Note: FØES and Heated answered the same questions to support ‘War On Everything’ [Split EP]
SOURCE – What was the writing and recording process like for the new record, and did COVID interfere in any way with getting it done and released?
Joey Barrows (vocals) – For us, Covid actually didn’t interfere with the writing process as much as it probably did for other bands. We are spread out amongst a few different states so we were already engaging in a remote writing process of sending demos back and forth and meeting online to talk about progress. I’ve seen other bands mention this being a difficult process for them- but I think we’ve gotten fairly good at streamlining it.
SOURCE – How would you assess where Heated is at currently for a following – and what steps are necessary do you believe to move up the ladder so to speak in terms of a stronger footprint locally, nationally, and internationally?
Joey Barrows (vocals) – Heated is more active now in terms of releasing music and playing shows than we ever have been and it’s paying off immensely. We’ve been getting more opportunities to perform in new places and our following has been expanding accordingly. To move up the ladder as you put it- I really think we just need to play as many new markets as we can. We’ve gotten more familiar with our own area, the central valley and by extension the bay- but going out of state to places like the midwest, south, and east coast I think is crucial to getting ourselves in front of new eyes and ears. Playing internationally would be incredible- and if an opportunity to do so were to arise we’d have to take a long look at it.
SOURCE – What are the most important qualities do you think a band like Heated has maintained to keep a following and remain relevant for such a long period of time? Are there times where you feel like your fanbase may have shifted, and has it been a challenge to balance what you want to make musically as musicians and meet the expectations of your fanbase?
Joey Barrows (vocals) – We’re still fairly new at this point. We had two singles a few years ago, but the majority of our current fanbase only came into existence when we released our EP and started playing shows regularly last October. We hope to have detailed answers to these questions in a few years.
SOURCE – Are there plans for a traditional video for that song or any others on the album?
Joey Barrows (vocals) – There are no plans for a traditional music video for War on Everything- but we’re in the process of writing and recording our first LP and have already begun the early stages of planning a traditional music video with a few directors we’re fortunate to know.
SOURCE – How would you describe the band chemistry and relationships within Heated? Do you share in the outside responsibilities that it takes to get things done for band activities and business dealings
beyond the music?
Joey Barrows (vocals) – For me personally, I’ve had a long established music relationship with Roman for around 8 years, first in our previous band Bloodpig. He’s been one of my best friends for over a decade. So I already felt extremely comfortable dealing with him both on the creative side and the more administrative/business side of being in a band together. I’ve known AJ for several years too and learning to be in a band with him has been simple and enjoyable. We make all of our large decisions as a team but also have our own individual areas we excel at and focus on.
SOURCE – Social media is an essential part of promotion these days. Do you like the transparency and interaction, or do you prefer the old days when there was more mystique to an album release?
Joey Barrows (vocals) – Being 28 years old, I honestly can’t remember a time social media wasn’t an essential part of promotion. It has it’s downsides- it can be hard to cut through the noise of so many things competing for people’s attention. But I also realize it’s given us exposure to people we’d otherwise never get to. I’ve personally discovered so many of my favorite bands through social media. So I’m grateful for it. Even if it can be a little exhausting.
SOURCE – What’s on the agenda for Heated or other musical endeavors for the members that we can expect over the coming year or so?
Joey Barrows (vocals) – You can expect a full length album from Heated. Much of it is already done, and we’re going to continue barreling forward at full speed.
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