PYRO MIDS have quickly become one of our favorite new artists this summer. Recently releasing the video for "Never Gone," the group shows no sign of slowing down with their hazy indie music that we are head over heels for. Taken from their new record "I Can Hear Your Voice," Pyro Mids are one of the frontrunners of the West Coast indie scene.We had the chance to check up with frontman Joe Perrin about the band and their upcoming endeavors.
1. What is the inspiration behind the latest single release? Let's dive in shall we?
'Never Gone' came out of my navigating through some murky times and letting unfortunate situations take control of me. I was letting bad fortunes and past relationships ruin present, positive relationships. I needed to clear the air, and put a focus on being present, not only for those around me, but also for myself.
2.What made you discover your passion for creating an eclectic blend of your own sound?
Sounds have always intrigued me. Since I was young, I've always tried to craft sounds into songs even when I didn't have a lot of traditional instruments around. I'd use a table or lunch box to make a beat, or whistle into a computer microphone and add a ton of reverb to it to where it doesn't even resemble a whistle anymore. I think as I've progressed, and you know, accumulated a collection of actual instruments, I've still incorporated that DIY mindset into the process.
3. What places in your mind do you channel to craft your songs?
When I'm writing or working on songs I pretty much let me mind go to whatever kind of place it wants to go to to get the vibe right. I often channel dark or desperate emotions, but all of the life's experiences whether positive or negative can play a role. I love nostalgia and find it really helpful in crafting a vibe.
4. What are your favorite venues to perform at? and if you had to choose, do you feel more comfortable in the studio or onstage, and why?
I love playing at The Crepe Place here in Santa Cruz, it has a real down to earth vibe. But to be honest I like playing in as many different types of venues as possible. This place in town called The Blue Lagoon is more on the divey side, but that’s rad because you get a different energy out of the show. House parties are super fun too, we’ve had some of our best shows in people’s living rooms. I love recording in the studio but there’s nothing like the feeling of performing live
5. How do you create your songs? What is the process like? Does it take you days, weeks, even longer? How does the perfect piece come together?
It seems like our songs come together differently every time. Sometimes it takes days of attacking an idea and sometimes it seems like everything just works and it comes together super quickly. I write lyrics any time an idea pops into my head, sometimes that means jotting things down in a notebook but a lot of times I’m out and about so I’ll record a voice memo or use the notes in my phone. Sometimes I’ll think of some lyrics and they’ll almost automatically be accompanied by some melody ideas, but sometimes I’ll just take some lyrics into my studio space and start riffing on a guitar or synth and see if anything feels right. Like I said, its always different but I’m stoked on whatever gets me there
6. How did you create a sound throughout time that is so uniquely your own? What defines your sound to you?
In order to have a unique sound I think you have to be honest. Authenticity is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, and I think there's good reason for that, it's just that a lot of people don't truly get to the core of what it means to be authentic. I read an Isaac Brock quote years ago that said something along the lines of, "If you're not embarrassed by your lyrics then you're not being honest enough with them", and that always stuck with me. I always try to be honest with my lyrics and true to myself, but there's always room for improvement. I think taking a blend of that honesty in songwriting, mixed with Devin Eiring's super unique guitar playing and all the other elements we add in musically helps us achieve a unique and identifiable sound.
7. This year is already shaping up to be a huge year for you. What do you hope to accomplish in 2018?Hoping to get this new album into as many eyes and ears as humanly possible, play as many shows as possible, and just keep the train rolling. We have some new tunes we're working on so it would be nice to release an EP by the end of the year but we're not going to rush anything.
Social Links:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-can-hear-your-voice/1348794658
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3pWCukGIoPsg74hbLlX1DZ
Bandcamp: https://pyromidsmusic.bandcamp.com/ L
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PyromidsMusic/
