SOURCE – The new CD has been titled Blue City and it will be out on May 24th through Blues Funeral Recordings. What else stands out about Blue City to you? What makes it feel special?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – This is our 5th full length marking 10 years as a band. I’m very proud of each record but the most fulfilling thing is seeing the natural progression of our music. We started out as a 3 piece punk metal band and have grown into something we could have never foreseen from the earlier days. We will always be a band playing the music we want to play and listen to. One of the most special things about this record was having the opportunity to work with Kurt Ballou and Zach Weeks at Godcity Studios in Salem, MA. Check that one off the bucket list.
SOURCE – So what do you expect to achieve with the new album and how would you describe the new album, in terms of the direction you’ve been taking?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – The goal with every album is to evolve. Blue City definitely sounds like an Abrams record but also a band that has morphed to its surroundings. The recording and mix has a more straight to the point sound from our last couple of records. It’s less polished which gives it a more of record straight to tape sound. It’s still clean sounding but the way it was recorded and mixed was a different style we were not used to. Which I think is a great way to change up the process. We are always trying to get into the ears of as many people as possible while keeping our current fans engaged and excited.
SOURCE – You recently filmed a video for the track Fire Waltz. Could you tell us a little bit about the video. Whose came up with the idea to it?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – Our friend Alex Pace created the video for it. We are good friends and have worked with him in the past. We are fans of his work and enjoy working with him. It’s kind of like choosing a recording engineer. If you like their work and resume, you trust them and their eyes/ears to create a good product. And Alex always comes through.
SOURCE – What is it like to deal with the social media aspect of music on a daily basis? Does it ever feel exhausting?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – It can be very exhausting. Sometimes it seems like the music is secondary to what your social media stats are. How many likes and followers do you have? We realize it is part of the game now and we do our best to keep up with the platforms. However, to look at it in a positive light, it can make it easier to communicate to your fans and get discovered by new fans. But still, the algorithm works in mysterious ways and it can be a hard code to crack.
SOURCE – How important do you think are singles and EPs in this era in comparison to full length releases?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – I have and will always be a fan of full lengths. I think this format will stay. It’s what bands do. Write it, record it, and tour it. Rinse, wash, and repeat. However with spotify becoming a major player, singles are a great idea. To be able to keep releasing music on Spotify is a great way to keep up with the pace of the industry. But, long live the LP. To release singles from an upcoming LP is crucial.
SOURCE – Several artists have recently been talking about issues with streaming services and losing money, while others have been defending it. What are your thoughts on this evolution of the music industry?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – It is no secret that Spotify’s CEO is profiting billions of dollars while the artists get scraps. The beast is so large, they couldn’t even keep Neil Young from staying off of the platform. The only real change will come from our congressional overlords with some sort of reform. Lars was right.
SOURCE – When it comes to looking at the long career of Abrams, what do you consider some of the benchmark or highlight moments with the group? Specific albums, videos, tours, festival appearances, or other situations where you knew you were making an impact with your music?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – I think the best has yet to come. We are going on tour this June with our good friends in Goya. We are also very excited and looking forward to our performance at DesertFest New York in September which will include some additional dates around that.
SOURCE – What do you feel are the best tips for surviving the touring lifestyle that you have?
Zach Amster (Vocals, Guitar) – Drink water. Don’t bitch too much. Drink water.
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Photo credit – Guy Casavan