Detroit Rockers, A War Within, are a bundle of musical soldiers that continue to fight the good fight and stand up for what they believe in. As one of the most passionate, dedicated and human independent bands in the music industry who are unashamed to put every ounce of themselves out there, A War Within continues to change the independent landscape. I caught up with Spencer to discuss the bands journey as independent musicians, life in Michigan, the wonders of social media and much more.
Your latest track, “Solace”, is packed with fury and raw lyricism. Tell us about your life experiences that have led you toward releasing such hefty and potent emotion throughout the track.
It’s the heaviest song we’ve ever written. It’s very much a tale of insecurity and anguish. The frustration in a world of today. It’s also quite ironic because as a band we’ve made peace with what we can’t chance so we really just try to find a way to work out the issues ahead of us. For me solace is where i find connecting in our humanity and the people we come across on a daily basis.
Tell us about your life in Michigan. How was it enhanced your artistry?
Michigan is such a tough place. Music has an elite art form and crowd. There are tons of great artists historically and currently from the area. So it’s a high standard to live up to. The fans from the area are supportive yet demanding. I think that’s why so many great bands come from the area. We as michiganders demand such a talent from those within the state the strong artists are forged from its turmoil.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
The strength to continue on and survive is always a constant challenge we face. I can’t completely speak on everyone’s behalf but i think all artists fight society in a way to be recognized and find a way to reach the masses on some level. Whether it’s simply creating art that ourselves and others well enjoy for years to come or to being able to live comfortably off of their craft. With the growth of technology it’s made the ever changing path more difficult to keep up with. A moment that we seem to chase being an unsigned band is to be signed. A band that does world tours. A band that releases platinum albums. As us humans, it’s to just be able to survive oneself. To conquer every defeat and trudge on back into the harsh wilderness.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I love it. I enjoy so much being able to reach out to our fans and friends. I wouldn’t say we have the largest fan base but though she be little, she be fierce. I pride on the support that we have and will strive to be the best that they wish us to be.
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.
There is no greater feeling to me than to touch another’s soul. Without seeing my face or body language it’s an unbelievable wonder how people, when taking the time to really look, can see the person inside the job or the social media profile. There’s also other tasks that hold concrete reactions. There’s the ability to set a goal and achieve it even if it’s not as complete as we like. The little victories that we can control. Such as putting together a full album or a music video. We’re an independent band like most so 100% of the work is done by the strength of our backs. The leg work of the old days transformed into a new style is still work to be done. A very satisfying event, although not as tangible, still the humanity shines thru is the reaction of our music. Both good and bad it’s the art that we aim to make people feel through.
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?
This business is definitely not for the weak-willed. A path of a career making musician is filled with destruction and despair most of the time. I find that the again, the small victories are what’s worth fighting for. We just love to tour so much and make music that a sacrifice of our health is just required. I feel like it helps the process. Its part of the Detroit strength that i’ve used time and time again to crush my obstacles
If you could recommend three of your favorite restaurants to check out in Detroit, which three would you choose and why?
Imperial, Johnny Noodle King, and either Lafayette or American Coney Island. I love mexican food and drinking margaritas. In Detroit, I have found no better combination of the two than Imperial. Although in Ferndale, north of Detroit it is by far one of my favorite restaurants for those reasons. Johnny Noodle King is this tiny hole-in-the-wall Pho/Ramen Bar that has the best noodles. I love pasta and asian cuisine so much. The place is always packed to the brim and it’s always busy AF. I feel if you had to decide what’s an iconic food about Detroit it would be our coneys. They’re basically diners that for some reason only we have them in this certain fashion in Detroit. For me, these are the most iconic two.
Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour/show plans that you can fill us in about?
Since we’re an unsigned band finding tours that make sense to us is harder than it looks. We’ve also toured a lot over the past couple of years and are using 2019 to help focusing our efforts into single shows while working on gained label support once and for all. Right now, we have Detroit, Chicago and Indianapolis headliners on the horizon. These are unlike tours because we will be using brand new stage production and new methods of advertising. Our plan is to sell out all these shows and help grow the fan base in this manor.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Our fans know what’s up. We’re a family. We’ve developed quite a relationship with many of them. If you haven’t heard of us, go check us out. If you like a few songs come and meet us. We’re super personable and loveable people. We take care to show the quality of support for those that do the same for us. We are a developed community and would love to welcome you with comradery and love. Thanks for taking the time!
