Spylights is a progressive style alternative rock project from New Orleans musician Vincent Ebeier, described as having different feels, emotions and dynamic musical coloring. The first EP release titled “The Empath EP” is set to be officially released on March 9th 2018, Vincent gives us the background on the release as well as his project with Spylights.
On the upcoming release of “The Empath EP”.
Over the last 2-3 years I was recluse to the world in my home studio writing music and now I am finally releasing the first batch of these songs in the debut Spylights Ep! A big mental push for me was getting back to what I love doing the most, which is singing , creating, and performing music. Also I live my whole life for my girl and dogs, so they were a real big part of this for me!
Many of the themes touch on subjects like inner strength, positivity, keeping an open mind, and real issues affecting our world and humanity as a whole. The title track The Empath, Batty Fang, and False Walls are all good examples of those! There are plenty of favorite parts for me both vocally and musically and even after playing these songs for the last year, some parts still hit me in the feels just as hard as the day I wrote them. Guess you will have to listen to the whole thing and pick your favorite parts soon when the record gets released!
I’d like to just add that there will be a nice variety of feels and different moods on the upcoming Ep and I truly believe in it as well as the message that it’s sending!
Did you imagine how these songs would play out in a live situation?
I pretty much knew how most of them would translate with the right live band on board. I wanted from the jump to just make sure everything I did in the studio could be played and replicated on stage properly in a live setting.
Did you record the whole thing yourself or did you have other people come in to record tracks as well?
Vincent: Well I did have a talented friend of mine play a bass solo section on one of the songs on the Ep, but I played and recorded every instrument on the record besides that.
What were some of the things you wanted to achieve with the release?
Vincent: To give people a taste of something non typical, refreshing, and get the overall feel and point of the musical style across. If I can get people to give it a listen, that’s all I can really ask for!
Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you someone who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
I write so many riffs and song parts on the daily. It’s my inner joy, favorite pastime and what I live and breathe for. Creating music and adding colors is definitely my favorite part of the whole process!
What does it feel like as an artist waiting for the songs you’ve lived with for some time to get released to the fans? Is there a sense of excitement or a little panic in there too?
No panic at all, just a sense of accomplishment with some well needed release. if you have translated what you have imagined in your head as an artist and it has manifested correctly, there isn’t many feelings like it.
How did Spylights form and get started?
I’ve been writing and recording songs for the last 4 years and now I finally have a super talented group of musicians on board for live and the future of Spylights!
What have been your greatest challenges to date, and your favourite moments musically?
The greatest challenge has been fighting the times of extreme boredom and the redundancy of jamming with my just self for so long. I was getting so sick of not having other minds to bounce ideas off or jam with that I was losing motivation for a second. I even considered moving across country to find a new scene of music to find a band in. I’m just grateful I have talented and passionate players on board now!
Any stand out shows or personal highlights from a tour or show?
Many cool things over the years, but I think the most moving and awesome thing was when I was on a tour with Fishbone a few years back. It was the first or second night of my band’s 12 date run with them and we had just finished our set. When I got back into the green room I was approached by Angelo Moore and was told ”Boy you better go out and buy you a new belt!”
Idol struck an confused at first, I looked at him with the same bright eyed smile he had and said why? He replied” Because you were out there on stage singing your motherf#ckin ass off and gave me a big congratulatory hug. Most of the time the people you looked up to and watched on television as a kid don’t say awesome things like that to you, much less watch your band’s set before they take the stage. I was honored and felt like I had gotten a little respect from one of music’s all time great frontman and live performers!
With technology changing so much over the last few years and seemingly not slowing, and TV force-feeding us the lowest common denominator, what hope is there for rock & metal music?
As long as there is music there will be rock and metal. They both bring energy than cannot be replicated in many other styles or other musical genres. All musical styles should be looked at like different colors for a musical canvas.. You never really know what unique and awesome things you can come up with if you don’t have an open mind and sometimes break the rules a bit in the process!
If anyone is in a genre pissing contest, they can have that trophy. It’s what truly moves each individual fan when when they hear the music that decides. As a matter of fact Metal was the most streamed music on Spotify worldwide in 2017 so I wouldn’t be counting out or shunning heavy music anytime soon.
From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
That nothing should be expected and everything should always come from real and true place and people will feel it.
Who are some of your main influences?
Freddie Mercury, Mike Patton, Iron Maiden, Michael Jackson, and Glassjaw.
Who or what inspired you to play music?
Both my parents were pretty talented musicians and vocalists so we always had instruments lying around the house to play with. Another key contributor was definitely 1980’s rock and metal music videos!
How do you feel about the current music scene right now?
I feel like there are so many massively talented artists and bands out there today flooding the market at every corner in every genre, but so many of them lack originality, songwriting, and that special something it’s hard to put your finger on.
Do you believe music can still change the world?
It always has and always will, only a fool would believe otherwise.
If you could be a fly on the wall for the recording of any album in history, what album would it be?
Night at the Opera by Queen, or Thriller with Michael Jackson, Toto, and Quincy Jones!
What is the meaning of life?
It’s different for every person and depending on what passions run through their veins, it could be anything to anyone. My main goal really is to just be happy, stay strong and positive, and to love and help as many other people and creatures whenever I can.