Meet Lewis from Attic Theory, whose debut album 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST' explores mental health and universal fears, fostering understanding and resilience among listeners. Dive into their creative journey!
1.
Congratulations on your upcoming debut album, 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST'! How does
it feel to finally share this project with your fans?
Lewis - Thank you! It feels incredibly empowering and liberating to finally
share 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST' with our fans. This album delves into the depths
of mental health and explores the fears that we all encounter in our everyday
lives. By addressing these universal fears, we hope to create a sense of
understanding, empathy, and solidarity among our listeners. It's a project that
we believe will shed light on important issues and foster conversations about
mental health, ultimately promoting healing and growth.
2. Can you share some insights into the creative process behind 'WHAT WE
FEAR THE MOST'? What were some of the inspirations and challenges you faced
during its production?
Lewis - The creative process behind 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST' involved a
combination of extensive rehearsals, ensuring that everyone knew their parts,
while also allowing space for new ideas and improvisation. Our main inspiration
was to surpass the quality of our debut EP and create something even better.
However, we encountered a significant challenge during production when I had to
undergo throat surgery. This setback was not only a slight setback but also a
frightening experience. Nevertheless, it provided an opportunity for personal
growth as I faced one of my fears head-on. Despite the challenges, we
persevered and completed the production of the album.
3. The album features several singles like 'Violent Delight', 'Tattooed
Heart', 'Narrow Lines', and 'Papier-Mâché'. Could you tell us a bit about the
themes and stories explored in these songs?
Lewis - The themes explored in the songs on the album are diverse and
thought-provoking.
‘Violent Delight’ is a song about calling out a liar and finding pleasure in
their reaction. It delves into the idea of standing up for oneself and not
tolerating deceit.
‘Tattooed Heart’ explores the concept of being marked by bad relationships,
similar to how tattoos leave a permanent mark on the body. It delves into the
idea of learning from past experiences and the impact they can have on one's
heart.
‘Narrow Lines’ takes an introspective approach, focusing on the feeling of
being trapped by self-imposed boundaries. It reflects on the realisation that
one has drawn lines around themselves, limiting their potential, and the desire
to break free with the help of someone else.
‘Papier-Mâché’ delves into the concept of wearing a metaphorical mask, hiding
one's true self while being under the influence of pills. It explores the fear
of being vulnerable and the need to put up a facade to protect oneself. Each of
these songs explores different themes and fears, providing a diverse range of
emotions and perspectives throughout the album.
4. Collaborating with Kevin Martin of Candlebox on 'Papier-Mâché' must have been exciting. How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like working with him?
Lewis - Collaborating with Kev on 'Papier-Mâché' was indeed an exciting experience. The collaboration came about after I attended one of their gigs and your wife arranged for me to meet him. A photo was taken during the meeting, and it seems that Kevin appeared happy to meet me and I look totally miserable in the picture. Afterwards, my band had the opportunity to support Candlebox when they played in the UK again. During an album fundraiser, Kevin mentioned that he would be open to singing on a track if we were interested. I took him up on his offer and he called me from the vocal booth to discuss how I wanted the parts to be done. Working with Kevin Martin was a great experience, and he is an absolute legend.
5. Lewis, you mentioned the emotional connection you have with this album due to your personal challenges during its recording. How did these experiences influence the album's overall tone and message?
Lewis - As I previously mentioned, having throat surgery had a significant impact on my ability to sing and perform during the recording of this album. This experience brought forth a sense of vulnerability and rawness in my voice, which in turn influenced the overall tone of the album. The challenges I faced during this time allowed me to tap into my emotions on a deeper level, resulting in a more heartfelt and personal sound. The album's message also reflects my journey through adversity, resilience, and self-discovery. It conveys themes of overcoming obstacles, and embracing and finding strength in finding strength in vulnerability.
6. The album covers a wide range of emotions and themes. Could you elaborate on some of the central messages or ideas that listeners can expect to encounter?
Lewis - Listeners can expect to encounter a variety of central messages and ideas throughout the album. One of the main themes revolves around self-reflection, where we delve into personal experiences and introspection. This allows listeners to connect and relate to the emotions and challenges expressed in the music. Another prominent message is resilience, as the album explores overcoming obstacles and facing adversity with strength and determination. It encourages listeners to persevere through tough times and find the courage to keep moving forward. Love and relationships are also explored in the album, where we delve into the complexities of romantic connections and the various emotions that come with them. This can range from passionate love to heartbreak and everything in between, providing a relatable and emotional journey for listeners. A prevailing theme throughout the album is hope. It reminds listeners that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope and the possibility of a brighter future. This message of hope serves as a guiding light and source of inspiration.
7. How would you describe the evolution of Attic Theory's sound from your earlier work to this debut album?
Lewis - Attic Theory's sound has undergone a notable evolution from our earlier work to their debut album. While the EP was characterized as a short, sharp shock of raw energy, our debut album demonstrates a more refined and expansive musical approach. We explore new sonic territories, incorporating a wider range of influences and experimenting with different textures and dynamics. We believe the result is a more mature and layered sound, with intricate songwriting and a greater emphasis on melody and atmosphere, our debut album showcases our growth as musicians.
