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neostarstudios · 8 years ago

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Whitehall, PA – Tonight’s SOLD OUT event takes place at the famous Planet Trog. Upon squeezing into the venue, all I could see was audience from wall to wall. It’s been a while since I’ve seen this place has been this packed. As I try to fight my way in through the crowd I noticed the band up on stage was my friends in Cedar Green finishing their set. I wish I had known they were opening as I would’ve arrived a little bit earlier. The thing you should know about this venue is that this place isn’t huge. It’s a small club with a 400+ person capacity. It is connected to an indoor laser tag arena.

Every date of the tour has been SOLD OUT!

As the local openers finished up, I hustled up front and into the “photo pit” area. There’s rarely a photo pit here but I guess for tonight’s event, they pulled no stops as far as accommodations and security. As Chasing Safety was setting up, I was greeted by tonight’s show promoter Tom, venue owner Kevin and occasional local promoter Pat. Pat was given lighting duties for tonight while Ice Nine Kills’ own audio engineer handled the sound.

Chasing Safety – Photo by Henry Chung

Chasing Safety is a band I am familiar with. I’ve seen them perform here numerous times over the years plus a stint on Warped Tour as their previous iteration as “Us, From Outside” prior to getting signed and name change. So seeing them again was familiar territory. I was excited for these guys having watched their careers grow. Tomorrow the band releases NOMAD which would make the band’s 2nd release on Outerloop Records.

Chasing Safety’s sophomore release ‘NOMAD’ is available now out on Outerloop Recordings

Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas saluting their fans. – Photo by Henry Chung

Ice Nine Kills was another band I have seen a number of times. I was first introduced to them a few years ago when they were on the 2012 iteration of the All-Stars Tour. I have since seen them a number of times on the Vans Warped Tour and whenever they would come through town. Ice Nine Kills also has an album coming out tomorrow as well (a re-recording of 2010’s Safe Is Just A Shadow.)

Ice Nine Kills Safe Is Just A Shadow (Re-Shadow) is available now on Outerloop Recordings.

Overall the night was a huge success. It’s funny how all the times I see shows here, I get to witness both ends of a show. From seeing how everything gets set up with load-in and soundcheck to breakdown and loadout and lockup. The audience was there throughout the night singing along and crowd surfing for all the acts (not sure about the first opening act since I wasn’t there to witness it.) From the audience’s perspective, all the acts hung around long after the show to sell merch and pose for pictures. I watched as a member of I9K give one of the members of security a copy of their album for free as a thank you for catching all the kids and making sure everyone was safe. The look on his face was of pure gratitude. From a show promoter’s point of view, I was told that the guys in Ice Nine Kills and Chasing Safety are some of the ‘most professional acts they have ever worked with and they will always be invited to come back to perform anytime’ and I will look forward for the next time these guys come back in town.

Words by Henry Chung Photos by Henry Chung

Ice Nine Kills – Photo by Henry Chung

Chasing Safety – Photo by Henry Chung

Ice Nine Kills and Chasing Safety Sells Out Planet Trog Whitehall, PA - Tonight’s SOLD OUT event takes place at the famous Planet Trog. Upon squeezing into the venue, all I could see was audience from wall to wall.

#3SNF #Chasing Safety #Concert #Concert Photographer #Concert Photography #Exclusive #Henry Chung #Ice Nine Kills #Outerloop Recording #Planet Trog #Record Release #Whitehall

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falloutbradreviews · 8 years ago

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Album Review by Bradley Christensen Lorna Shore – Flesh Coffin Record Label: Outerloop Release Date: February 17 2017

