportunities as possible, because sitting around and waiting for someone to offer something can be very long and it could just not happen. So, make your own things. Throw a party. Start your own record label. Send out your own demos. Just try and do everything. And listen, take in everything you can, but try and just focus on what sounds good to you because that’s how you are going to develop your own sound. Try and ignore what Twitter is saying, how everyone loves this new album or that new album; forget about that stuff, it doesn’t matter. Enjoy what you enjoy and keep working. And don’t take shit from anyone.
Jessica – Yes. Both personally and professionally.
Drew – Yes. In life. Yes.
Last but certainly not least, any messages for your fans?
Yeah. I have this idea that if you have been following me for awhile, you have followed me through a bunch of albums and I keep throwing out curveballs. For instance, this album does not sound like the one before, and just thank you, very much, for sticking with me. I appreciate it. It means a lot, because it makes me feel like I’m not losing my mind when I’m about to put out an album that feels like something I have never done before. I am just honored. I meet people all the time that tell me that they are fans of my music and in the moment, I am just trying to get through that social interaction by being polite and being nice, but I take that all home and I think to myself, “Holy shit, I can’t believe that person reached out to tell me they like my music.” It makes me feel so good. I am very grateful.
Jessica – Are you quite introverted? Do you spend a lot of candid time on your own?
Drew – Yeah, I do. A lot of it is by design; it’s just the nature of the job. But also, I work at home. Their will be whole days where the only time I go out is to get a turkey sandwich across the street and I don’t see anyone or pick up the phone for a day or two. So, you start to get a little loopy. You know, you got out, you meet someone and you just start talking; you don’t know how to socially interact. So, yeah, I get caught off guard by people all the time when I am out of the house. But, I am definitely split; I enjoy being an introvert and I also like to have some human contact as well.
Jessica – Uh, yeah. I don’t perceive that you would make it on stage if you you had total introvert vibes.
Drew – Yeah. That is a weird experience. Being on stage and performing is this weird, made-up experience. It’s nothing relative to how people should act in the world. You know, you are on this pedestal; it’s a very unnatural thing. But, it’s also very dope.
Jessica – Do you feel like you go into a trance on stage?
Drew – Yeah, sometimes I do, and that’s nice, but it’s hard to do that when you see a thousand people staring at you. You just get into. You just roll with it.
Los Angeles Musician, Grabbitz, has built a strong fan-base through tuning into his heart and playing music that creates feelings that expand beyond the typical. I caught up with Grabbitz to discuss dreams of playing Coachella, making beats at the age of 13-years-old, meditation and more.
First and foremost, introduce yourself to our readers. Where are you originally from and who is Grabbitz?
I’m a recording artist living in LA. It’s hard to explain the kind of music I make, because it’s not one thing exactly; you’ll have to listen for yourself. Think of me like the frontman of my own band.
Congrats on the release of ‘Things Change’. Tell us about the concept behind this album and what life experiences led you toward bringing this album to life.
Many thanks. Essentially, it was a tipping point in my life where everything changed. I was feeling confined in the music I was putting out, and simultaneously lost one of the most important people in my life. I ended up putting this album together, and it’s beginning to sound like the real me. I’ve been making music and compiling songbooks and albums since I was around 9, so I’ve always expressed myself through performance, then audio, and now full studio recordings.
If you could slide your way onto any summer festival roster that you aren’t already playing at, which festival would you choose and why?
I don’t know if it sounds cliche or not, but Coachella. I keep my head in my work most of the time so I don’t really know a wide range of festivals off the top of my head… I’ll play for any festival that will have me. But if I had to pick one, it would be Coachella, because it’s huge and seems like it’s goers are open to hearing new artists.
You are a one man show behind the scenes with creating your music. Tell us about how you have gained all of the skills to write, produce and record all of your own music.
Well, I’ve been creating music for as long as I can remember with guitar and my voice. Any keyboard or device I could get my hands on. At 13-years-old, I started making beats and singing/rapping on a computer, and have been ever since, they are just full blown songs now.
What is the greatest piece of wisdom that you have received over your years of being a musician?
In order to win, you have to risk losing.
Any upcoming plans to boost your creativity that you can fill us in?
I started meditating a week ago, I think I’m going to try it for a while. I think I’m going to get another tattoo soon, a butterfly on my hand.
What is the most personal track for you on ‘Things Change’ and why?
The title track, “Things Change”. It is one of the two songs on the album to the person I lost. It is my way of coping, by coming to the realization that you have to enjoy things while you’re present, because things are always changing until you die.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
If any of my fans are reading this, or if you are considering becoming a new fan, I promise you consistent quality music and performances. Come see my show when I come to a city near you. Thanks for listening.
