Potionseller - Sound In The Signals Interview
Spencer |
I recently had the opportunity to interview Austen Reno of Potionseller. We discussed an early introduction and interest in music, the band’s latest EP ‘When They Get Old’, writing and recording their new single “Jim Scary”, an upcoming weekend tour, plans for 2025, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Happy to do it. Thanks for the invitation. First written interview for us. Exciting!
Can you tell me more about how you initially became interested in music and how you started writing songs?
This answer could go on for a long time. In short - I come from a long lineage of musicians. My grandpa on my dad's side, Don Reno, was a pioneer of the 5-string banjo and bluegrass music as a whole. My grandpa Jerry Schafer on my mom's side was a country artist, working his way into the Michigan country music hall of fame. I have a number of accomplished musicians amongst my immediate and extended family, so naturally I inherited the family "curse". I've been writing and playing music in some capacity for as long as I can remember.
You released your EP ‘When They Get Old’ last year. What are your thoughts looking back on it now?
That EP (our second) felt exactly like what it was supposed to be. Maybe it took us from a more outwardly casual project to a more serious act - not sure. We are, however, thrilled with the reaction. It feels like we progressed in sound, production (shoutout Ryan Malicsi & Eureka Records), and technical ability. It's tough to squeeze everything you want to do into an EP, but it is still something that can be packaged and handed over to people who like your music. We love that EP and all of the branding that we created along with it.
What do you hope listeners take away when listening to the EP? What did you take away from the process of creating it?
I'm not sure if I'm a good judge of how people perceive our art. Some days I'd hope they find a new favorite song, and some days I don't care, because the EP is just as much for us as it is for them. But yes, I hope people enjoy it. I think we learned a lot about ourselves and how we operate in the writing process and studio when we made it. This was the longest time this project has spent in the studio together consecutively. It's good to reflect on how everyone moves, so we can improve when we return to record our full length. I think the writing aspect is a numbers game tbh. Keep writing, keep getting better.
You recently released new single “Jim Scary”. Can you tell us more about writing and recording this song?
This song was so fun. It's really just a string of like three parts, each influenced by different things. Like a blender of inspiration from Saosin, Relient K, and Homesafe. I believe the instrumental came first, almost entirely. Then lyrics and melody after. I took lyrics from some other songs I've made and never released. It's always interesting to explore feelings that aren't super easy to feel. This song is largely about the desire to be a better person, or at least appear to be, and failing. The studio experience was fun and felt natural, as always. Ryan makes us feel at home.
You have a weekend tour coming up in February with FinalBossFight!. How are you preparing for that and what can fans expect from your live show?
Shoutout FBF! the absolute homies. We were stoked they were down to play a few shows with us. They're one of our favorite Michigan bands and also our label mates at PNWK. Amidst writing our LP, we are finding time to practice for the run. I think we're going to play slightly different sets every night, which will be something we haven't really done before. It's going to be really fun. If anyone out there has a request, hit me up! I'm looking forward to Nashville especially, not only because The End is a legendary venue, but because my cousin Daniel Schafer and his band The Far Between will be playing that show, our first time performing together since 2015.
You recently reflected on 2024 sharing how you played a lot of shows, released a lot of music including the EP, quintupled your stream numbers, and ended the year playing a show to the biggest crowd any of you had ever plaved to before. What’s next for 2025?
2024 ruled. Along with the EP, the year as a whole was super validating. There are humans that exist that support us and that's really special. If we hold up our end of the deal and keep being people that deserve support from others, 2025 should be another amazing and bigger year. There are multiple touring opportunities in the works, we will be recording and releasing a full length, playing some festivals, and hopefully can land some cool opening slots for bigger bands we love. Most things in society are absolutely terrible, but making and enjoying music with your friends isn't. We're excited.
Thanks for answering the questions. Is there anything else you want to add?
Thanks again for this! SITS's support of this band (and other bands we like) doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Y'all rock.
For readers who enjoy Pcelly, thanks for sticking around. See you at a gig.
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