Hype is something that can exist in any genre, but I have the same reaction, no matter the genre that it applies to – skepticism. See, I don’t tend to jump on the hype train immediately when a band jumps onto the scene, regardless of the genre, because people that hype can really affect my thoughts on something, one way or the other. Before anyone asks, though, this does pertain to the album that I’ll be reviewing today (I can’t stand people that shit on my reviews, only because I don’t talk about the album all that much, or you have to actually read a little bit to find where I talk about the album; it’s called an introduction, people, that’s what all good pieces of writing have). Moving on, though, I’m the type of person that follows certain music scenes. I might not follow certain genres as much anymore, but I’ll be on the lookout for new, exciting, and interesting bands, especially if I keep hearing about a band that’s making waves. If I hear about a band long enough, especially if people keep praising them to the nth degree, I’ll feel compelled to listen to them. I can’t avoid that band forever, right? I might as well give them a listen at some point, but one of three things could happen – I could like, or even love, the band in question, I could feel totally indifferent to them, or I could absolutely hate them. It’s not too bad when I love a band that’s being hyped up, because I can jump on that hype train. Very rarely does that happen, though, but even when I like something that’s being hyped up, the hype being worth it, I’m always hesitant to really get on that train, because I don’t want other people to think that I’m just praising something for the hell of it. That’s not how I am, and everyone that reads my reviews, or knows me personally, knows that I’m very honest with my thoughts. I don’t want people to think the same thing that I might think about other acts, especially when I think they’re merely okay, or when I don’t like them at all.

What I’m talking about is the idea of something being overrated. It’s one thing when I like a band that’s being hyped up as the next big thing, but what about when I’m less than favorable? Well, that’s when the idea of something being overrated comes into play, and that’s why I try not to let hype affect how I feel. Like I said, there will be those acts that are getting so hyped up, and I can’t avoid them, no matter what I do. The only logical choice is to listen to the album that people are raving about, but if I find it to be mediocre, or dislike it completely, it’s a huge disappointment. You hear so many good things about a band, only not to care for them whatsoever. It’s even worse if you think they’re just decent, because generic or boring bands are the worst ones to talk about. Sure, you might understand the hype a bit more, but if they’re so bland and uninteresting, why would people gravitate towards that when so many other interesting bands exist? I don’t like feeling disappointed, but who does? You hear so many good things about a band, and people are acting like they’re the most amazing thing ever, but when you finally get around to listening to them, you don’t have the same reaction. I’m not one to care about what other people think about my music taste, or my own thoughts, because I’m fine with being in the minority, but it always frustrating when you’re the only person that doesn’t love a band that so many people are hyped about. No matter what you do, you just can’t get into them. You shouldn’t be ashamed of what you like, or what you don’t like, but it can be annoying. The reason that I’m bringing this idea up in the first place is because the album that I’ll be talking about today is one that I picked up solely because of hype. I’m talking about the newest LP, entitled Flesh Coffin, from deathcore band, Lorna Shore.

I hadn’t really heard of this band until people started talking about this album, but I guess they’ve been around for awhile now. That’s what happens when I don’t pay attention to deathcore, huh? Either way, though, I decided to check out Flesh Coffin after seeing tons of people talk about them. Like I said, though, I’m always hesitant to check out a band that’s been getting a lot of hype. You never know how it’ll go. I mean, if I like them, that’s a very good thing, but I wouldn’t want people thinking they’re overrated, or that I’m merely jumping onto the bandwagon, but if I don’t like them, I’ll end up thinking they’re a bit overrated. The only thing that I knew about Lorna Shore, however, is that they were a deathcore band that had a black metal influence. Think Carnifex’s newest LP, Slow Death, but more prominent, and that’s what you’d get with Lorna Shore. That’s not a bad idea, because I really enjoyed Slow Death when it came out last year. It was one of my favorite albums of 2016, just shy of being my album of the year, but it was a damn good deathcore album. Lorna Shore seemed to be in that vein, but more prominent with its black metal sound. Okay, that’s not too bad, even though I’m not a black metal fan at all. People like that kind of metal, but it’s not my thing at all. I could get into other styles of metal that incorporate it, but I’ve tried to listen to black metal, and yeah, it didn’t go well at all. Thankfully, though, Flesh Coffin is a pretty good record. I’ve spent the last week listening to this LP, really sinking my teeth into it, and I enjoy it a lot. I’m not quite going to jump on the hype train yet, because I don’t love this album, but it’s a great record, nonetheless. It’s got some really cool stuff going on, and it’s worth praising. I wouldn’t say these guys are overrated, either, because there is some merit to the praise that they’ve been getting.

