Dive into the journey of 'The Almas II' EP with the band, exploring inspirations, ethos, tour tales, and future aspirations in this exclusive interview.
1. Your
new EP, "The Almas II," has just been released. How does this
collection of songs differ from your previous work, and what inspired its
creation?
The new EP definitely has a much more modern feel to it in terms of production,
compared to the other albums. The original set of songs that we set out to
record were never used; we were forced to write in-the-moment in the studio, so
the entire EP is a direct reflection of how we were feeling at the time.
2. "Crowns" is the lead single from your EP. Could you tell us
about the inspiration behind this particular track and the message you hope
listeners take away from it?
The song has much to do with a social media persona and how sometimes we focus
on our image to validate our success in life. It’s easy for people to tear you
down when they can hide behind a phone screen, the song focuses on “deleting”
that online persona and allowing yourself to focus on real life.
3. You've mentioned that the band's existence is about helping each other
and creating a positive environment for your fans. How does this ethos
influence your songwriting and performance style?
We don’t put the focus on the “party” that is commonly associated with
rock’n’roll. We instead aim to create a fun and entertaining live show where
there is no pressure or expectation to partake in shenanigans.
4. With over 39,000 miles covered and nearly 100 shows in 2022 alone, how do
you maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout such a demanding touring
schedule?
We have realized the focus isn’t really about us. The sacrifice is worth
getting a good message out. We work out as much as possible, try to eat as
healthy as we can, on days off we will go on nature walks, and truthfully lots
and lots of caffeine - lol.
5. Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your recent major
US network television tour promoting "Crowns"?
The most interesting part was witnessing how TV studios worked. It’s a whole
different world compared to a live stage. Aside from the interviews themselves,
we were able to take tours of the United Tribes Technical College while in
North Dakota and Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. The opportunities
provided at Interlochen for young musicians is absolutely outstanding, from the
outdoor practice stations, to the gorgeous live rooms and massive outdoor
theater.
6. Your upcoming UK promotional tour in July 2024 marks your first venture into the UK market. What are your expectations for this tour, and what do you hope to achieve?
Honestly, we are just hoping they like rock’n’roll! We expect to have the time of our lives. Accomplishing this tour is a gigantic milestone for the band, and if it is a success, it’s a testament to what this band can accomplish, and will accomplish.
7. Mental health awareness is a significant focus for The Almas, as evidenced by your support of various veteran events such as Rock 2 Stop 22. How did this commitment to mental health advocacy originate within the band, and how do you integrate it into your music and message?
The whole idea of the band was formed on personal recovery. It’s founder, Frank, used the band as a way to stay sober and aim to create an environment that was a safe place for people. The shows and music allow people to escape from their problems in a healthy and positive way.
8. The Almas has shared the stage with numerous renowned artists like Saliva, Slipknot, and Falling in Reverse. How do these experiences influence your growth as musicians, and are there any standout lessons you've learned from touring with such diverse acts?
Those bands are examples of what we want to become, in terms of their stage show and level of professionalism. The examples listed are from festival appearances we’ve performed at including Rock Fest (WI) and Rock 4 Vets (MI). I think the greatest lesson learned is that this is a long game. Patience is key, and you are the only person who can hold yourself back.
9. As a band, you've received recognition from the JOSIE Music Awards as “Rock Band of the Year” in 2023. How does this accolade impact your approach to music-making and your interactions with your fanbase?
It is a great accomplishment and we are honored to have been recognized in that way. I guess it means we’re doing something right. We look at the accolade as a means to continue down the same path forward, with honesty and hard work ethic.
10. Social media plays a significant role in connecting with your audience. How do you utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to engage with fans and promote your music?
We utilize it to stay connected to our fans and let them know what we are up to when it comes to song releases, tour announcements and general band to-do’s; however we have a lot to learn in the world of “reels” and TikTok - but we honestly tour as much as we do to be able to engage with our fans in-person and not just online.
11. Your music videos on YouTube often feature visually striking imagery. How important is the visual aspect of your artistry, and what role does it play in conveying the message of your songs?
For the latest music videos, we have heavily played around with the elements (water, fire, wind) to convey the emotions of each song. “Burn Out” for example, though on-the-nose, we decided to play with fire; we set up to perform in the dead of winter, in Minnesota, in a car graveyard surrounded by open fields. The band performing in the cold with the visual contrast of the fire and snow laden cars added the perfect components to convey a message of exhaustion vs the will to persevere. Nowadays we are sadly finding the music video itself is almost a lost art, becoming less important in a social media aspect with 30 second clips/reels taking over, however we use the visual to entice new audiences to check us out at a live show.
12. Collaborating with producer Kile Odell, known for his work on the #1 Active Rock chart, must have been an exciting opportunity. How did this collaboration enhance the creative process for "The Almas II" EP?
Kile is a vital part in finding our sound. He helped us get out of our heads and the metaphorical box we as musicians can find ourselves in. He taught us to not overthink things and just write in the moment.
13. Looking ahead, you mentioned a new single scheduled for release in mid-May 2024. Can you provide any insight into what fans can expect from this upcoming track?
This track is the first song that we wrote with our producer, Kile. It’s got a massive guitar riff, and if you think that our other music videos were wild, this is going to blow your mind. Expect high energy, rock’n’roll with an “explosive” ending!
14. Finally, where do you envision The Almas in the next few years, both musically and in terms of your impact on your audience and the broader music scene?
The obvious answers are releasing more music and continuing the “road dog” touring lifestyle. We hope to travel abroad more, continue to share an inspirational and uplifting message, and maybe nail down a few sold out shows along the way!
LIFELINE | The Almas (almastheband.com)
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