Neon Oracle has been on an electrifying journey since March, performing across the UK, evolving their unique sound, and capturing live energy with their latest release, Spider Season (Live). Here’s what’s next.
Since we last spoke, Neon has been on a wild ride. Uk promotors heard about us through the grapevine and we spent the summer doing back to back live shows. We even made it to the finals of a nationwide battle of the bands competition, 'Metal to the masses'. It made us realise that we want to push the envelope much harder moving forward. Expanding our sound.
2. "Spider Season (Live)" captures a unique live energy. What made
you decide to release this track as a live recording rather than a studio
version?
We decided to release spider season as a stand alone single, as it doesnt really fit in with our upcoming concept EP that we're now working on. But we absolutely love the track and it's a firm favourite with the crowds when we've performed it live. We thought it would be a great example of what we do, for our portfolio as we move forward and level up in the live scene. It's the one track we attack fearlessly when doing a show, it leaves us sweaty and exhilarated.
3. The track’s theme about embracing one's inner "spider" and
pursuing dreams fearlessly is powerful. Can you expand on how this theme
reflects where each band member is in their life and career?
I think
everyone in Neon loves 'Spider season' for different reasons. I (Sam) love it
for the message, it reminds me to get out there and unapologetically go after
what I want. Brandon loves it because I wrote it around one of his riffs, hes
an old school metal head. Alex likes it because it gives him chance to showcase
his various styles, I think the same goes for Any our drummer. Hes a hugely
talented guy and this track really shows off his multi genre range. And then I
think Ben loves it because it gives him chance to really dig into a style that
he didn’t really work in until Neon. 'Spider Season' really gives Ben space to
get down and heavy, and we absolutely love it!
4. How has your sound evolved since "Daughters of Hecate"? Were there any new influences or styles that came into play for "Spider Season"?
We have written prolifically throughout the year, trying different mash ups of styles and vibes, but we have definitely come to appreciate 'Daughters of Hecate', one of our previous stand alone singes, more. It’s also is a huge crowd favorite, and so were currently trying to recreate that magic.
5. Recording live at Matchbox Studios must have been a unique experience.
What was the atmosphere like in the studio, and how did it affect the recording
process?
Recording Live was a lot of fun, we were having a rough moment collectivly and there had been a few hiccups leading up to us finally getting in and recording, but once we got going we had a ball and really cannot wait to go back in with another couple of tracks! We felt like it really captured everyones energy in a way that can sometimes get lost in a studio set up.
6. You've mentioned ambitions to secure more gigs and support slots with
larger bands. Have any opportunities or interesting offers come up since this
release?
We're
currently on live haitus, but the gig offers have started rolling in since we
released the live video. We're hoping it can win over the next batch of UK
promotors and bands so we can start travelling further afield and seeing more
of the UK live scene in 2025.
7. You talk about breaking away from a "people-pleasing" mentality
in "Spider Season." How has this mindset impacted your approach to
making music and performing?
Moving forward, 'Spider season' reminds me not to feel any shame or guilt around performing. Imposter syndrome will have you believing that you are simply showing off and that people dont want to accept you. Where actually, everything this year has proven otherwise. Its more about the battle within that battling any external foe. The predatory spider is my burning desire to perform and connect, the prey is my fears and my insecurities around putting myself out there. Im stepping into next year with a straightened back (Unless i'm on the sofa sat like a croissant) and my head held high.
8. The fusion of '80s thrash, '90s trip-hop, 2000s nu-metal, and today’s
metalcore is a bold mix. How did you find a balance between these genres to
create the "Neon Oracle" sound?
We fuse
many different styles in Neon, and were under no illusion that it won’t be for
everyone. In fact, we know the purists probably hate us, (which suits us just
fine haha). We also know that not every mash up sits well on the pallet. But we
are experimental, and that’s really what were all about. Creating, playing with
and fusing something that is reminiscent of your favorite moments in metal, yet
new and strange.
9. What’s been the audience’s reaction to "Spider Season" in your
recent shows? Has it become a crowd favorite yet?
We know
were on the right track with songs like 'Spider season' and 'Daughters of
Hecate though' as they’re the songs people rush up to us to talk about after
the shows. It feels great to know that a song of ours has connected.
10. It sounds like Neon Oracle is already thinking ahead to 2025. Can you share any hints about the direction of your next release?
We are currently working on a really cool concept EP for 2025. It’s a big idea, a heavy story, a multiple POV, a shared experience. The visuals are going to be epic, the sound cinematic and intense, we cannot wait to tell you all about it but all in good time ;)
11. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from the recent gigs, recording
sessions, or experiences that has had a lasting impact on the band?
For now were reconnecting away from the frenzy of the live scene. This year has picked up us and spun us round by our pigtails. We saw each other most weekends yet barely held a complete conversation amidst the chaos. So we are connecting, writing, exchanging ideas and forming our plan of attack for next year.
12. For fans new and old, what can they expect from a Neon Oracle show going
into 2025? How does « Spider Season » fit into the overall experience?
'Spider
season' sets the stage for 2025 nicely. Showing exactly what were working with
but promising that were about to bring so much more.
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