Their sound is definitely one of the biggest reasons why they’ve been getting a lot of praise, and I’ll have to admit that I think it’s the best part of this band. Right off the bat, however, the sound is also a problem that I have with the album. It’s one of those albums, where the sound is both a plus and minus about the LP in question. It’s a good thing, obviously, because their brand of blackened deathcore is very heavy, brutal, intense, and interesting. I enjoy it quite a lot, but the problem with that is its very unfocused, messy, and jarring. These two styles go well together, especially since Carnifex did it, but the way Lorna Shore does it is very confrontational. The problem with that is Flesh Coffin switches its styles at the drop of a hat. The album sounds way too chaotic for my tastes, and not in terms of its sound. I’m fine with its brutal and heavy sound, but it’s just too all over the place. That sounds weird, though, because it’s got two sounds, but the way they transition those sounds just sounds jarring to me. With that said, though, I like everything about this album. Its sound is great, the vocalist is really good, and the overall atmosphere is very nice. The only other issue that I have with this album, and it’s kind of a big one, is how long it is. This LP is 46 minutes long. That’s not a bad thing, usually, because most albums have enough material to justify a length like that. When it comes to deathcore, or even a lot of metal itself, that’s a bit too long for an album like this. If the album was cut a bit, even just a couple songs, I’d be more into this. It would be shorter, tighter, and quicker, versus being a bit lengthy. Not to mention, its sound is a bit too messy for my tastes, too, and that would help the album out a bit. For what it’s worth, though, Flesh Coffin is a great album. It’s just not a perfect one, but the hype is worth it, so if you’ve wanted to check these guys, definitely do so.

#lorna shore #flesh coffin #outerloop records #deathcore #death metal #black metal #blackened deathcore #carnifex #slow death #metal #core music

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haulix · 8 years ago

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Inside Music Podcast #101 - Tanner Allen (Youth In Revolt)

On this episode of INSIDE MUSIC, host James Shotwell calls Youth In Revolt vocalist Tanner Allen to discuss his band's upcoming debut album. Tanner has been with Youth In Revolt for under a year, but his impact on the band and their career trajectory is already evident in every piece of media the group has released. Together with James, Tanner walks us through his time with the group, the motivations behind their upcoming album, life on Outerloop Records, and more.

You may already know this, but Inside Music is available on iTunes. Click here to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

#Inside Music #Podcast #Inside Music Podcast #Youth In Revolt #Tanner Allen #outerloop records #interview #james shotwell

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shemakesmusic-uk · 4 years ago

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This segment features artists who have submitted their tracks/videos to She Makes Music. If you would like to be featured here then please send an e-mail to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

AnnieMUSIC

AnnieMUSIC is Leanne Griffiths, a songwriter from Widnes (NW England) whose sound comes in equal parts from a passion for nineties/early noughties pop music and alternative rock. AnnieMUSIC has been performing as a songwriter/guitarist since her teens, leaning more towards influences from bands, majorly the band Idlewild. Similarly, with always having an interest in pop production, AnnieMUSIC has been using time spent at home recently to bring more of this element into her music. ‘Pedal’ and ‘Tomorrow’ are two contrasting songs recorded at home (or Anniesmusicplace) during the summer. Lyrically both songs speak to different ways of feeling directionless and the fear around making changes to take the next step. Whereas ‘Pedal’ presents quite a jarring, darker sound with its choppy fuzz guitar, ‘Tomorrow’ switches between playful verses and a chorus which edges to more of a melancholic feel as the song plays out, continuously asking “what are you waiting on?”. The tracks follow two previous releases this year; ‘Control’, released as part of a compilation of local artists from Loose Community Records, and prior to this the song ‘Rewind’, which was put out in the spring. Listen to both 'Pedal’ and ‘Tomorrow’ below.

