A Better Way - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Jacob and Ryan of A Better Way. We discussed their early interest in music, writing and recording their new album, ‘Love Affair’, guest features, how they wanted the listener to “feel the purpose in every part of this record”, what’s next for the band, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Jacob: Yes, thank you guys for having us and showcasing our record on your site!
Can you tell me how you got together and formed the band for those who may be unfamiliar? How did you initially become interested in music?
Ryan: What initially got me into music was watching my dad play guitar and record music.
Jacob: Me and Ryan were in a previous band I started back in 2019; I was playing drums and writing for them back then. That band broke up at the studio and leaving I called Ryan saying I wanted to start a new band and sing. To say the least it was mixed thoughts on that, considering I never sang before; but we did it anyway and 2 years later we dropped our first LP, Love Affair. I started playing drums when I was 4. My dad bought a drum set for himself and I would sneak around and play it when he was gone. That was the start of it all.
You recently released your new album, “Love Affair”. Can you tell me about the writing and recording process for the album?
Ryan: Long, lmaoo constantly rewriting, revisiting until we thought that it was the absolute best that it can be, not looking over the smallest detail and just making something we loved.
Jacob: Long days and late nights. We recorded at The Panda Studio, James O’Hara engineered the record, and we became best friends instantly. I believe a good record is made among friends. Took about 3 weeks to record and 10 months later it was released.
“Title Track” is one of my favorite songs from the album. Can you tell me about writing that song lyrically and musically?
Ryan: I was shooting for something simple but melodic that complemented Jacob’s vocals and helped tie the whole song and feeling together.
Jacob: Lyrically, I wanted to emphasize how it feels to be at your lowest. I was in a bad place when I was 18; drugs & alcohol were taking over, and I lost that fire inside of me. After coming back from that and turning my life around; I wanted to give people hope out there that they are not alone in this. No matter who you are, no matter what you are going through, people care about you and you are not alone.
You have some great guest features on the album. Why did you decide on having those features and how did you work them out?
Jacob: Yeah, Mike & Joey are great guys and we were so stoked to have them apart of this record. I basically just hit them up on Instagram and shot my shot. You’ll never know til you try. Mike is such a great guy and gave some great advice moving forward and I’ll always be thankful for that.
I really like the production on the album. What overall sound were you wanting to accomplish on it?
Ryan: Not the original pop punk sound but more thoughtful and mature that has big impactful feeling.
Jacob: Feeling. You can feel the purpose in every part of this record and that is not by accident.
Is there any chance that you plan on releasing a vinyl pressing or cassette for the album?
Jacob: We would love to. Considering this our first LP, we didn’t know what type of response we would get. If the demand is there we would love to!
What are your upcoming plans for the remainder of the year and into the first part of 2022?
Jacob: Currently, I am back at The Panda Studios recording with Sam Pura, working on another record. The focus and genre have changed a bit, but this is our best work yet. We would love to get some tours going in 2022 and meet the people listening to our music. It truly means the world to us.
Thanks for taking the time to do the interview. Do you have anything else that you would like to add?
Jacob: Thank you guys for having us. Music is such a huge part of my life and has brought me out of the darkest places and we hope we can do the same for people out there. You are never alone. We would be nothing without the people listening, from the bottom of our hearts we are grateful.
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