We love to spread the word about new bands we think you’ll enjoy, and last month we featured New York band Grayhunter on the Heaven and Hell Podcast, a band who released their ‘Comeback Kid EP’ back in November last year. Now it’s not our usual fare for sure but if you’re a fan of music in all of its diversity then their claim to come by their tunes “through a process similar to a Megazord sequence and wield the Power Sword of sound” is rather enticing.Think Dresden Dolls, think Circa Survive, dark atmospherics, pop nous and a dab of Evanescence and you’re still not there.
No matter what your mood, Grayhunter will undoubtedly make you jump and dance while you question how you make life decisions.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording the new songs?
Our writing process is always a team effort: one of us brings an idea to the group and we workshop it together. Recording our EP at Engine Room Audio in Lower Manhattan was surreal. Being in a high-end studio environment for our first release was definitely an honor, and we hope to have the chance to record there again. Mention any collaborations with anyone and/or other artists plus working with a producer. We had the pleasure of working Jeet Paul of Synergy Audio Productions. Jeet is an incredible producer, audio engineer, and overall warm and encouraging human being. Jeet took the time to understand our vision and bring it to life. We recently recorded a
live studio performance to help him promote Synergy Audio–we can’t wait for that to be released!
What were some of the things you wanted to achieve with the release?
We wanted to bring to light a lot of issues that have are being discussed more recently such as mental health, sexual assault, and substance abuse while bringing back an old school rock feel. We wanted to remind people that these issues are still extremely prevalent by screaming in their faces.
Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you a band who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
We’re always creating in some sense, whether it’s an interesting lyric or a catchy riff or melody. This has always been a very natural and positive outlet for us and the only pressure comes from the constant need to express ourselves.
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?
There is definitely a little of both excitement and panic. We worked really hard to get these tracks to where we wanted them to be. And because our hearts and souls are in this EP, it’s made us open and vulnerable. But we’re happy to say it was well worth the work and the wait, and the proof comes from seeing and hearing people in the crowd singing along to our songs.
How does it compare to previous releases you’ve been involved in?
This is actually our first official release together! However, we have all been in various musical projects in the past, and we can confidently say that this has been such a great, emotional experience thus far that’s made the five of us incredibly close.
What were the lyrical themes of the songs?
Each song is about an ongoing process of rising from what feels like rock bottom. “Borderline” is about coping with mental illness, “Hyperdrive” is about feeling trapped in an abusive relationship, “Survivor” is about searching for support after sexual assault. After these three tracks, “Stranger” serves as the perfect end to the EP because that
song talks about finally breaking free from the heavy chains of tragedy, almost settling for less than your worth, and realizing that you deserve love in any shape or form that you desire. Whether the struggle is moving on after a traumatic event or getting out of bed in the morning, our lyrics serve as that internal voice telling you to get up and keep marching forward. The title of our EP, “Comeback Kid”, is a perfect representation of all this. No matter how low you may feel, it is never too late to come back from that.
What were the main inspirations for the release?
Real life experience. Every word from all of our songs is based on a true story.
Any favorite moments or songs on the release?
One of the best moments of the recording process was the drive home from the studio, when we passed by a Krispy Kreme and saw that the hot light was on.
Did you imagine how these songs would play out in a live situation?
We did, and we knew they would fucking kick ass.
What can people expect on your live show?
People should expect a lot of vulnerability. Reisha uses her trademark dark humor to talk about difficult issues while maintaining a fun-loving ambience. What you see is what you get, and if we haven’t made people uncomfortable at least once during a set, then we have not done our jobs.
How do you pick out a setlist and is that a difficult process?
We like to keep things interesting by switching up the setlist for every show, it’s not very difficult. We just don’t want anyone to get too comfortable. 😉
What is your favorite song to play live?
Survivor, by unanimous decision. Mainly because half the song is Cooper’s guitar solo.
Do you play cover songs and if so, what kind of covers do you perform?
We don’t often play cover songs, but when we do we have lots of fun covering “Woman” by Ke$ha, as that song speaks our language.
How has the experience of playing live been like for the band so far?
Surreal. We’ve all played many live shows in the past, but the five of us onstage together produces a different spark and the chemistry is palpable for us and the audience.
Any favorite places to play live?
The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn and Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan are both incredible venues.
Any stand out shows or personal highlights from a tour or show?
Our last show at the Knitting Factory on January 26th fucking sold out — how crazy is that?!
How did the band form and get started?
We owe our formation to our good friend Craig S. List. Great guy, solid bloke. Excellent in bed, terrific lover.
What have been your greatest challenges to date, and your favourite moments musically?
Honestly, we’re blessed to say that we really haven’t faced any serious challenges yet, thanks to our great chemistry and teamwork; every moment together is our favorite. 🙂
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 music?
Rock and metal will never die. If anything, the ever-growing technology is keeping it alive and helping it evolve since the music and culture still circulate throughout the internet. As long as there are people who are tapped into what else is out in the world and want to explore more than what’s put in front of them, AND if they feel their feelings as strongly as we do, the spirit of rock and roll will be around forever.
From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
Reisha: The most valuable piece of advice I ever received was the reason I even considered a career in music. It was the last day of high school when my math teacher said, “Your parents are going to kill me for telling you this, but some dreams you have to go after while you’re young.” Shout out to Dr. Mazza, I hope I’m making you proud. And
you’re right, my parents will probably want to kill you. Sorry.
Who are some of your main influences?
Reisha: Dave
Cooper: Rich
Dave: Allen
Allen: Cooper
Rich: Reisha
Who or what inspired you to be in a band and/or play music?
Reisha: Well, I’m Filipino, so naturally I grew up with a karaoke machine in the house as well as a bunch of extremely talented relatives.
Cooper: Guitar is the easiest way for me to express myself and playing music with other people is such an amazing connection!
Dave: Playing music has always been the best feeling. Being in a band just means sharing the best feeling with other humans.
Allen: Music, for me, is a combination of many different disciplines and allows for creative expression, while also challenging the mind. Also I’m really bad at math.
Rich: I don’t know, that’s a really good question, I’m not sure. It just happened. #ramnation
How do you feel about the current music scene right now?
We feel that there are too many followers and not enough leaders in the music scene. Based on some of the feedback we’ve been getting on our overall sound, people are often trying to compare us to other bands or put our genre in a box or tell us to stick with what is “popular”, and that is concerning. Where is the fun in trying to be like everyone
else? We need more explorers, more weirdos, more artists not giving a shit about what is “cool”.
Do you believe music can still change the world?
Allen: I believe music will always have the power to change the world, but given the environment in which music is consumed today, I think the niches that our music really affects have been getting smaller, so as musicians we have to spark that change as a big-ass collective rather than as individuals.
Dave: Maybe, but we should definitely recycle.
If you could be a fly on the wall for the recording of any album in history, what album would it be?
Reisha: Phantoms – Marianas Trench
Dave: Hejira – Joni Mitchell
Cooper: Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
Allen: Toxicity – System of a Down
Rich: Moving Pictures – Rush
What is the meaning of life?
Reisha: 42
Dave: Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.
Cooper: Create something that’s your own.
Allen: For me, the meaning of life is to always be changing and growing, gathering knowledge and understanding along the way. Also fuck the man.
Rich: Dank memes, boiiii !
You can check out Grayhunter at their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/GRAYHUNTER
