Discover the profound journey of Prison Escapee, whose music intertwines melancholic and electronic rock, shaped by personal experiences and the haunting beauty of Fort Hunter, NY. From DIY beginnings to signing with Cleopatra Records, delve into the unique soundscape crafted by this indie sensation. Join us as we explore the artist's influences, creative process, and future endeavors in an intimate conversation that unveils the soul behind the music.
1. Can you tell us about the origins of the name
"Prison Escapee" and how it relates to your music or personal
journey?
Prison Escapee came about after my best friend Kurt hanged himself in his
prison cell. I named it as an homage to him and our friendship. I will always
love and miss him.
2. How did your experience running the independent record label,
Housewarming Records, shape your approach to creating and sharing your own
music as Prison Escapee?
Running Housewarming Records made me realize that indie music shapes the pop
world. Not just pop music, but mainstream fashion and culture. It made me
realize that I could be anything I wanted to be, and my music didn’t have to be
a certain cookie cutter sound that exists already and could be a sound that I
invent or create from my own imagination and influences across the board.
3. Growing up in Fort Hunter, New York, and being raised in a Christian
family have had a significant influence on your music. Could you share some
specific ways these aspects are reflected in your work?
I speak on my childhood and growing up in my lyrics quite a bit, so it’s
reflected in my work through the singing. Christ is always at the center of my
music, no matter the song, and The Holy Spirit has helped me pen two songs
“Jesus Set Me Free” and “The Great Awakening”.
4. Fort Hunter is a recurring subject in your music. What is it about this
place that continues to inspire your songwriting, and how does it connect to
your childhood memories?
Fort Hunter, NY is where I was raised and it’s not even big enough to be
considered a town… it’s a hamlet, and only included 120 people when I was
growing up. I was secluded from the rest of the world when I was there and it
made me who I am. It inspires my songwriting in many ways since it is
surrounded by water, and has a boat launch, so I write about water and boats a
lot because of it. I write about the relationships I had with people while was
there as lot as well. The second half of “Hard Roads/Love Rock” from ‘The Joy
of Nothing’ EP is about a rock I used to hang out on in Fort Hunter, and the
dreams I had while looking at the river on love rock.
5. Your music also delves into themes of loss,
particularly related to your close friend's prison cell suicide. Could you
elaborate on how these personal experiences find expression in your songs?
“Park Swing” and “Never To Be Seen Again” from ‘I Feel Sorry for These People’
are written directly about my best friend Kurt and his unfortunate suicide. So
I’d start there and you’ll notice more times I reference it within stanzas of
other songs as well.
6. You mentioned your background in singing in church and participating in
the all-county chorus during grade school. How has this early exposure to music
and vocal performance influenced your current work as Prison Escapee?
It has allowed me to sing in a wide range of styles. I like singing in falsetto
as much as I do in baritone. It has influenced my current work by giving me a
range that I feel comfortable singing in on my albums that is unlike what you
would usually hear.
Thom Yorke’s solo music is a huge influence on me, especially songs like “Hearing Damage” which I cover, as well as his cover of “All For the Best”. I am also wildly influenced by The National who happen to be my most listened to band every year and one I am most associated from our similarities due to my love of their sound.
8. Your music draws inspiration from various sources, including post-rock, electronica, lo-fi field recordings, and film soundtracks. How do these diverse influences come together to create your signature sound?
They come together to create an original sound that I have been working on over the last 10+ years and 10+ albums. Post-rock is usually through the drums and guitars and electronica through the beats and synths and lo-fi field recordings and film soundtracks are expressed through the production.
9. It's impressive that you handle the entire process of writing, recording, producing, and mixing your music in your living room. Can you tell us more about your creative process and the challenges and rewards of being a DIY artist?
The challenges would be none, I create it all and have full control over the mixing and mastering process as well, so I make sure it is exactly the way I want it to be, which is something you really can’t accomplish with all these others peoples hands on it. The rewards are being able to release music at a more prolific level than most bands and artists that have to rely on others to accomplish their goal.
10. In 2020, you signed with Cleopatra Records, a legendary label with a rich history of artists. How did this partnership come about, and what has it meant for your music career?
Cleopatra Records are unquestionably the best label in music, and when the music industry hit rock bottom about 5 years ago, I remember reading a piece about Cleopatra being the only label that was thriving. I just so happened to sign with them because the Holy Spirit told me to! I really love working with Kyle Perera, the CEO Brian’s son.
11. Being part of Cleopatra Records puts you in the company of iconic artists like Joy Division, Blink-182, and Bob Marley. How does it feel to be part of this esteemed label's roster, and what do you hope to achieve through this collaboration?
It feels unbelievably incredible to be apart of a roster that includes some of the most legendary bands of all-time, bands who I have obsessed over during different phases of my life. It’s honestly such a blessing and no matter what happens, I am just happy to work together. I do hope to achieve whatever God has for me in the future, but so far it’s just been a really fun and fulfilling ride.
12. Your music often carries a sense of nostalgia and reflection. How do you navigate the balance between looking back on the past and creating something new and innovative with your music?
You must understand the past to be able to successfully navigate the future. I create music that could only be made by me, and it sometimes I work on a song for a decade before I release it. Even if it would have been considered more innovative if I had released it 10 years prior, it wasn’t meant for then. I have also wrote, recorded, and released the song “Love Beat” from ‘You Only Live Twice’ within 24 hours and that song was used in a movie trailer, so you never know what’s going to happen with each song until you take the journey.
13. Are there any upcoming projects or releases you'd like to give us a sneak peek into?
I guess now is as good of a time as any to announce I am finishing my 12th album, which will be out early 2024. I will continue to try to release two albums a year like I have since 2020, so 2024 would make it 5 years in a row… 10 albums in 5 years, which to me is a massive milestone and achievement in my career and life in general.
14. How do you see your music evolving in the future, and are there any new directions or experiments you'd like to explore in your upcoming work?
My music will continue to be my own sound but I’d like to express the electronica elements to an even higher standard. My goal is to create an album as legendary as ‘Give Up’ by The Postal Service, so with that as a barometer, it’s always going to a be fun and thrilling experience.
15. Long Beach, California, is known for its vibrant music scene. How has your location in Long Beach influenced your music, and are there any local artists or venues that have had a significant impact on your career?
Long Beach is the greatest city in the US. It not only has more nice days than any other city in America but it also has a mixture of the urban and suburban city life, the beach town feel and the hip up and coming downtown. It impacts my happiness, so it ultimately impacts my creative process. I am always happy here, and I also never get sick of Long Beach or get sick in Long Beach, it’s just healthy for me in all aspects, mentally and physically.
16. Finally, for our readers and fans, could you share a message or insight that encapsulates the essence of Prison Escapee and your journey in music so far?
Jesus loves you and wants a relationship with you. Religion may not be your thing, but it doesn’t have to be when you have a best friend in The Holy Spirit, and are following God’s perfect plan for your life. I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for Jesus and I couldn’t be happier.
Prison Escapee (@prisonescapee) • Instagram photos and videos
Music | Prison Escapee (bandcamp.com)
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