Prestigious Music Photographer, Scott Legato, has paved a legacy of his own as one of the most renowned photographers to step foot into a photo pit in Detroit and beyond. Scott’s presence is naturally known in the photo pit, and his expertise and keen eye for creating eccentric and standout photography pieces is an honor to be amongst. I caught up with Scott prior to his first exhibit at Detroit Shipping Company on January 17th, 2020 to discuss his history as a music photographer, his time with Getty Images, tips for those who desire to follow in his footsteps, photographing everyone from Lady Gaga to Motley Crue and more.
First and foremost, tell us about the first concert that you ever photographed and what started your journey as a live music photographer?
My first concert that I photographed was in 1984, Motley Crue: ‘Shout at the Devil Tour’. Back in those days, you could bring cameras to concerts; I had front row. I took two rows of film and slayed it; been hooked ever since.
As there is only one week left in the decade, what are some of your favorite live music experiences and moments that you have photographed from the 2010s?
Damn this is a tough one. I know that Miley Cyrus stands out. U2, Van Halen, Lenny Kravitz, Iggy Pop, Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, etc!
Can you tell our readers what is in your main kit bag and what is your go-to gear for live shows?
I shoot with (2) Canon 5D Mark IV’s, Canon Glass: 24-70 f2.8 II, Canon 16-35 f2.8 III, Canon 70-200mm f2.8 II. If I’m shooting festivals, I use my Canon 28-300 f4.0-5.6 and for Soundboard shoots, I use Sigma 150-600 f5.0-6.3 Sports Lens. I also have a Sigma 15mm f2.8 Fisheye that I never use.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
The digital world is crazy. I’m 54-years-old and when I was a kid, we didn’t have all the gadgets kids have today. Through social media, you really have great tools to expand your profession. It’s a GREAT thing but evil too.
No career path or amount of followers negates from the fact that you are a human being. Tell us about parts of yourself that you take pride in beyond being a live music photographer.
I pride myself in being very musically inclined. I guess I was born with music in my blood (hence my last name: Legato). Been playing guitar since I was 8-years-old. LOVE IT!
If you could recommend three restaurants in Detroit to a tourist that has never visited, which three would you choose and why?
Bucharest (Best $6 you can spend)
Sweetwater Tavern for the Chicken Wings
Motor City Casino Buffet for the Prime Rib and Crab Legs
You have photographed anyone and everyone and your work is featured in Rolling Stone, Hypebeast, US Weekly, MSN, NPR, Daily Wire and many more. Do you still feel the same thrill shooting shows as you did when you first picked up your camera?
You tend to lose the thrill of it after awhile, so you take a break and get back into it with a passion. Everyone thinks us photographers have the best job in the world. Sometimes that is true, but it does wear on you after awhile. Late nights, being away from my wife, etc, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Your first gallery exhibit is a few weeks away at Detroit Shipping Company. I’m sure preparation has taught you about event planning, etc. What do you look forward to most with the show and tell us as many details about the show that you can.
I am looking forward to it being over! It is A LOT of work. I am more nervous about my photographer friends bashing me over anything else (But is all out of love). I want to make my parents and family proud, that is most important. I will be displaying 60+ pics. Everything from Amy Whinehouse to Lou Reed to Van Halen and everything in-between. Some of the shots are the ones I am most proud of. I hope everyone feels the same. I am not out to make $, I just want to showcase all the hard work I have put in for the last 17+ yrs doing this professionally.
Last but certainly not least, any messages for fellow photographers and admirers of your work?
For the new photographers, respect the rules and respect the elders. My opinion is you have to earn the right in the pit. Also, sorry for being an asshole in the photo pit.. maybe? I know my reputation to some is not the best, but I take my photography serious and I hate when photographers in the pit are there for the wrong reasons. I hate fan boys/girls in the pit. We are ALL fans, but do that shit after the 3rd song! But for the admirers of my work; thanks for the support, it means a lot. It makes my hard work worth while.
Pop Enigma, Poppy, represents the burgeoning of multi-faceted artists who are unafraid to break all of the rules to showcase the depth that they’ve built within. As a performance artist, musician, fashionista, YouTuber, comic book writer and more, Poppy has given her artistry her all and continues to empower fans with a sense of independence and freedom that is electric and magnetic.
Having rocked the ring with WWE NXT to perform “I DISAGREE” and “Scary Mask”, Poppy is dipping her feet in a variety of endeavors that continue to drive her artistic style and prowess home right into the hearts of her growing fan-base worldwide. The world is on the edge of their seat in anticipation of Poppy’s new metal-infused album, ‘I DISAGREE’, which is set to drop on January 10th, 2020.
Grab your tickets HERE for Poppy’s show at The Majestic in Detroit on Saturday, February 1st.
Austin natives, Fire From The Gods, are the full forced musical embodiment of empowerment. Blending a variety of genres including Hip-Hop, Metal and Hardcore, the Lone Star State gang has a lot to deliver and a lot in store. I caught up with the guys to further discuss being a part of Rise Records, not taking shit from anyone, how social media has expanded their artistry and more.
