By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Robert Stoffer
Q) Your music is often described as “hard rock,” but how would you all describe your sound?
A) Our sound has been described as “aggressive rock.” I think that works. SPIN Magazine reviewed a recent single, “Cinnamon Fire,” and called it “an appealing blend of A Perfect Circle and Bad Company.”
It’s guitar-driven heavy rock music with a focus on song and vocal melody.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) There is no doubt that we are influenced by the classic metal/rock bands like Black Sabbath, Ozzy [Osbourne] and Led Zeppelin. You can hear a bit of Soundgarden and Tool. Definitely some Metallica. Really too many to name them all! Alter Bridge deserves a mention, too!
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Bones.”
A) “Bones” is a driving, marching, alternative metal song about moving forward no matter what. Through the pain of living, there is something that tells us to get up and keep going. To just grit your teeth and get on with it.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think we all feel this way at times. I write music that helps me get through things in life. It’s therapeutic and aspirational. I like to think that the songs help some listeners in the same way or in a similar way to how they help me.
Q) Your EP Blue Rising is coming soon. What are some themes you can tease you’ll be exploring on it?
A The temporary nature of life and its inherent value. The struggle against pain and rising through difficulties. Hope and belief that there is a reason to keep going no matter what.
Q) Austin, you said many songs seem to “possess” you.” What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Guitar is almost always the basis of the song. A progression or a riff comes into being and then I get to work on a vocal melody. I use a loop pedal to skat over the guitar stuff as I’m writing and then work out how to sing and play the material at the same time, which can be tricky because the guitar parts can get pretty involved! I make rough demos of the song structure and share with the group to help us tighten everything up and make it real in the rehearsal room.
Q) David Bottrill lent a hand on production for your previous album Traces of Gold. How much of a hand does Bastion Rose tend to have on the production of your music?
Working with David Bottrill has been a huge advantage for us in making our records sound truly great. He has been an important contributor in the development of our catalog to date. Bastion Rose co-produces everything alongside David.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your upcoming album as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) The message is hope. The record should inspire listeners in their difficult times with a feeling of power. You can do it. Just keep going. I have had my share of misfortune and difficult times. These songs have helped me through the loss of my parents and a cancer diagnosis (cancer free now, thankfully). They helped me to summon up a feeling of potency when I was otherwise completely defeated in my heart.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) The Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana is undoubtedly our home stage. It is a historic venue that has hosted and incubated countless amazing bands, including John Mellencamp, Coheed and Cambria, Marcus King Band and thousands of others. We are extremely proud to call that venue home.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I mean…I would have to say Tony Iommi. He is my musical God.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I have been digging into Sleep Token lately. They have a fresh sound and, while they have been controversial in the metal scene, it really just seems like gatekeeping. I think they are great. Who cares about genres and categories?
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) As always, thank you so much for your support. We have a ton of new music coming your way in 2026 and 2027. Stay tuned.
All Questions Answered By Vocalist and Guitarist Austin Frink