Outerloop

Outerloop formed in 2019 when Patrick Gough - former drummer of seminal post-hardcore-art-punk band Pitchblende, and the experimental punk trio Imperial China - bumped into his old friend, guitarist Don Potter at a Jesus Lizard show. Conspiring to make “original, high-energy, loud, kick-yer-teeth-in kinda stuff”, they enlisted fellow veteran musician Mike Larmoyeux on bass. Together, the trio began crafting angular post-punk inspired instrumentals while searching for the right vocalist, to find their way through the cacophony taking shape. After a few months of searching, Taisha Estrada -- a Puerto Rican-born, jazz-trained, vocalist -- responded to a Craigslist ad and immediately bonded creatively with the guys over their mutual love of Sleater Kinney, Soundgarden, Savages, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Led Zeppelin and St. Vincent. With their lineup in place, Taisha’s powerful and musically sophisticated vocal lines solidified the band’s instrumental ideas into finished songs. Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck just as the band began to build up steam, playing only a couple shows before everything shut down. Sidelined but not discouraged, Outerloop resumed writing and rehearsing in late 2020 and earlier this year they visited the Magpie Cage studio in Baltimore to record with the great J. Robbins of Jawbox and Burning Airlines fame. Releasing two songs from these sessions - ‘Seeping Mirrors’ and ‘El Control’ in early August, the band roared back onto the stage playing a set at the Fort Reno Concert series, in addition to shows at Pie Shop and the Pocket. Listen to both tracks below.

Am3r3

Am3r3 is an artist from Toronto, Canada. They enjoy making music that sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie with lyrics and vocals that reminds the listener of pop-style lyric matter and melodies. They enjoy making the artwork and designing their merch and editing their music videos, so everything is just coming from the same computer, same synthesizer, same vision. Am3r3 started making music at the start of the pandemic. “Making instrumentals in my basement began to feel more natural and comfortable,” they say. “I found myself always loving very disco-house influence artists such as Daft Punk and The Jackson 5. But I also loved artists like Nina Simone, and I always wanted to combine the two different sides of my musical taste into a project. So I started singing on the instrumentals about heartbreaks or broken relationships or lost friends. Something clicked. There was something romantic about singing on futuristic instrumentals with sad lyrics and auto-tune crooning all over it. Driving around downtown city lights whizzing by in the car window with these songs blasting, I found that it felt amazing. So I thought there must be other people that could relate to this feeling in such a weird time. So I started releasing them.” ‘Don't Be Afraid’ is the second single from this project. Listen to it below.

Somnia

Scottish vocalist and rapper Somnia brings us her experimental debut album Tales of Mystery and Imagination, with one of Scotland’s best electronic hip hop producers in Asthmatic Astronaut. In the seven-track album, Somnia explores horror and fantasy themes and aims to take the listener on a topsy turvy journey through the lens of different characters. She uses her vocals to depict different Lynchian, Cronenbergian worlds with a disturbing and otherworldly delivery. Somnia has been rapping, freestyling for over 10 years and has been creating animation to accompany her music. She has also given talks and lectures about her artistry and has performed around Scotland and abroad. Somnia is also an animator, protest photographer and climate change activist. "’Falling’ is a song I wrote to process a dysfunctional relationship I had been in,” says Somnia. “It came from the feeling that everything was out of control, that I was being controlled by my subconscious, falling through a never-ending bad dream.” Listen below.

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Mared

Welsh singer-songwriter living in London, Mared, released her bilingual pop/folk debut album with I KA Ching Records, and was awarded Welsh Album of the Year 2021. The album is a collection of nostalgic and heartfelt songs, written over the course of 7 years, packed with coming of age narrative, rooted in sincerity and a constant search for identity and strength within. ‘Pictures’ is out now and kicks off a self-released, fresh, soul-pop EP project, resulting from lockdown writing sessions with fellow Welshie, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Nate Williams in Anglesey, North Wales. Punchy guitar riffs and soothing, ethereal synths are tied with gripping melodies and held together by Mared’s unapologetically honest and soulful voice. This new single evokes a growth in Mared’s musical identity, flourishing from her debut in 2020, drawing influences from the likes of Lianne La Havas, Emily King and Eloise. ‘Pictures’ describes being reminded of what it was like viewing the world through the lens of a child in a golden frame. Listen below.

