SOURCE – Thanks for taking the time to chat and congrats on the new album! There may be some readers unfamiliar with the band. So could you tell us a little bit about how you got started?
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – We started as a band almost a decade ago. I (Kevin Samuel) always wanted to push more into the progressive rock and metal boundaries with former groups so forming Thematic was an extension of that.
SOURCE – What do you see as some of the great challenges Thematic faces at your current level – and what do you think it will take to rise above and gain even more of a stronger following stateside and worldwide?
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – We’ve done everything independently so there are plenty of challenges within our own sphere of influence. But we can control, creatively, the direction which we wish to take this band at our current level. This is true for many bands who are trying to break out and be known from their musical works. We are using the power of social media to further our reach to people who’ve never even heard of Kevin Samuel (Guitars).
SOURCE – Is there something that you are most proud of when it comes to Skyrunner?
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – Yes, plenty of somethings… We are proud of the extensive and meticulous level of planning and production to put together our album, Skyrunner. We spent two years from start to finish getting this album done. Having Forrester Savell work with us on the production was a very big impact for us having already been fans of his previous works.
SOURCE – Given the subject matter and themes with the album, what are some of your concerns with the world of today?
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – That’s deep… We want anyone who listens to Skyrunner have their own personal interpretations of the hero’s journey. I want there to be an underlying current of hope even when things seem bleak.
SOURCE – Do you have long-term goals that you want to achieve either with Thematic or your other musical endeavors – or do you find that it’s best to stay in the moment and try to remain focused on what you want to do and achieve day by day, week by week, month by month?
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – We have both short and long term goals that are written down. Finding balance is important and knowing where your priorities are. As musicians, we all have passion to be creative. Most of us work on other projects when there is down time with Thematic. That’s important because it helps us (Thematic) come back with fresh perspective and new ideas.
SOURCE – How important do you take social media and branding to convey the message of Thematic to your fans/followers? It seems like you truly enjoy that engagement including live in the studio video clips from time to time…
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – We embrace it. 1000%. Being independent you really have to take charge of your brand and who you target to. Social Media covers the largest ground of course. Getting your engagement however is earned. We want to cultivate a fan base and give them great things in return for staying with us every step of the way.
SOURCE – Where do you see the state of the traditional metal scene today? Do you believe there is enough interest from the newer and older generations to galvanize the movement with these younger acts, especially considering older artists like Judas Priest, Scorpions, Accept, and Iron Maiden are still selling out arenas and large festivals on a worldwide basis?
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – I would hope to think that it’s very open. Without that mindset then there will just be suffocation within the scene.
SOURCE – What’s on the agenda for Kevin Samuel (Guitars) over the rest of 2020 – more touring, more singles/EP releases, more promotion, and has work already begun on album 3?
Kevin Samuel (Guitars) – No work on any new album considering just releasing Skyrunner, but it’s in my mind and also on the road map for our future. We are looking for opportunities to take this show on the road and get in front of fans who want to see us preform live. We also have some other exciting avenues with licensing the music and other outward extensions of branding.
Contact
Thematic
Videos: