NeverWake – Misguided

By starrymag | September 10, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) We have a darker tone to our music than normal, but it always has a brighter message. We love rocking the hell out and getting straight up dirty/gritty with our sound, but we LOVE melody. Pairing the both seems to be the way we like to go.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Everyone in the band has similar interests, but also very separate interests. For instance, we all like bands like Trivium and Soilwork. But we also have personal tastes that are pretty unique to each member. I, Johnny D, love folk/Viking metal, our bass player Geo [Scott] loves Slipknot, our other guitarist Justin [Sanford] is a huge Zakk Wylde fan and our drummer Marcus [Giannamore] loves bands like Periphery.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Trapped Inside.” What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I personally suffer from anxiety and depression. Sometimes I feel like I’m just trapped inside my head, my thoughts circling without an escape. This is essentially the song. But our music is kind of designed not to be so specific that it can be applied to just one situation. We like to leave it open ended so people can relate as much as possible with their own personal experiences.

 

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

 

A) When I created the music video (animated lyric video) I wanted to capture that essence of being trapped inside a place where you are led in circles only to end up where you started. The video features a woman with the top of her head morphing into a house with no exit. There’s no escape. I feel like this was fitting just because it describes what it’s like being inside of your own head without a way to escape your thoughts.

 

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

 

A) Usually lyrics come last. We are very musically oriented so that part tends to come first. Usually one person will start to write something. If they can they will take it all the way to the finish. But if they get stuck, they usually bring it to the table and everyone adds their own thing to complete the song.

 

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

 

A) At this point in time 1000%. [laughs] We are full house when it comes to creating our music currently. We are fortunate to have several members vetted in the protools/DAW process. However, our upcoming EP was co-produced by John Moyer, bass player of Disturbed. We are fortunate to know him and have him help us with our tracks. John is a great guy.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live NeverWake performance?

 

A) A whole bunch of headbanging. We’d love to be able to do that again very soon!

 

Q) What are some themes you’ll be exploring on your upcoming EP Misguided?

 

A) I am the person who writes the lyrics. I usually tend to write about my depression and anxiety because it helps me. But I’ll usually step outside of myself and write about what I feel like needs written at the time. One song coming up on the EP focuses on the constant bickering between opposing parties. There seems to be a lot of that nowadays. But the song really is not supposed to be political. It’s about the constant back and forth we suffer in sects of society that eventually leads nowhere but to the demise of the whole.

 

Q) What songs off Misguided hold a special place in your heart and why?

 

A) The title track “Misguided” is the one that speaks to me the most. It covers the concept of where we are in society. Everyone wants to look up to someone. Today we have these platforms on which everyone can stand and be heard. Most times people on those platforms are held in a higher regard. But when those people on those pedestals fall, all the people who were idolizing that person are left misguided. It questions our ability to develop our own moral path.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

 

A) Honestly, I hope they enjoy it but they came away with some development of self-driven thought and morality.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) At this point in the pandemic literally anywhere! It’s such a different atmosphere for bands and live entertainers. Sure, streaming is nothing new but we usually THRIVE off those moments where you’re in front of a crowd going wild.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) We are all very big fans of Trivium, so I would have to say probably Matt Heafy. I think he’s a fantastic artist with a unique style.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Personally, I have been listening to Dance with The Dead. They are a synthwave / cyberpunk duo with elements of late 80’s / early 90’s movie soundtracks. I don’t know what it is but I’ve really just been enjoying the comfortable nostalgic mood it puts me in.

 

Q) For others currently dealing with COVID-19 related anxiety and depression, what advice would you offer them?

 

A) Get moving. Do what you can to stay active and keep your mind from those thoughts. Everyone is suffering but we’re all gonna get through this together.

 

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

 

A) Especially during these times it’s so important. It’s up to us to keep everyone informed on what’s happening with the band and do what we can to provide our art to our fans.

 

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

 

A) Thank you so much for your support. We love doing what we do and we hope to continue to provide you with music that moves you.

 

 

All Questions Answered By Johnny DiCarlo