Friday Night Lites - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the chance to interview Friday Night Lights. Check out the full interview after the jump!
For anyone who isn't familiar with your music or band how did you guys get started and form the band? What got you guys into music?
Joseph Genovese: Matt (guitar) & I (Joey/vocals) have played together, in numerous bands, over the past 8 years. Never really finding that "perfect" fitting sound. Almost 2 years ago we stumbled upon a Craigslist ad that Nate (guitar) posted. We quickly hit it off with him. His skill level, personality, & technical abilities were hard to not keep around. So 16 months ago we met and picked up Dan (drums) through a previous member. Dan had known Jesse (bass) having been band mates in other projects. The pieces fit perfectly and everyone's motivation and drive was on the same page. And as far as getting into music, I think it's safe to say that most of us and the rest of the planet, needs music in their lives. It's hard not to get into some form of music that fits your life. And as far as playing music, when you want something you absolutely HAVE to go after it.
You just put up the pre-order for your new EP Wherever You May Be. What was the recording process like for the EP and how did you guys come up with the title?
The recording process was a series of demos we did ourselves. After picking our producer engineer Kevin Billingslea at The Halo Studio, whom we did our first two singles with, we went into pre-production. We then hit the studio hard, over the course of 6 days. The title isn't a short story so I'll try and shorten it up! Almost every one of my songs is relatable to anyone who has lost someone, who may be battling life, addiction, and recovery. So in perspective, Wherever You May Be, could be for anyone. Wherever I am, or you are, or whatever your beliefs about life after death are, wherever your lost ones may be. Where are you in your job? Your family life? To me it feels so deep and it can go deep.
"Bases Loaded" is the first single from the EP. Why did you guys pick that song as the first taste of the album and what where some of the different inspirations both musically and lyrically for the song?
I think musically it displays our sound and style and as well lyrically. It's a great tune and a personal story of mine that I think vocally couldn't have come out at a better time as far as the people around myself, also dealing with loss of their own. People I'm close with. I've had a lot of loss in my life. And I know I'm not alone.
When going into the studio did you have a specific goal in terms of how you wanted this EP sound? What kind of impression do you hope it makes on people when they listen to it for the first time?
Having written all the songs for Wherever You May Be over the course of 8 months, our main goal was to just be as creative as possible with bringing some older sounds from the "scene" and mixing them the newer sounds you hear today. I write lyrics/stories a lot before even attaching them to anything in particular. So, when the music is written I pick from my catalog and fit them where they sound best. With the ideas from our producer we were able to capture a fun sound that we hope people find helpful as it shines on the brighter side of life amidst all the heartache and struggles we may face. Life is and can be extremely rewarding with the right mind set.
Do you have a favorite song off the EP or one you are really looking forward to people hearing? Why is that song in particular a favorite of yours?
I think we all have our favorites. Some will say Bases Loaded. I'm torn with the songs Neck Deep and The Blindside as my favorites. 2 very different songs structurally, but both powerful lyrically. In my opinion they're all my favorite song! I mean right?!
What are your plans for the remainder of the year? Will you be out playing shows in support of the EP?
The EP is out in late November, so I hope December we can get some nice show opportunities to really display this to a larger audience then we are used to. We have a great set that we put together. And very soon a great EP behind it all.
I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else you would like to add?
We are hoping to build up an amazing and authentic fan base! We are very social, funny and friendly people. So we hope people get out to our shows as we try and make our way around the nation in 2016. Please go buy Wherever You May Be. It is currently in a pre-sale status!
For anyone who isn't familiar with your music or band how did you guys get started and form the band? What got you guys into music?
Joseph Genovese: Matt (guitar) & I (Joey/vocals) have played together, in numerous bands, over the past 8 years. Never really finding that "perfect" fitting sound. Almost 2 years ago we stumbled upon a Craigslist ad that Nate (guitar) posted. We quickly hit it off with him. His skill level, personality, & technical abilities were hard to not keep around. So 16 months ago we met and picked up Dan (drums) through a previous member. Dan had known Jesse (bass) having been band mates in other projects. The pieces fit perfectly and everyone's motivation and drive was on the same page. And as far as getting into music, I think it's safe to say that most of us and the rest of the planet, needs music in their lives. It's hard not to get into some form of music that fits your life. And as far as playing music, when you want something you absolutely HAVE to go after it.
You just put up the pre-order for your new EP Wherever You May Be. What was the recording process like for the EP and how did you guys come up with the title?
The recording process was a series of demos we did ourselves. After picking our producer engineer Kevin Billingslea at The Halo Studio, whom we did our first two singles with, we went into pre-production. We then hit the studio hard, over the course of 6 days. The title isn't a short story so I'll try and shorten it up! Almost every one of my songs is relatable to anyone who has lost someone, who may be battling life, addiction, and recovery. So in perspective, Wherever You May Be, could be for anyone. Wherever I am, or you are, or whatever your beliefs about life after death are, wherever your lost ones may be. Where are you in your job? Your family life? To me it feels so deep and it can go deep.
"Bases Loaded" is the first single from the EP. Why did you guys pick that song as the first taste of the album and what where some of the different inspirations both musically and lyrically for the song?
I think musically it displays our sound and style and as well lyrically. It's a great tune and a personal story of mine that I think vocally couldn't have come out at a better time as far as the people around myself, also dealing with loss of their own. People I'm close with. I've had a lot of loss in my life. And I know I'm not alone.
When going into the studio did you have a specific goal in terms of how you wanted this EP sound? What kind of impression do you hope it makes on people when they listen to it for the first time?
Having written all the songs for Wherever You May Be over the course of 8 months, our main goal was to just be as creative as possible with bringing some older sounds from the "scene" and mixing them the newer sounds you hear today. I write lyrics/stories a lot before even attaching them to anything in particular. So, when the music is written I pick from my catalog and fit them where they sound best. With the ideas from our producer we were able to capture a fun sound that we hope people find helpful as it shines on the brighter side of life amidst all the heartache and struggles we may face. Life is and can be extremely rewarding with the right mind set.
Do you have a favorite song off the EP or one you are really looking forward to people hearing? Why is that song in particular a favorite of yours?
I think we all have our favorites. Some will say Bases Loaded. I'm torn with the songs Neck Deep and The Blindside as my favorites. 2 very different songs structurally, but both powerful lyrically. In my opinion they're all my favorite song! I mean right?!
What are your plans for the remainder of the year? Will you be out playing shows in support of the EP?
The EP is out in late November, so I hope December we can get some nice show opportunities to really display this to a larger audience then we are used to. We have a great set that we put together. And very soon a great EP behind it all.
I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else you would like to add?
We are hoping to build up an amazing and authentic fan base! We are very social, funny and friendly people. So we hope people get out to our shows as we try and make our way around the nation in 2016. Please go buy Wherever You May Be. It is currently in a pre-sale status!
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