Calling All Captains – The Things That I’ve Lost

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) People have described our sound as nostalgic but fresh. We love the cliches of pop punk and emo, but we always like to add something new and exciting to expand our musical boundaries.  

 

Q) Who are some artists that influenced you when you were growing up?

 

A) Billy Talent, Blink-182, Avenged Sevenfold, Alexisonfire

 

Q) Your newest single “A New Type of Grey” touches on the idea of things not being black or white, but grey. Though there is lingering sadness, there is also a sense of hope. What inspired this song?

 

A) It comes from a place of realizing that the nuance of emotions can be carried in a positive way (kind of like a glass half full mindset). Grey is neither white with black or black with white, but a wholly separate colour combining the light and a shadow into something new. Grey is often seen as drab or bleak, but to me it is beautiful.

 

Q) Instrumentally, the sound and lyrics both ride the same emotional wave to really bring forth a beautiful song. What is your typical process for constructing a new song?

 

A) Usually we write guitar first and then build a lyrical vibe around what the riff or progression encapsulates emotionally

 

Q) Luc mentioned this is the most personal release put out by Calling All Captains. Did you ever feel fear in showcasing that vulnerability with the world? 

 

A) I used to feel that way a lot. I used to wish my parents wouldn’t read the lyrics or even come to shows. I think that type of fear prevented me from being fully vulnerable because I was always worried they would read them. Now, I honestly don’t care. That shift in mindset has given me the power to say what I need without worrying that anybody out there will know “too much” about me. 

 

Q) What about “A New Type of Grey” made it the choice for the first single and introduction to this new music?

 

A) Musically, it feels like the perfect bridge between “(e)motion sickness” and “The Things That I’ve Lost.” It has a message and a sentiment that seemed to fit perfectly with the approaching autumn on the horizon. 

 

Q) The music video for “A New Type of Grey” beautifully showcases the concept of the song in various ways. The most notable being the change from black and white and to color. What was the significance of the first color shot being the running portion?

 

A) After our lead steps into the portal, she gets transported to a dream world where things finally have color again. The color represents a new hope. However, she still holds onto all that she went through (alluded to by the grey paint). We wanted to really drive home the feeling of what it feels like to be paired with a family who can understand you on a deeper level

 

Q) How much creative freedom are you given when it comes to constructing music videos and what story they will tell?

 

A) We’re fortunate to have total freedom in terms of concept and story. We ultimately decided to pitch a rough outline of our concept and message to our Director / DoP / Editor Dylan Hryciuk from Versa Films. He took our basic idea and turned it into a beautiful piece of cinema. We owe him credit for handling so many aspects of the video –  from the script, storyboarding and obviously shooting the video itself, but so much more.  He was absolutely instrumental in bringing this video to life. We’re happy he was able to incorporate his own expertise and vision into the project, while still allowing us to bring forth a message we’ve been carrying for some time now. 

 

Q) Your EP The Things That I’ve Lost is set to come out in January and this was recorded with longtime collaborator Quinn Cyrankiewicz. Talk about what makes working with him so enjoyable.

 

A) I can’t explain it. He’s just been there from the start and he’s always understood what we are trying to do with our music. Threading the needle between heavy music and pop punk is where we both excel and working with him always makes sense to us. He is another key player on team Captains. 

  

Q) How does the title of your upcoming EP, The Things That I’ve Lost, tie into the story the rest of the songs will tell?

 

A) “I can’t bring back the things that I’ve lost” is a lyric from “A New Type of Grey.” It is a reminder that you have to let some things go and say goodbye to old feelings in a way that might be difficult. You can hold onto many things, but you can’t hold on to the things that you’ve lost.  

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with audiences that will explore The Things That I’ve Lost – either as a message or emotion?

 

A) Reconciliation with your soul. Let your future self guide you as you explore the uncertainty of a new path in life. 

 

Q) You are on tour and playing various venues and festivals in October. Are you able to tease if any of the new music from the album will be performed live at these shows?

 

A) We are playing our new single “A New Type of Grey” at every venue we hit!

 

Q) What song do you look forward to performing live whenever you are gearing up for a new show?

 

A) Definitely any of our heavier songs. “Loyalty,” for sure! We have a new track on The Things That I’ve Lost that will be our heaviest and darkest song yet. 

 

Q) Who are some dream collaborators you would like to work with in the future?

 

A) Would LOVE to have Chad Kroeger on a song.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you, we love you. We truly and without a doubt can’t do any of this without you streaming our music, coming to shows or grabbing a vinyl. Every little thing you do to support us – it all helps keep the dream alive. 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Luc Gauthier

 

 

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