SOURCE – Types and Shadows is the newest Wolves At The Gate album. What was the mindset going into the songwriting and performance aspects of this recording?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) – Going into this record we really wanted to challenge ourselves to push beyond what was comfortable for us and to analyze every idea and every part. We wanted to expand the realm of creativity for our band and give our listeners a broader musical spectrum to enjoy.
SOURCE – How do you describe Types and Shadows in regards to the rest of your discography?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) -This record is definitely the most diverse we’ve put out. It is also the most honest in a number of ways. I believe that it is the most honest both musically and lyrically. Not to say we have been anything less than forthright in the past, but because of how we have grown as people and musicians, were able to create a more honest record.
SOURCE – Did you film any videos for the album Types and Shadows?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) -We have already filmed one video and plan to film some more. We can’t release which songs they are yet.
SOURCE – How has the success of the band (Captors, VxV) changed everyone’s personal lives? Or, have things been able to stay the same?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) -By God’s grace nothing has changed for any of us in a negative way. Things have definitely been a challenge and have gotten more and more difficult as the years have gone on, but we are just thankful that we can continue to make records and share the beauty of the Gospel with any who would listen.
SOURCE – How important do you believe social media and the internet has been to maintaining presence for the band on a global scale? Are you conscious of balancing your use of it with fostering in person, face to face relationships?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) – Social media is definitely an important way for us to communicate with our fans and stay connected with them. As much as it is an easy way to get the word out, it is also difficult because there is also a lot of noise on the internet as well. As much as it is possible, we would prefer face to face interaction with our fan base. We would much rather interact at a live show with a performance and/or a conversation afterwards.
SOURCE – Seeing the way the music industry has changed with digital platforms and especially the rise of illegal downloading, how has that affected you as a band, as that is something that wasn’t there the first time.
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) – The way that people listen to music has definitely changed how a band can survive in this music industry.
Music has become something that has lost its value. People have no problem illegally downloading music and still think that it hurts no one. It’s hurts everyone actually. It makes it harder for artists to make music for a living and record labels to support the artists as well. The amount of money that artists like us make on Spotify is laughable. You may have up to millions of plays but that does not even come close to what would be beneficial to the artist. All in all, things aren’t what they used to be, but there are also other benefits that help offset an unbalanced industry.
SOURCE – How much trouble do you have with day jobs conflicting with touring and general band responsibilities?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) – We haven’t had many problems with that seeing as whatever we are doing whether on the road or off the road we tend to see as our priority. If it’s touring and performing, then we are focused on that. If we have a break from the road for a while, I work on writing songs and carpentry. To be in a band you need to be working all the time whether it is for your band or just to help pay the bills.
SOURCE – How do you balance the music career with making a living – as I imagine that all of you still have to figure out ways to still make money to survive?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) – At this point in our career we have really tried to be strategic with both. We want to tour as much as the timing and opportunity makes sense for us as people and for the growth and sustainability of the band.
SOURCE – What have been some of the best fan related talks that you’ve had regarding specific songs or albums from the Wolves At The Gate catalog that have really touched you?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) – To get into the details of these conversations would take a very long time, but some of my favorite conversations have come from talking about The Bird and the Snake, The Father’s Bargain, War In The Time Of Peace, and Relief.
SOURCE – What can we expect as far as new horizons for Wolves At The Gate?
Stephen Cobucci (Guitar/Melodic Vocals) – You can always expect us to be working on new music and new content for our fans. We also have some music videos, live performances, shows, amongst many other things.
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