First and foremost, introduce yourself to our readers. How did Fire From The Gods come to life?
My name is AJ and I am the vocalist for Fire From the Gods. FFTG has existed since 2007. FFTG under its current guise has been together for about 2 years. After various lineup changes over the years we now have a solid 5 member setup that we are very pleased with.
Your Rise Records debut, ‘Narrative’, was a total hit with fans. Tell us about the creative process behind the album.
We wrote this record in about three parts. A majority of the pre-production was written and recorded in Texas with our co-writer and producer Robby Joyner of Black Book sound. The vocals and lyrics which took the most time were written by me in NYC where I lived at the time and the final product was recorded with David Bendeth at the house of loud in NJ. There is a lot lost in translation when sharing files back and forth. The plan was to record in Texas then have the record mixed somewhere else. Fortunate for us a window of opportunity was opened and we got the chance to record with David Bendeth in New Jersey. That move took the record and creative process to a whole other level. Over about 30 days during the holidays we knocked it out. The end result was ‘Narrative’.
Did you have any goals or intentions going into the studio before the recording process began?
We went into the situation with D. Bendeth and The House of Loud knowing that we were going to have to step our game up. Many great records have come out of that place. The only real intention was to take full advantage of the opportunity. We had some prepro but we were unsure of what we were going to produce. The label was very chill and very supportive. The folks at Rise were like give it your best shot. Everything we sent they loved so we kept going without hesitation.
Have you been on the road testing any of the new material? If so, how have your fans been reacting to it?
The last two tours we’ve played all new music from ‘Narrative’. The response has been mega! We played two very different tours. The Browning tour was closer to the metalcore “scene” that FFTG comes from. There wasn’t much of a surprise that the fans of The Browning were into the music. The Otep tour was a very different landscape. Her fans are very dedicated to her and they embraced us. Many had checked out “excuse me” prior to the show. They came prepared to see us. We had great time.
Is there another band that is signed to Rise Records that you would like to recognize for their musicality?
For sure. Rise has such a diverse roster at the moment. It’s very easy to find something for everyone. I really dig Of Mice and Men’s transformation over the years. Their last two releases are a testimony to the band’s maturity and experience. Tiger Army is an awesome band I grew up listening to. Their current Rise release is just as good as anything they’ve put out in the past. The new Crown the Empire is great another band that is changing and maturing. Cane Hill is the very embodiment of the best aspects of 90’s and early 2000’s Nu metal. Rise is a pretty cool place to be right now.
What bands or artists influenced the sound and playing style of Fire From The Gods?
So many. We talk about our diversity in the band a lot. Because we have such contrasting backgrounds. But we all share a common love for heavy music which ultimately influenced our record. There’s a bit of The Deftones, Poison the Well, Slipknot, Metallica, Rage against the machine, Sevendust, Sick of All, Hatebreed, Norma Jean, The Bled, The Used, Meshuggah, 90’s hip hop, NYHC, pop punk the list goes on. We could chat for days about the bands that influence us.
Have social networks been a key asset of creating your audience?
FFTG had a pretty solid social media before our signing. Due to the band having an already extensive history. Each release prior to Narrative had a distinct sound with attracted fans from all over. So ppl have been talking about the band for a long time. It definitely helps. I don’t think it’s the end all be all for a band’s career. But it is certainly a fantastic tool to help build a career. I believe in the old school formula, you write a record you tour the record and you sell the record. Too many bands live and die on social media these days. There’s no substance especially if that’s your only method of reaching fans. You have to play shows compounded with a solid social media presence to survive these days.
You guys have a fierce amount of energy which is highlighted on your album but as well as in your live performances, Do you guys have any pre-show rituals to harness that energy?
Besides the usual stretching, warming up stuff we all just kind of do our own thing before the set. Bonner jams super high energy bands before showtime to The Bled, Every Time I Die, etc. Rich does as well sometimes. Jameson, Drew and I kind of zone out and get our minds right. FFTG shows are very high energy. We try to be relentless on stage.
Last but certainly not least, do you have anything that you would like to share with your fans?
Again, thank you all for taking your time to speak to us. Keep your head up and don’t take shit from anyone. Peace.
Pop Legends, Hanson, brought their Christmas spirit and joy to Royal Oak Music Theatre for a packed-house that sang along to all of their hits within their ‘Wintry Mix’ 2019 Tour. Fans lined up around the venue and stood outside in 30-degree weather to get a chance at a front-row view of the Hanson brothers who have maintained a spot in the hearts of Pop lovers worldwide with their well-known hits such as “MMMBop”, “Lost Without Each Other”, “I Was Born”, “Weird” and “This Time Around”. Having expanded within their entrepreneurial endeavors such as Hanson Brothers Beer and the creation of their Record Label, 3CG Records, the gentlemen of Hanson continue to drive passion, love and authenticity into their ever-evolving crafts.
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