mared · Pictures

RUBY

Following a rebrand earlier this year, alt-pop singer RUBY returns with her new track ‘Sometimes’, a sultry retelling of a dysfunctional relationship where both parties are harbouring unresolved emotional baggage. Written in 2019, the track has been a labour of love for RUBY. From its conception to production, ‘Sometimes’ slowly but surely came to life over the next two years. With humble beginnings as an iPhone voice note, ‘Sometimes’ was soon recorded by RUBY at home in her bedroom, where the vocals, instrumentation and production were carried out to the track’s fruition. With the help of producer Leo Jama who mixed and mastered the single, ‘Sometimes’ was finally ready to be shared with the world. The track exudes raw emotion through clever songwriting where laidback verses precede powerful and fiery choruses, showcasing RUBY’s range and versatility. An alluring, jazz-infused melody creates an atmospheric sonic bed that RUBY describes as ‘Red LED Energy’, over which she delivers unforgettable, expressive vocals. On ‘Sometimes’, RUBY explores the insecurities of navigating difficult romantic situations as an LGBT artist, proving relatable for many young queer listeners. Further delving into the track’s meaning, RUBY said: “Sometimes is about wanting someone to be over their ex so badly that you ignore everything and pretend that they are anyway. You cautiously dip your toe in, not expecting the relationship to go anywhere but then you’re forced to deal with the aftermath once you develop feelings.” Listen below.

Bettie J Williams

‘You Shine Bright’ is the first single from Bettie’s self-released EP which will be released in January 2022. Passionate about people, humanity and truth, Bettie is a singer-songwriter from Cardiff, Wales. Ever amazed by the power of storytelling and the ability of words (in both a pure and embellished musical form) to empower, emphasize, and enrich, she notes the power of music to unite when words fail, to spark solidarity when it doesn’t seem possible and, always promote hope. Everybody has a story and music often tells a story when words fail or when we are not yet sure where to start. Bettie has crafted a unique ability to arrange words that document, inspire and encourage reflection. She has a profound way of telling a story and her personable approach means audiences feel her warmth as she captivates any room withease. Placing a strong emphasis on connection and collaboration, Bettie doesn't see her music or sound as something 'static' but ever-changing and ever-absorbing new influences and inspiration and sees much beauty in the process. Listen to ‘You Shine Bright’ below.

Pearling

Pearling is a music producer and songwriter from Glasgow, Scotland. New single 'Demiurge' is a punchy, ethereal anthem on love, fantasy and all things otherworldly. “I self-produced 'Demiurge' in my bedroom and am super proud as to how it turned out,” says Pearling. “I learned how to produce music during lockdown since being in shoegaze bands and released my first single in April exclusively on Bandcamp called 'Akoya II'. Since then I have worked hard to hone my sound and image and have played a couple of live shows since they started back up in September.” Listen to ‘Demiurge’ below.

Pearling · Demiurge

Sheila Simmenes

From the cobblestoned streets of Bergen, to the ocean breeze of Ipanema. Sheila Simmenes presents elegant compositions that playfully and lovingly blends nordic and brazilian folk music, jazz, pop and soul. ‘Love Was Easy’ is the sound of waves hitting the shoreline, brazilian rhythms, nordic jazz and sophisticated melodies. The jazz singer from Bergen, Norway has a deep love for Brazilian music. In 2007 she lived in São Paulo where she worked as a volunteer with kids, played in a reggae band and also studied Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. In the last decade, Simmenes has evolved in the nordic underground, participating in many constellations within soul, hiphop, reggae and jazz. “’Love Was Easy’ is one of my favorites from this album,” Sheila explains. “It is a love letter to all my exes and the relationships that did not - and was not meant to - last. Looking back with love and respect for the moment in time were we did love eachother. Noting that though things may not go on forever, it does not make it any less valuable. And you may apply this to most times in our lives. Even who we used to be. We grow. We change. We learn from every interaction with eachother. This is love.” Listen below.

Sheila Simmenes · Love Was Easy

#submission saturday #anniemusic #outerloop #am3r3 #somnia #mared #ruby #bettie j williams #pearling #sheila simmenes

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recoftheday · 4 years ago

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Jason Lancaster ‎• As You Are • 2014 Outerloop Records • 1st press on Black Vinyl. . . . . . #jasonlancaster #asyouare #outerlooprecords #Vinyl #Vinylcollector #vinylcollection #Vinyladdict #vinyllovers #vinylmaniac #recordoftheday #albumoftheday #instavinyl #vinyligclub #vinyljunkie #vinyloftheday #vinylporn #vinylrecords #recordscollection #vinylcollective #vinylcollectionpost #vinylcommunity #nowspinning #vinyls #vinylgram #vinyllove (presso Milan, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRKgEuMG5v/?utm_medium=tumblr

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rockrevoltmagazine · 6 years ago

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AWAKE AT LAST Taps Spencer Charnas for "The Change"

Dover, DE based Dark Pop / Hard Rock Band AWAKE AT LAST has released a vivid visualizer for their single, “The Change (Feat. Spencer Charnas).”

