By: Lisa Steinberg
Photos Courtesy of Cole Allan Kilmer IG: @alex.all.access
Q) Your music is often described as “metalcore,” but how would you describe your sound?
A) Our music certainly falls under the umbrella of metalcore, though we’ve recently begun leaning more heavily into pop and other influences while still retaining the Djenty DNA the band was founded on.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) We have so many. It should come as no surprise that we listen to a lot of bands in the metalcore sphere. Some are modern and relevant, like Loathe and Spiritbox, and some are nostalgic throwbacks to what we listened to growing up. However, outside of that we listen to a wide variety of music spanning multiple genres. Personally, I love pop music.
Lately, an album that has really stood out to us is Middle of Nowhere by Kacey Musgraves. There are fun and light hearted tones throughout the album lyrically, but there are also some somber, sadder songs that really make you want to dive into the lyrics and decipher the meaning, which is something we’d like to accomplish with our future releases.
Q) Your self-titled album is out now. What are some themes the band explores on it?
A) The self-titled album is by far the most introspective body of work we’ve released. We touch on many topics including love, loss, betrayal and believing in oneself. Like any Lost in Separation release, you can expect the lyrics to delve into self reflection and a desire to move through adversity in an attempt to come out a better person on the other side. There is always a silver lining to be found in suffering and a hope to hold on to when all seems lost.
Q) For this album, what was your song writing process? Did you need music before you could craft the adjoining lyrics?
A) Every song had an almost entirely different writing process. Many lyrics, melodies, riffs and progressions were presented independently as song starters. Generally, the most common method used to write a song was typically by trying to determine what the hook should be first and building a song around it. The primary focus this time around has been songwriting. We focused a lot on song structure, lyrics, themes and so on. The principle being that a good song can transcend any genre.
Q) I know Jonathan Dolese and Austin Coupe handled production for the album, but how much of a say does the band have in the production of your music?
A) Both producers had a lot of say and provided many incredible ideas that made it into the final drafts of the project. “Can’t Forget” is a song we wrote about dealing with the loss of a loved one. The first half of the hook was written and presented by Austin, which he wrote in honor of his mother who had recently passed away.
Q) My favorite tracks on the album are “STILL LOVE” and “Pain & Peace.” Which songs hold a special place for you and why?
A) They all tell a story of a different time and place in my life and convey emotions that I am instantly transported back to when I read the lyrics. Those are two of my favorites on the record as well, but if I had to pick one I would say “Ember.” The emotions are raw and vulnerable, and are written about one of the hardest and darkest times of my life. The song itself has some of my favorite melodies, mix, and dynamics as well.
Q) You’ve been touring with Dropout Kings. Which songs off the album are you most looking forward to beginning performing live?
A) “Pain & Peace” and “Insomnia” are two new songs that I am really looking forward to playing on the next tour.
Q) What do you hope lingers with people who check out this new album – either as an emotion or message?
A) I hope that people can resonate with the lyrics and enjoy that while we’ve taken a new approach to songwriting. To me, the record is still very heavy and aggressive, though it’s nowhere near as heavy as Sabertooth – the record that came before it. I know this may disappoint some people and, ironically, we never had a conversation about being less heavy. We simply prioritized writing meaningful hooks instead of riff soup like we had in the past.
Q) As far as performing live, what can fans expect from a Lost in Separation performance?
A) Whether we’re playing to four people or four thousand people, we are going to give everything we have. We’ve spent countless hours putting together a live show that we are proud to share with fans across the country and abroad.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) Dallas, our hometown, is always a favorite stop on tour. Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Orlando, LA, the Carolinas and the PNW are always fun places to play. We have pockets of dedicated fans, friends and family in a lot of these places that always make the shows super special.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) We were supposed to get Chris from Like Moths to a Flame on a track a few years back, but we weren’t able to make it happen. Would love to revisit that!
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Kacey Musgraves and Elio are two of my favorite artists right now.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you for everything. I hope that we continue to be a band worthy of your support. We are touring the US and Japan this fall and I hope to see you all there!
All Questions Answered By Vocalist Milad Parsa