Blacklite District – The Struggle

By starrymag | May 10, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue.

 

Q) Talk about the original story behind your song “The Struggle.”

 

A) This song was written about the death of my mother when I was nine years old, and how I felt about it for years afterward. It’s a special song to me for sure. It has a “catchphrase” chorus tag, but the story is deep.

 

Q) You’ve recently released a new version of the track entitled “The Struggle XL.”  What inspired the upgrade from the 2016 version?

 

A) I always felt it was missing something, and that was SOUL. The original is mostly virtual programmed instruments, and getting my real band members on a new version of one of my biggest songs was very important to me. That, and having Brett Hestla produce.

 

Q) In what ways is the song different than the original?

 

A) The SOUL is the difference. The emotional playing that comes from musicians and artists that have a real story. My guitar player Justin Sundlin really added a breath of fresh air into the song with his incredible playing and open minor chords.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) It doesn’t necessarily play into the message of the song as much as it plays into the overall feel and vibe of the band moving forward, and I think that’s what makes it perfect.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Not always, but usually. I like to write lyrics to the vibe of a piece of music. If I’m coming up with a chorus structure, usually the mood of the music inspires the lyrics.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I’m hands on in all aspects of the production process – from pre-pro, writing, and arrangements to programming and editing audio. I love to work alongside my producer Brett Hestla and I’ve learned a lot from him over the years.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) The new album Blacklite District – XL will come out on my birthday, June 9!

 

Q) You’ve got some tour dates coming up this Spring. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Too many to pick just one, but for example, I played a place called Joels 4 Corners in Chippewa Falls, WI on April 19. He’s been a friend and supporter for many years, so it’s typically places like that which are my favorite. Not to mention an amazing crowd!

 

Q) What song(s) are tracks you still really enjoy playing at live shows?

A) I love playing the big songs like “Cold as Ice,” “The Struggle,” “Falling” and tracks like that because you get to watch peoples’ faces light up when they hear their favorite song is about to hard live!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Because it’s literally the way to get to the fans these days. My whole career is where it’s at, NOT because of radio, but because of platforms like Spotify and YouTube – where the fans can find the music that really connects with them, and not fake paid airplay.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I still can’t believe the support from these fans literally from all over the world. They know what it means to me, and I know what it means to them. In OUR world, this music can mean life and death in so many different ways. Thank you all. I’m just getting started!