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“‘The Change’ is anthemic and bold. It’s a call to arms to our listeners to not only make a change in themselves to pursue more fulfilling lives, but also to lead by example and BE the change in the world that show’s others they don’t have to be afraid to make the transformation themselves.””I can’t wait to finally release the title track of this amazing record we’ve worked so hard on.” – AWAKE AT LAST

Click HERE to Pre-Order The Change Online!

Catch AWAKE AT LAST Live with Famous Last Words, Dayshell & At My Mercy and Eyes Set To Kill & Rivals on 2019 Tour Dates

AWAKE AT LAST with Famous Last Words, Dayshell, and At My Mercy: 05/10 @ Legends Bar and Venue – Convington, KY 05/11 @ The Champ – Harrisburg, PA 05/12 @ Alchemy – Providence, RI 05/13 @ Revolution Music Hall – Amityville, NY 05/14 @ Kingsland – Brooklyn, NY 05/15 @ Championship – Trenton, NJ 05/16 @ Canal Club – Richmond, VA 05/17 @ Drunk Horse Pub – Fayetteville, NC 05/19 @ Soundbar – Orlando, FL 05/21 @ Crowbar – Tampa, FL 05/22 @ Connect Live – Acworth, GA 05/24 @ House Of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX 05/25 @ Dirty Dog Bar – Austin, TX 05/26 @ Prophet Bar – Dallas, TX 05/27 @ 89th St Collective – Oklahoma City 05/28 @ Fubar – St Louis, MO 05/29 @ Vaudeville Mews – Des Moines, IA 05/30 @ Amsterdam Bar and Grill – St Paul, MN 05/31 @ Annex – Madison, WI 06/01 @ Citadel – Indianapolis, IN

AWAKE AT LAST with Eyes Set To Kill and Rivals: 06/28 @ Let There Be Rock School – Frederick, MD 07/01 @ Bungalow – Manchester, NH 07/02 @ Alchemy – Providence, RI 07/03 @ The Cave – West Haven, CT 07/05 @ Mohawk Place – Buffalo, NY 07/06 @ Crofoot Ballroom – Pontiac, MI 07/07 @ Rockpile – Toronto, Ontario 07/08 @ Rockpile – Ottawa, Ontario 07/09 @ Salle Multi – Quebec City, Quebec 07/10 @ Piranha Bar – Montreal, Quebec 07/11 @ Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY 07/12 @ INKCarceration Fest – Mansfield, OH

Click HERE for Additional Tour and Ticketing Information

Both as a band and as individuals, Awake At Last continue to stand for positivity, spirituality, self-help and making an impact every single day. Returning with their debut full-length release, The Change, they have never sounded more confident, more energized, or been more determined to reach out to those who might be struggling in the world. The Change releases June 21st via Outerloop Records. “We pushed ourselves to our limits as songwriters,” states guitarist Imran Xhelili. “There is more variety on this record and there are songs that lean in a heavier rock/metal direction with other songs being a lot lighter and more dynamic. All of the choruses on this album have huge hooks, and there are more sections that are less guitar heavy and carried by different elements, like pianos and orchestral instruments.

The lyrics are also more direct in how they carry across the messages we have always had at the forefront of our music.” While making waves with their previous output, this combination is the sound of a band who have truly come into their own. From front to back, every song carries a message of hope. Having commenced writing for it even before the release of their Life/Death/Rebirth EP in 2016, the finished result is not something that came easily. “We all had demons we had to battle mentally and physically,” explains vocalist Vincent Torres. “You wouldn’t believe the pressure that comes down on you when you begin the process for a full length record. After we pushed through the turmoil and embraced the wonderful things that came as a reward it became pretty clear that what we had made should be called The Change. I think this is a perfect name, because it represents the spiritual evolution that we all went through.”

