Introducing Fake Figures and their new EP 'From Within':
a transformative journey amid turbulent times, blending melodic evolution with
a nod to rock history and a promise of future musical adventures- Interview
by Geoff Harman -
1. Congratulations
on the upcoming release of your new EP, 'From Within'! Can you tell us about
the inspiration behind the title and the overall theme of the EP?
We decided to call
the album 'From Within' because this was a new direction for the band with new
members and a different sound and overall feel. We wrote the record during a
very turbulent time not only for the band but for the whole world, and for many
people, Art/music provides that escape; all forms of art come from within, and
it helps people heal. And that, to me, is the overall inspiration and theme.
Many of the themes of this record are about personal growth, looking inside
yourself, taking inventory of things that we may avoid for whatever reason, and
finding yourself.
2. How would you describe the evolution of Fake Figures' sound from your
previous works to 'From Within'?
This record really is an evolution of the Fake Figures sound. Ya know,
we've all gotten older and really enjoyed writing more melodic music and really
thinking of the dynamics and layering of the sounds and vocal patterns and how
that sounds. Still, really, we've just always written what we like, and as our
taste evolves, our writing evolves.
3. What was the songwriting process like for this EP, especially with a new
vocalist on board?
Unique, to say the least. I mean, it was a global pandemic, right? We had
just come off releasing 'We are the Dead,' and we were all very proud of and
wanted to really support that EP and kinda get out there, and then BAM! The
world shut down. At that point, we were like, 'What are we going to do?' And so
yeah, we decided to start writing new music to get some more stuff out there.
Travis (Miguel) worked with Dance with the Dead's Tony Kim to demo some tracks
for us so we could get a feel – remember, at this time, we couldn't be around
each other to write together, but what Travis and Tony were putting down was
brilliant so we just went with it. As for Vocals, that was a whole different
level of adjustment. We had to part ways with our formal vocalist just due to
differences in the direction of the band and like thematics – which I know is
cliché to say "we had musical differences," but it's the truth. But
with that, I think the sound of new music leaned more towards the style we
ended up with, vocally and lyrically, than it would have had we stuck with our
prior singer.
4. Can you explain the creative decisions behind the tracklist for 'From
Within'? Are there any particular songs that hold special meaning for the band?
Coming up with a tracklist is always tricky, ya know? Obviously, the ballad
goes last, haha - but with everything else, we just thought about about what
would be the best song to go into the next song, like what notes sound best
together when a song ends, and the next song begins. As for special meaning, I
mean this whole record is special for us but really 'My Homage' is a really
special one.
5. "Miasmatic" is the lead single from the EP. What can listeners
expect from this track, both musically and lyrically?
I mean, that one is just a banger. It was so great for that to be the first
single because I feel like that song really encompasses the growth of our sound
but also doesn't like to sound too different. The kind of post hardcore
heaviness but this like kind of umm experimental or proggy riffs and like
timing has kinda always been there for Fake Figures so it's not too jarring of
a change. And lyrically, again, I feel like it's about growth, about leaving
those relationships behind that no longer serve you and kind of re-taking
agency.
I don't think it's really that difficult of a balance- I mean, our influences are so wide ranging that so much stuff gets snuck in there that maybe you wouldn't even pick up on at first glance. I mean there's some hard rock and metal of course, but there's even some punk in there. There's even like straight up 90's alt rock in there. There's just so much that goes into it, but it's really just kinda how the song feels and what the vibe is that decides kind of what influences are spotlighted.
7.How was it working with producer Kris Comeaux and mastering engineer Mike Kalajian on this project?
This was my first time working with Kris. I joined the band right after the release of 'We are the Dead' and I know they had worked with Kris on that record. That being said, it was great working with Kris; by that point, I had gotten to know him outside of the studio, and we had a good report, and the band already had like a shorthand with him, so it made things really easy, like finding tones and stuff. And the fact that he tracked the drums gave each song a full-body sound.
8. As a band with members from various backgrounds, how do you navigate different musical tastes and ideas during the creative process?
Well again I mean we really just go with whatever sounds good for the song and for the band. I think we're really comfortable collaborating with each other and like if an idea doesn't work, it doesn't work and there's no hard feelings. Some of us have known each other for 20 years or more so it's really easy to work together.
9. Could you share any memorable moments or challenges you faced while recording 'From Within'?
Haha oh there are some memorable moments – some that can not be shared haha. But I think when we were finally able to get together when the world started opening up again and we would play through the songs in my garage and just kinda get a chance to be around each other again was memorable.
10. Fake Figures has built a solid fanbase over the years. How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your music?
We try as hard as we can to stay on top of our social media and engage with that stuff but really we just like playing in front of people and engaging after the shows and really like being able to be personable with everyone.
11. What are your plans for promoting the EP and connecting with listeners in a post-pandemic music landscape?
Really just getting out there, ya know? Doing these types of interviews and seeing the response to the EP has been really cool. And yeah just performing and getting out there in front of people. We have a few other irons in the fire too and ideas to get exposure.
12. Looking back at your journey with Fake Figures, what are some highlights or milestones that stand out to you?
I mean, we survived the Pandemic, so that's pretty impressive. This band has been through so many ups and downs and member changes and stuff like that.. it's just still great to be going and working on stuff
13. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially those trying to find their unique sound and style?
To quote 'That Thing You Do' – just keep playing. Play whenever or wherever you can. I've been playing music since I was a kid… and whether it be playing along to some of my favorite bands to try and like widen my range and ability to playing on stage with my friends/family just for fun to writing music for my own bands and seeing how people react to it – it's just all about playing.
14. Finally, what can fans expect from Fake Figures in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tour plans you can share with us?
To be continued… haha. Well, hopefully, we should have some more music coming soon. The pandemic afforded us time to write more than just this EP, but this was what we could get out in a timely manner. Other than that, we're just hoping to play some more shows and support this EP and whatever the next release ends up being.
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