Hailing from Fenton, MI comes a new Christian hard rock band called Embracing Silence. They recently released a new EP, so I thought now would be a good time to catch up with the guys and hear a bit of the heart behind the music.
Can you give us a little background history on how Embracing Silence got started?
Larry (vocals): I started this band back in high school (6-7 years ago) and played a few shows in the SE Michigan area like Pontiac, St. Clair Shores, etc. At that time, we were just a 3 piece and the only “steady” members were the drummer and I, so we were always finding new bass players and lead guitarists. After about a year, I was graduating high school and the band kind of fizzled out cause we didn’t agree on the style of music anymore. I was trying to figure out if I was going away to college, whether or not I wanted to be involved in music anymore, etc. A bunch of different life paths were laid before me, but I kept feeling God push me towards music.
The passion never died, and so finally after my parents felt God calling our family to start a church (beginning of 2011) I met our now lead guitarist Anthony and we started writing together, just to see what we could come up with if there was “anything there”. I immediately loved Anthony’s shredding talents, and felt that could be such a beautiful addition to the way I loved writing guitar rhythms. My brother Winton joined the band on bass shortly after we recorded our first single a few months later (summer of 2013) and we kept writing as we previously did, but focused on one song specifically and release our second single in winter of 2014. After that, we felt we had something worth moving forward with and God kept opening opportunities for our music to begin its course.
What is the story behind the band name (Embracing Silence)?
Larry (vocals): I got the inspiration from a friend’s post on myspace (old school FLASHBACK!!! Haha…) talking about how we need to stop getting in God’s way (with our mouths specifically) and it reminded me of Proverbs 17:28, so the band name was formed from there.
How would you describe your sound musically, and who are some of your influences?
Larry (vocals): Hard rock, with some of my musical influences ranging from RED, Breaking Benjamin, Linkin Park, Starset, and even guys like Josh Groban and Michael Buble.
Winton (bass): Write This Down, We Came As Romans, Chevelle.
Anthony (lead guitar): Trivium, Acid Black Cherry, and Versailles.
What would you say is the main message that you are trying to convey to listeners through your music?
Larry (vocals): Stop talking and just listen - God made you for a purpose, and if we’ll just listen and follow Him we’ll figure that sooner and be better off.
You guys released a new EP recently, titled Ghost. What can you tell us about this EP?
Larry (vocals): The title came about because we’re all “college aged” but not currently in school, cause we’re just not sure what God wants us to do at this age. So the title came about in a way that we wanted to convey our emotions and feelings about being lost, and how at times it’s like we’re facing an unknown force or opposition that is visible but not “tangible”. That force being the aimless “wandering” feeling that we all share.
Winton (bass): It’s been sweet seeing our talents and abilities develop in the studio, and writing something that when I show my friends they ask, “Who is this?”
Anthony (lead guitar): It’s been an awesome experience and it combines multiple influences. This EP really feels like the beginning of something great, and most of all we feel it sends a message that God is there and you should try to find Him within - or ask Him to come into your life.
Where do you get your inspiration for writing music?
Larry (vocals): God, and failures in life. I truly desire to connect with people that have been through similar situations, if only to point them or reassure them that God needs to be #1.
Winton (bass): Music I listen to, plus the experiences around me - be it from work, church, friends, or any random engagement.
Anthony (lead guitar): Yeah, life.
Live shows are a huge part of being a musician. What is your favorite part about playing a live show?
Larry (vocals): Being loud, and being allowed to be haha! Performing is always a blast.
Winton (bass): Winning the “moving” contest, haha - amongst us on the stage, that is…
Anthony (lead guitar): Seeing people enjoy the music.
Where is your favorite place you have played, and why?
Larry (vocals): As a band we’ve only played a couple, so I’ll say The Machine Shop in Flint. That was awesome - SO many good bands have shared that stage!
Winton (bass): Same, The Machine Shop. It’s been the most “professional” venue for us so far (pre-EP)
Anthony (lead guitar): The Potter’s Wheel (our church) where it all started!!!
What is something you feel that God has been trying to teach/show you recently?
Larry (vocals): Patience, and trust - even through the “dark valleys”.
Winton (bass): Psalm 46:10 - basically, just stay in the passenger seat and let HIM drive.
Anthony (lead guitar): That He needs to be first in my life, and that it is about doing what benefits Him and not me. I feel this band is what I’m called to do, using music to spread His message.
What is something you are passionate about, other than music?
Larry (vocals): Speaking/preaching, and Halo. And Peyton Manning (NFL).
Winton (bass): Halo, Express clothing, and film.
Anthony (lead guitar): League of Legends.
Five Random Bonus Questions
1. What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Larry (vocals): Never trust a fart.
Winton (bass): If you had a brain, you’d take it out and play with it!
Anthony (lead guitar): Don’t let people tell you what you can/can’t become.
2. Who is the last person you talked to (call or text) on the phone?
Larry (vocals): A booking agent named Paul.
Winton (bass): Zach Murrell.
Anthony (lead guitar): My wife, Amber.
3. What is your favorite movie quote?
Larry (vocals): “What we do in life, echoes in eternity.” - Gladiator
Winton (bass): “Do I really look like a guy with a plan?” - The Dark Knight
Anthony (lead guitar): “I’m Batman.” - Batman Begins
4. If you had one day to do anything, anywhere, what would you do?
Larry (vocals): Italy. All day. Food, history, and food.
Winton (bass): Italy.
Anthony (lead guitar): Play guitar on stage with my favorite guitarist, Hizaki.
5. What is something most people don’t know about you?
Larry (vocals): I’m actually a nice guy, haha!
Winton (bass): I’m surprisingly single ;)
Anthony (lead guitar): I love Korean pop, and listen to it daily haha!
If you are from the Michigan area and you enjoy hard rock, then you might want to head over to The Token Lounge in Westland on Feb 20th, or The Ritz in Warren on the 22nd for your chance to see Embracing Silence live!! Be sure to check out the bands Facebook page for more info and to purchase tickets.
You can connect with Embracing Silence on:
No comments:
Post a Comment