8. 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST' is being released through your own label, ThunderGun Records. What led to the decision to establish your own label, and what advantages does it offer for your artistic vision?
Lewis - Establishing our own label, ThunderGun Records, was driven by a desire for creative control and the opportunity to fully pursue our artistic vision. By having our own label, we have the freedom to release music that reflects our unique style and creative direction without any compromises. This allows us to fully express ourselves and connect with our audience on a deeper level.
Another advantage of having our own label is the ability to secure a distribution deal. This ensures that our physical products, such as CDs and vinyl, can be readily available in music shops. Having a distribution deal enables us to reach a wider audience and expand our reach beyond digital platforms.
We have utilised the services of radio pluggers and PR companies to effectively market our tracks. This strategic approach helps us generate buzz and increase exposure for our music. With our own label, we have the flexibility to work closely with these professionals to create impactful marketing campaigns and promotional strategies.
Establishing our own label, ThunderGun Records, has provided us with the means to maintain creative control, secure distribution, and effectively market our music. These advantages empower us to fully realise our artistic vision and connect with our audience in a meaningful way.
9. The album's title suggests a reflection on fears. What are some of the fears or challenges that you believe are most relevant to today's society, and how does the album address them?
Lewis - One of the most relevant fears in today's society is anxiety and its impact on mental health. The album's title is a reflection on fears, in an attempt to addresses these challenges. The album explores the experience of anxiety, the struggles individuals face in dealing with it, and the impact it has on their mental well-being. We provide a platform for listeners to connect with and find solace in the shared experiences of fear and anxiety, while promoting understanding and empathy.
10. Your music has gained international recognition, reaching top positions on various charts. How does it feel to see your music resonate with audiences around the world?
Lewis - Seeing our music resonate with audiences around the world is an incredible feeling. It's a validation of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating music. Knowing that people from different cultures and backgrounds connect with our music brings a sense of unity and fulfillment. It's humbling to see the impact that music can have on people's lives and to know that my art has the power to transcend borders and language barriers.
11. The album is available in various formats, including vinyl. What significance does physical media like vinyl hold for you as a band in today's digital age?
Lewis - Physical media like vinyl holds a significant meaning for us as a band in today's digital age. Vinyl provides a tangible and tactile experience for our fans, allowing them to connect with our music in a more intimate way. It offers a unique and nostalgic listening experience that cannot be replicated by digital formats. Vinyl also serves as a form of artistic expression, as we can design and curate the album artwork and packaging to enhance the overall aesthetic of our music. Vinyl has become a collector's item, with fans appreciating the limited editions and special releases. Vinyl allows us to engage with our audience on a deeper level and adds a special touch to the music listening experience.
12. Could you share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the recording or production of 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST'?
Lewis - During the recording and production of "WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST," one of the most memorable moments was Lucy Ellen's incredible performance on the song "The Legacy." Her vocals were incredibly powerful and emotive, bringing a whole new level of intensity to the track. It was a truly unforgettable moment that added a special touch to the overall production.
13. Attic Theory has a strong online presence through social media and streaming platforms. How do you navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital promotion in the music industry?
Lewis - In navigating the challenges and opportunities of digital promotion in the music industry, Attic Theory focuses on key strategies. We utilise social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to engage with fans, share updates, and promote our music. We create content such as behind-the-scenes videos, live performances, and interactive posts to keep their audience engaged.
We embrace data analytics to track the performance of our digital campaigns. We analyse metrics like engagement rates, streaming numbers, and demographic insights to refine our promotional strategies and make data-driven decisions.
14. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to make their mark in the music industry, especially in the rock and alternative genres?
Lewis - 1. Never upset the sound guy. Building good relationships with sound engineers and technicians is crucial for a successful career in the music industry. Treat them with respect, communicate your needs clearly, and appreciate their expertise. They play a vital role in ensuring your live performances sound their best... and they can turn you off!
2. Take your time to develop your sound. It's important to experiment and explore different musical styles and influences. Take the time to discover your unique sound and develop it. This will help you stand out from the crowd and create a distinctive identity as an artist.
3. Learn from negative reviews. Constructive criticism can be valuable for growth. Instead of being discouraged by negative reviews, use them as an opportunity to improve. Analyse the feedback, identify areas of weakness, and work on honing your skills and sound.
Success in any form takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Stay true to yourself, be open to learning and evolving, and never give up on your passion for music.
15. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for Attic Theory beyond the release of 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST'? Are there any upcoming projects or tours that fans can look forward to?
Lewis - Beyond the release of the album 'WHAT WE FEAR THE MOST', our aspirations and goals for Attic Theory are to hopefully chart and reach a wider audience with our music. We are going to tour the album and we have already begun working on new tracks, and we are excited to explore new musical territories. We also have a slight lineup change with Lucy Ellen joining us on Bass, which will add a fresh element to our sound. Our ultimate goal is to continue evolving as a band and be the best version of ourselves. Stay tuned for more updates and tour announcements!
Attic Theory (@attictheoryband) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
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