Having achieved a lot in 2018, including a stint on the final run of the Warped Tour – commencing the day after they finished tracking The Change – appearing on the iMatter Festival alongside Underoath and August Burns Red and opening for Asking Alexandria in Louisville, Kentucky, the band are striding into the fifth year of their existence on a high. The first taste of the record is single “Dead Generation”, which stands as a wake-up call, urging everyone who hears it to stand up and speak with their own voice, rather than becoming part of said dead generation. This perfectly represents both the band – rounded out by guitarist Eric Blackway, bassist/vocalist Tyler Greene and drummer Jon Finney – and their core message, continuing to place their fans first, and wanting to do all that they can to help improve their quality of life. “I want people to understand the symbiotic relationship between a band and its fanbase and I want them to feel like they’re along for the ride with us,” Torres states. “We are a band that is built on the foundation of endurance and perseverance, and nothing we’ve accomplished has been easily accessed. I want our fans to know that the reason we are able to live this dream is because they continue to support us and allow us to do so, but most of all I want them to understand that whatever it is that nurtures their soul can also be obtainable if they strive for it and believe in themselves.” Xhelili expounds on this, noting “As individuals, it can feel hard at times to find our own identity and our individual greater purpose. It all may feel rather heavy and bog us down constantly. However, we are here to take a stand and try to rise above all of that and be a respite for all of the darkness around us, as a shining light.” The casual listener also might be unaware of the interconnectedness of Awake At Last’s releases, with Torres explaining that there’s a deep-rooted storyline following a character on their journey through multiple lives.The Change in fact serves as a direct sequel to Life/Death/Rebirth. “The being who experienced the afterlife in Life/Death/Rebirth is reborn into a new vessel in The Change, but in order to interrupt the endless cycle of life and death they’ve been going through they attempt to imbue their new vessel with all of their cellular knowledge. They believed that by doing this the vessel in The Change could bring about a great revolution in the world and finally end the process so the soul may finally rest. What happens next is yet to be determined.”

The album was produced by Kile Odell of Failure Anthem and Josh Landry in Greensboro, NC, the energy and the dynamic of the team essential to shaping the record into its finished product. With Xhelili admitting the pressure of making a full-length was nerve-wracking, he also claims that this nervous energy helped them nail it down. “We all were striving and yearning for this to be the biggest and best album it could be and we all walked away very proud and satisfied with the end result.” For Torres, the process was not an easy one, the sessions taking a toll on him, having his lyrics chopped and changed by the production team after extensive demoing not something that immediately sat well with him. “It was hard fought but after all was said and done I’d learned so much about taking many words and turning them into poetry, and I believe the sessions made me a much better musician and songwriter. After some push and pull I think the compromises made created the perfect record and I think you can feel some of that struggle in the music, but also feel how to get through it.”The Change also marks the band’s transition from a fully independent band to one partnered up with Outerloop Records, which is a landmark event in their story. This partnership has allowed the band to make the album they want, and having the backing of a label will allow them to spread their music far further than they could with previous releases. “They believed in the vision we were striving for and we signed with them for this record to see the vision come to life,” explains Torres. “It is a bit of an adaptation process when you go from being completely DIY and independent to having a team behind you, but overall it’s really cool to be able to bounce ideas off of multiple sources and work with some amazing people who want the same thing that we do.”

As they continue to build momentum, the quintet’s ambitions remain true to their original aspirations: wanting to establish an even stronger connection to their fanbase. “I want to create a movement where individuals from all walks of life can come together and support one another as we continue to evolve and make changes in order to pursue fulfilling lives,” states Torres. Given the demons that had to be battled and overcome to reach this point it’s unsurprising how eager they are for people to hear what they have achieved. “This is the moment we’ve spent years working towards and these are by far the strongest Awake At Last songs we have written,” says Xhelili. “I feel proud of every single song that made the record and there is no filler. This is an album the fans can listen front to back and be immersed in the underlying concept and themes that tie it all together.”

Connect with AWAKE AT LAST: Official | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

AWAKE AT LAST Taps Spencer Charnas for “The Change” was originally published on RockRevolt Mag

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