By: Karen Steinberg
Q) Your music is often described as “rock,” but how would you describe your sound?
A) It’s been changing every year for us, depending on the album we write. The range is as wide as people’s imagination, but recently I think people like to put rock together with our culture, which is based off Japanese. And recently, more than ever, animation and games are closely tied into our culture, so the music we write for those anime or games reflects on what we do. So, I mean, “Anime-core” might be one of those words people like to describe us as, but we’re still a rock band no matter what those people say.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) We are an emo band, so a lot of those classic emo bands hit our heart. The Used, Story Of The Year and Saosin are some of the basic bands I’m personally influenced by. As a composer, I get all the great influences every year from what comes out tearing through that decade.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “State of Mind.”
A) “State of Mind” originally I wrote it thinking we’re collaborating with From First To Last. Matt Good hit me up and asked to collaborate and it wasn’t a Survive Said The Prophet song at first. But as we finished the song, it kinda made sense to both of us that “State of Mind” is a Survive Said The Prophet song featuring Matt Good. And obviously, this whole entire record was produced by Matt Good, so we had a lot of From First To Last influences on that song for anyone who heard this song, they could probably relate.
Q) How did the band come to work with Matt Good for a feature?
A) As previously said on the last question, it wasn’t so much an idea of a feature as it was Matt Good wanting to work with the band and we took it further than just doing this feature spot. We asked him to produce the whole entire record (New Album Luv Sux Sessions coming out August 20). I flew all the way to Phoenix, and it was just a good old time.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) That it’s real. I don’t know… I can’t speak on behalf of our fans, but I like to keep things personal and realistic to what we feel. And I think that helps relate to people living just that normal life in this modern day.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Whichever comes first, to be honest. Sometimes it’s the music, sometimes it’s the lyrics. It’s a process of kind of reflecting on my life and what’s happening at that time. Nothing too special in my mind.
Q) Your song “Paradox” was featured in “Vinland Saga” Season 2. What did this amazing feat mean to the band?
A) Obviously, it was Season 2 of a big anime, so we were very excited not only to work on it, but to be trusted with writing a song for the series. I think we’re starting to get a little greedy here by wanting Season 3, so for those of you who want us to do Season 3, let the word be known! We’re looking for Season 3 to be another Survive Said The Prophet banger.
Q) You recently finished your first European tour—congratulations! Which show stood out to you the most, and why? We heard the London show sold out within just a week of going on sale!
A) So, the London show actually sold out in two days, which was unbelievable. And while there isn’t a show that could be more influential than another, but to be honest, every single member and our crew didn’t think we’d ever be at Download Festival. So, I think that was a big one. But Rock am Ring, Rock im Park, Rock for People and Utrecht, they were all amazing and we’re only looking forward to going back and doing it all over again, as many times as we can. So have us back!
Q) What are some songs fans can expect to jam out to when they see you performing live?
A) It depends on which country you’re in, but we like to play as many songs from different records as possible. But I know fans get mad if we don’t play “Mukanjyo,” so you guys can definitely expect that. And if we don’t play that song… maybe we’re coming back sooner than later. That’s what it all means.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) From the States, I listen to Bilmuri a lot. I kind of take his sense of humor and the way he takes music seriously. I see that as a great balance, and a model for how we should be as artists. From Japan, MUQUE is an amazing upcoming band. They recently did a theme song for “ONE PIECE,” you guys should definitely check them out.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Keep listening to Survive Said The Prophet. We love you for being a part of our world and keep asking for us to come to your country! We’ll try our best to go to yours. See you soon.
All Questions Answered By YOSH (Front-man, Vocal of Survive Said The Prophet)